Safety is always a priority for every electrical equipment. However, in the medical world, it is sometimes challenging to ensure safety. Both the operator and the patient should experience no risk while using electrical equipment. From oximeters to blood pressure monitors, most electronic devices are connected to patients. So, the patient often feels concerned about the potential electric shock. The medical device and the power supply must meet safety criteria to reduce the risk. Thus, while buying medical power supplies, check for a few crucial technical details.
Key Safety Features to Consider
Form factor
The power supply packaging depends on the form factors, which include:
- Enclosed and open frames- For an enclosed frame, an enclosure holds components to save your equipment and users. On the contrary, components are fitted together on a board if you have chosen an open frame.
- Encapsulated- Your device remains enclosed in a casing or capsule.
- Modular- It involves fitting and installing the device in separate parts.
Mounting systems
Although the mounting style is not so important, you must choose the right one. It ensures the power supply fits properly into the system. The most common mounting options are
- Rack mount
- Board mount
- Wall mount
- Circuit mount
- DIN rail mount
Safety features
Medical-grade power supply products should meet safety standards. IEC60601-1 is the most common standard to ensure protection. However, you should ensure there is no leakage concern for your device. The main cause of the potential leakage is the EMC filter problems. But other related components also contribute to the issue. Moreover, the safety features should ensure protection against-
- Short circuit
- Over and under voltage
- Extreme temperature
- Excessive current
- Overload
Input and output voltages
Every application has different voltage needs that should be met by your medical power supply device. There are single/multiple output voltages, ranging from 3.5 to 48 Vdc.
Input frequency refers to the input signal’s frequency, whereas the output voltage is the voltage magnitude of the device’s output. To determine the required supply voltage levels, you must not focus on the current needed for every voltage.
Power Rating
A power supply device is available with a W rating, which lets you check the wattage. The higher number indicates the delivery of more power. You may also find an amperage rating, which represents how much current is provided by the power supply at a particular voltage. A small power rating (such as 20W) is for an external adapter, whereas a higher rating is for your internal power supply products. If you want multiple output voltages, look for voltage-times-current devices for your supply voltage.
Regulation
The term ‘regulation’ stands for the output voltage’s stability. Line regulations mean a power supply’s ability to retain the output voltage despite your input line voltage fluctuation. On the contrary, load regulation is the power supply output’s ability to stay stable despite the load fluctuation. So, learn about the regulation type while investing in medical grade power supplies.
Thermal management
It is another important feature to keep the medical power supply cool during your use. Check your power supply’s thermal details and your application’s ambient temperature range. It helps you determine the need for forced-air or convection cooling.
Where to buy your medical power supply?
SMX Power is the best platform to order power supplies for medical applications. We have become the most trustworthy global distributor of high-efficiency power supply devices. Faster shipping and competitive rates are the biggest advantages of making a deal with us.