New test technology incorporated in Rigel Medical’s 288 electromedical safety analyser maximises versatility and portability considerations for EBME personnel involved in medical equipment safety testing, the manufacturer claims.
In keeping with the revised earth continuity test requirements specified in the new standard, Rigel Medical has developed special test technology that utilises a 200mA test current instead of the 25A required in IEC 60601-1.
The new test system uses a dual current high intensity test to overcome contact resistance problems that might be present or other situations where weak conductor connections may inhibit protective earth testing with a lower test current.
The new technology also overcomes any contact resistance between the test probe and the device under test, for example, when measuring continuity of tarnished or corroded parts and often encountered detachable IEC power cables.
As a result, the new test means that valid earth continuity testing can be undertaken with battery power rather than mains power supply, enabling significant design improvements to be incorporated in the new tester.
This not only means that there is reduced risk of damage to the in-service medical equipment under test, but that service and test engineers can benefit from the increased flexibility provided by the lightweight tester. As a result, in-service test productivity can be enhanced and the down time of important electromedical equipment reduced.
