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FEATURE


ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS


SAFETY FIRST IN MEDICAL EQUIPMENT DESIGN


Electrical equipment ranging from imaging devices to life-support systems have revolutionised healthcare. Such


technologies, however, come with inherent risks and dangers as electrical hazards can pose significant threats to both


patients and healthcare professionals. Steve Hughes, managing director of REO UK, examines how resistors and transformers can help mitigate these risks


E


lectrical safety is of paramount importance in medical technology, where the reliability and integrity of equipment can mean the


difference between life and death. If it is not designed and maintained appropriately, medical equipment is at risk of electrical leakage, leading to burns. Sudden power surges can also damage sensitive electronic components; and poor grounding or improper earthing of electrical equipment can result in the build-up of electrical potential, creating the risk of electric shock. Resistors and transformers play a critical role


in mitigating the inherent electrical risks in medical settings. By limiting current, dividing voltage, dissipating heat, providing electrical isolation and facilitating voltage transformation, these components act as lifesavers.


RESISTORS Playing a fundamental role in medical technology, resistors are passive electrical components designed to restrict the flow of electric current in a circuit. By placing these strategically in circuits, the amount of electrical energy reaching critical components


can be regulated, preventing damage and reducing the risk of fires or equipment failure. In medical devices that require different


voltage levels, resistors are used to divide the voltage across the circuit. This ensures that sensitive components receive the appropriate amount of voltage and prevents damage caused by overvoltage, enhancing the longevity and reliability of medical equipment. Resistors with transient voltage suppression


capabilities safeguard against power surges, a common occurrence in medical settings. They absorb and dissipate excessive voltage spikes, protecting equipment from damage and minimising the risk of malfunctions that could compromise patient safety.


REOMED isolation transformers


TRANSFORMERS Transformers facilitate the transfer of electrical energy from one circuit to another through electromagnetic induction and, in medical technology, they play a crucial role in ensuring safety and mitigating electrical risks.


They are used to regulate and step up or step down voltage levels as required by medical 50 DESIGN SOLUTIONS JULY/AUGUST 2023


equipment. By converting electrical energy to the appropriate voltage, transformers protect devices from receiving excessive voltage that could lead to equipment failure or patient harm. Similarly, medical devices often require isolation from the main power supply to prevent electrical shocks. Transformers provide galvanic isolation, separating the primary and secondary circuits, ensuring that any potential faults or surges in one circuit do not propagate to the other. Transformers equipped with ground fault


protection mechanisms can also detect failures when an electrical current finds an unintended path to the ground, and quickly interrupt the circuit to prevent electrical shocks. This feature enhances patient safety by minimising the risk of electric shock accidents. REO is committed to advancing stringent


safety standards in the medical technology industry, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care while minimising the risks associated with electrical hazards. The company’s REOMED isolation


transformers, for example, are characterised by their very low magnetic stray field, high level of safety and reliability, and ability to provide high efficiency and easy connectivity.


REO UK T: 01588 673411 www.reo.co.uk


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