Electrical Safety Tests
3-5
Document no. 2044677-001
• Failure of the power cord strain relief is very common. Often times users of the equipment
pull on the power cord itself, rather than the power cord plug, to unplug the patient
monitor from a wall receptacle. If in doubt, test for continuity through each conductor of
the power cord connector and plug.
• Verify line, neutral, and earth conductors are properly connected to the power cord plug
and are not short-circuited. Replace the power cord, as necessary with a
regulatory-approved cord for the country of use.
WARNING Use only AC power cords recommended or manufactured by GE.
2.6 Ground (Earth) Integrity
Listed below are two methods for checking the ground (earth) integrity, “Ground Continuity
Test” and “Impedance of Protective Earth Connection.” These tests determine whether the
device's exposed metal and power inlet's earth (ground) connection has a power ground fault
condition
Perform the in accordance with your local regulations.
2.6.1 Ground Continuity Test
Refer to the instructions contained with the safety analyzer to perform each test.
The measuring device (MD) in the diagram below may be a DMM or part of a safety analyzer.
NOTE: The measuring device (MD) represents the network and voltage measuring instrument
and its frequency characteristics per IEC 60601-1.
2.6.2 Impedance of Protective Earth Connection
This test, unlike a ground continuity test, will also stress the ground system by using special
ground bond testers.
This test normally is only required as a manufacturing production test to receive safety agency
compliance. Some country agencies do require this test after field equipment repairs (e.g.,
Germany’s DIN VDE 0751 standards). Consult your country/local safety agency if in question.
Compliance is checked by the following steps: