When performing a periodic inspection or after repairing medical equipment, it is important to measure electrical safety. But which measurements are important? Here are some insights.
IEC62353 provides several guidelines for this. An important first step is to determine the class the device falls into: class I, II or IP. Based on this class, it becomes clear which items need to be measured. The class of the device can be found on a label on the device and in the manufacturer’s user documentation.
The most important measurements are:
- earth resistance;
- insulation resistance;
- device leakage current;
- patient leakage current.
For an internally powered device, only the patient leakage current is measured if the device is capable of generating a patient leakage current that compromises patient safety. If this is not the case, no electrical safety test is necessary.
For a class II device, the insulation resistance, device leakage current and patient leakage current are measured. If it concerns a class I device, the earth resistance is also measured in addition to the aforementioned aspects.
