ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Changing scenario and mass awareness Recent fire accidents in medical facilities, many caused by medical electrical equipment, have triggered large-scale discussions on fire safety. In this context, electrical safety is increasingly being recognised as a measure to reduce fire risks. Following the publication of NEC 2023,
large-scale awareness campaigns and training programmes have been launched. These have resulted in a better understanding of the subject, with some leading hospitals starting to implement the recommendations of NEC 2023. New hospitals are considering the use of IT systems in accordance with IEC 60364-7- 710, which incorporates isolation transformers (IEC 61558-2-15), insulation monitoring devices (IEC 61557 8) and insulation fault location systems (IEC 61557 9). While adoption is still limited, these developments represent progress. The use of PE conductor monitoring is
proving to be a valuable tool for ensuring the reliable operation of medical IT systems. Several new hospitals have also begun implementing initial verification as per the 2023 NEC, ensuring that errors are corrected before installations are placed into service. This represents a positive step, although there remains a long way to go before full compliance and best practice become standard across the country.
Ukraine – hospitals under extreme pressure
Contributed by Dmitry Horbatchov, CEO, and Tatyana Horbatchov, technical director, LLC PKF Industrial Technologies, Kharkiv, Ukraine. We are grateful for their valuable insights and continued commitment to improving hospital safety under exceptionally difficult circumstances. In the 2010s, Ukraine had already begun
to modernise its hospital infrastructure. Regulatory reforms introduced after 2015 aimed to align national practices with European standards. In new construction and renovation projects, operating theatres were increasingly designed with isolated power supply (IT) systems, isolation transformers and insulation monitoring devices, creating a foundation for safer Group 2 medical environments. The full-scale invasion in
February 2022, however, dramatically changed the situation. Before 2022, approximately 720 hospitals were operational in Ukraine. By April 2023, this number had dropped to 450, and the situation has since further deteriorated.
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Hospitals have been forced to operate
under conditions of prolonged power outages and physical threats. In many cases, operating theatres and intensive care units have been relocated to underground shelters. The continuity of electricity supply is maintained through generators and automatic transfer switches, while temporary solutions are employed to secure vital equipment. Despite these challenges, progress has
not stopped. With international support, new hospitals and facilities continue to be built, applying European standards wherever possible. However, the contrast is striking; alongside modern installations, many hospitals still rely on outdated systems, and the overall level of electrical safety remains uneven. The Ukrainian experience is a reminder that healthcare infrastructure must be prepared not only for everyday risks but also for exceptional disruptions. Ensuring resilient and modern Group 2 installations is therefore not only a technical requirement but also a safeguard for maintaining critical medical services under extreme conditions.
Case example – why proactive monitoring matters A modern insulation monitoring system, when combined with PE conductor continuity monitoring, maximises the safety of critical Group 2 premises. While international standards mandate insulation monitoring, continuity monitoring of the protective earth (PE) conductor is not yet a compulsory requirement; it is, however, a recommended practice. Nevertheless, it provides a significant additional safeguard, ensuring that equipment remains grounded correctly in the event of faults or power interruptions. Such cases underline why combining mandatory and recommended monitoring functions is the most effective way to safeguard patients, staff and critical medical equipment.
Practical case illustrating the importance of this combined approach In an operating theatre, a fault developed in a socket line with four ceiling outlets. Due to insufficient strain relief, the cables in one outlet shifted and came into contact with each other, resulting in deterioration of the insulation level. The insulation monitoring device (IMD) detected the fault immediately and triggered both a visual and an audible alarm. Because the system also monitored PE conductor continuity, the technical staff could be certain that protective grounding remained intact, even under fault conditions. Thanks to this early and comprehensive
warning, the staff intervened before the fault escalated. There was no risk to patients or clinical personnel, and valuable medical equipment remained protected. Moreover, the incident demonstrated how such systems can also help to prevent dangerous electrical fires.
Summary The examples presented in this article confirm that progress in electrical safety for Group 2 medical facilities is moving forward worldwide. From India’s systematic improvements to Ukraine’s resilience under extreme conditions, awareness is increasing, and modern solutions are gradually being implemented. Similar insights from colleagues in Europe and Asia further underline that this is a truly global effort. India demonstrates that progress
requires not only regulations but also the active involvement of professionals from different disciplines. Collaboration, regular communication across multiple channels and continuous research have been crucial in driving change and ensuring that knowledge is disseminated widely within the healthcare sector. However, the picture is not without challenges. Even in Europe, where strict standards exist, implementation is not always consistent and gaps remain. Standards provide an essential framework, but they must be accompanied by effective enforcement, adequate investment and ongoing professional development. The way ahead is clear: we
The Superhumans Centre in Lviv provides specialist treatment and rehabilitation for those injured in the war, demonstrating Ukraine’s commitment to modern technological solutions even under challenging circumstances.
must continue to raise awareness, support research and strengthen the competence of healthcare engineers and technical staff. Sharing knowledge and best practices across borders is vital. Only then can we ensure that the invisible hazard of electricity is reliably controlled, securing safe and resilient healthcare environments for the future.
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Photo by Tatiana Horbatchov
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