SUMMARY OF NFPA STANDARDS: REQUIREMENTS:

Medical Equipment:

8.4.1.3 Testing Requirements - Fixed and Portable

8.4.1.3.1 Physical Integrity. The physical integrity of the power cord assembly composed of the power cord, attachment plug, and cord strain relief shall be confirmed by visual inspection or other applicable tests.

8.4.1.3.2 Resistance. For appliances that are used in the patient care vicinity the resistance between the appliance chassis,or any exposed conductive surface of the appliance, and the ground pin of the attachment plug shall be less than 0.50 ohm under the following conditions:

(1) The cord shall be flexed at its connection to the attachment plug or connector.

(2) The cord shall be flexed at its connection to the strain relief on the chassis during the resistance measurement.

8.4.1.3.3.4 Leakage Current in Relation to Polarity. Leakage current measurements shall be made as follows:

(1) With the polarity of the power line normal

(2) With the power switch of the appliance in the position shown in Table 8.4.1.3.3(Not shown here)

(3) With all operating controls in the position to cause maximum leakage current readings

8.4.1.3.4 Chassis Leakage Current - Fixed Equipment.

8.4.1.3.4.1 Permanently wired appliances in the patient care vicinity shall be tested prior to installation while the equipment is temporarily insulated while the equipment is temporarily insulated from ground.

8.5.2.1.4 After fixed equipment is installed, it shall be tested periodically in accordance with 4.3.3.1.3 and meet the following criteria:

(1) 500mV for general care areas

(2) 40mV for critical care areas