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Hospital Grade Power Cords

Products used in healthcare facilities often have to go through extensive testing before they are approved for use. Unlike home and office applications, electronic devices used in healthcare facilities must meet strict grounding requirements to prevent injury to patients and staff members. Healthcare laboratories use electronic devices such as microscopes, analyzers, centrifuges, refrigerators and other devices to routinely assist with examining samples. 

Electrical arcs caused by improperly grounded equipment can be hazardous due to the presence of volatile chemicals and gases such as solvents and oxygen. Improper grounding can occur if the ground pin on a power plug has not made sufficient contact with the ground pin on the wall outlet. Strain placed on the power cord from tight bend radii can result in electrical shorts if the power conductor is exposed to an open ground source. To prevent grounding issues, a special hospital grade power cable must be used with electronic devices in healthcare facilities. Hospital grade power cables are designed to provide optimal grounding qualities and withstand tight radii bend without incurring damage. 

​​​​​​​Tests undergone by hospital grade power cords include: 
  • Dielectric Voltage-Withstand Test 
  • Insulation Resistance 
  • Flexing Test 
  • Forces Necessary to Insert and to Withdraw Connector 
  • Temperature Test 
  • Strain Relief Test 
  • Impact Resistance Test 
  • Accelerated Ageing Test ​​​​​​​

Common power cords used in hospitals include: