Electrical safety specialist, Bender, highlighted a complete ‘package’ of residual current monitoring hardware designed to ensure safe incoming electrical power supply, maintain uninterrupted operation of electrical devices, and protect patients and staff against electrical shock, at October’s Healthcare Estates 2017.
Application engineer, Stuart Garnett (pictured with marketing manager, Lisa Hudson), explained the functions of the various devices, which were integrated into a system demonstration panel. They included a Bender Power Energy Monitor, which monitors power, energy, voltage, current, and frequency, from the external DNO supply, and reports every seven days, identifying if power quality is within tolerances set out in the EN5160 standard. A number of Power Energy Monitor units are available to suit the location/level of monitoring required.
Shown next was an offline insulation monitor for monitoring the insulation resistance and integrity of devices such as fire pumps, motors, and sprinkler systems in hospital TNS systems. Stuart Garnett said: “A fire pump may never be used until an emergency occurs, and without offline monitoring, the estates engineer may not discover it is faulty until then. Should a fault arise, the system will give an immediate warning, and the device can be repaired.”
Bender’s complete integrated RCM infrastructure now also includes a residual current monitoring system. Stuart Garnett said: “Under normal circumstances you may have a 30 mA RCD installed for personal safety. High residual current may trip the power or give someone an electric shock. RCM technology provides advanced warning of residual currents so that they can be addressed before becoming critical. These devices can also be used to reduce the periodic testing and inspection requirements under the BS7671 17th Edition Wiring Regulations, and the need to disconnect for insulation resistance testing. Switching the power off in a healthcare facility causes considerable disruption, and, in conjunction with an effective management system, this technology will provide enormous benefits over time.
“Finally,” Stuart Garnett explained, “we have our IPS system for Group 2 locations like operating theatres, ICUs, and MRI suites. This includes an insulation monitor, continuously monitoring the supply from the transformer. If a faulty medical device is plugged into a socket, the system will bring up a warning that it needs repair.
“We also now offer a new touchscreen interface, typically positioned in an estates office. Traditionally, estates engineers have often had to locate electrical faults manually. We now offer these highly capable components individually or as a package to hospitals keen to enhance electrical safety, and to have comprehensive data on their electrical system at their fingertips.”.
