What Are Medical Isolated Power Systems?

Medical isolated power systems are essential for ensuring a reliable and safe electrical supply in Group 2 rooms such as operating rooms, intensive care units, neonatal intensive care units, and cardiac catheterization rooms. Furthermore, these systems, designed according to the IEC 60364-7-710 standard, include isolated power panels and alarm panels to provide uninterrupted and fault-tolerant power.

Key Components of Medical Isolated Power Systems

Isolated Power Panel

Firstly, the isolated power panel comprises the following components:

• Medical Isolating Transformer
• Insulation Monitoring Device
• Insulation Fault Location Device
• Changeover Module
• Switchgear Equipments

Alarm Panels

Additionally, alarm panels are crucial for alerting medical and technical staff about system issues. These are categorized as:

• Local Alarm Panels: Placed at nurse stations for real-time alerts in Group 2 rooms.
• Remote Alarm Indicators: Used by technical staff to monitor all isolated power panels across the hospital from a single location.

Challenges with TN and TT Systems

In TN and TT systems, phase-to-ground faults cause leakage currents that:

• Trigger residual current devices and automatic circuit breakers
• Interrupt power supply, which is unacceptable in critical environments like Group 2 rooms

The Role of IT Systems

Moreover, IT systems, isolated from the ground, address these challenges by:

• Ensuring high insulation resistance between phase and ground
• Limiting fault currents to microampere levels, thus avoiding power interruptions

Key Features of IT Systems

• Active conductors and transformers are isolated from the ground.
• Protective grounding connects only the load side, ensuring safety and continuity.

Continuous Insulation Monitoring

To ensure IT systems operate effectively:

• Insulation resistance must be continuously monitored.
• The IEC 60364-7-710 standard requires a minimum insulation resistance of 50 kΩ.
• Insulation Monitoring Devices (IMDs): Continuously measure insulation resistance and provide alarms when it falls below the threshold.

How Do Insulation Monitoring Devices Work?

• Probes connect to the secondary side of the isolation transformer and the protective ground.
• Devices comply with IEC 60364-7-710 and IEC 61557-8 standards for safety.
• IMDs also monitor overload and transformer temperature.

Importance of Alarm Panels

Alarm panels ensure fault notifications are effectively communicated:

• Local alarm panels keep medical staff informed in real time.
• Remote alarm indicators allow technical teams to monitor and resolve issues promptly.

Fault Detection and Resolution

Fault Detection Process

1. Alarm Notification: Insulation monitoring devices signal phase-to-ground faults.
2. Inspection: Technical teams inspect outlets and devices in the affected Group 2 room.
3. Identification: Fault detection devices pinpoint faulty distribution lines within the medical isolated power panel.

Quick Intervention

• Insulation falut location device, equipped with current transformers, streamline the process.
• Technical teams can act quickly, minimizing risks in critical environments.

Aktif Elektroteknik’s Experience and Commitment

Aktif Elektroteknik has over 20 years of expertise, commissioning more than 10,000 systems in 1,000+ hospitals worldwide. With in-house production of key components such as:

• Medical Isolated Power Panels
• Isolation transformers
• Insulation monitoring devices
• Changeover modules
• Fault detection devices and alarm panels

Consequently, we ensure reliable power solutions tailored to the needs of hospitals and health institutions.

Conclusion

Medical isolated power systems are vital for maintaining uninterrupted and safe power in critical hospital environments. By addressing power faults effectively and providing continuous monitoring, these systems ensure the safety and functionality of essential medical equipment. Aktif Elektroteknik remains committed to delivering innovative and reliable solutions to support hospitals and healthcare institutions worldwide.