The Importance of Hospital Power Cords for the Medical Industry

hospital-grade-cords

When sourcing power cords for your hospital or clinic, ensuring they meet strict industry requirements is crucial. Standard power cords from a home improvement store aren’t suitable for medical grade equipment and using them places your patients and staff at risk.

In North America, hospitals, clinics, and dental offices must use medical-grade power strips and cords in any situation where patients could have contact with cables. This includes x-ray machinery, breathing equipment, dental cleaning tools, and certain medical devices.

Hospital power cables ensure consistent grounding and are designed for stability against extreme bending or harm without suffering damage. These power cords are tested against strict quality standards to protect patients, staff, and users from electrical shock or danger. Make sure you use approved hospital power cords for all your medical industry equipment.

Features & Benefits of Medical Grade Cords

Hospital-grade power cords resist rust and corrosion and are designed to prevent electrical shock. Many medical cables have standard connectors for easy plugging and unplugging. However, for critical equipment applications, Auto-Lock® hospital power cords are excellent for preventing accidental unplugging. These cords have the same basic design but include a special connector that keeps the cables securely plugged in.

All medical power cords are grounded with three solid prongs. Compared to flat prongs, solid prongs lower the chance of breakage inside the plug. Medical-grade cords often also have large, clear connector housings that make them easy to inspect for wear and damage. These large plug bodies can withstand higher pull forces and greatly reduce the risk of wire-to-outer-contour shock. Consistent grounding prevents dangerous electrical arcs and is extra durable against bending and twisting.

UL Specifications for Hospital Power Cords

Medical power cords must comply with many industry standards to keep equipment functional and ensure patient and staff safety. To qualify as hospital power cords, cables undergo safety testing and receive ratings based on test results. Medical-grade cords that have passed the required tests are identified by a “green dot” for certification. Plugs may also be marked as “hospital grade” as confirmation.

A green dot on a power cord’s plug signifies that it meets UL 817 and CSA C22.2 standards. This certifies that the cord was tested thoroughly and meets requirements for hospital-grade attachment plugs and cord connectors. Look for the green dot and UL stamp on your power cords to make sure you’re using hospital-grade cables for medical applications.

How Are Medical Power Cords Tested?

There are a variety of different tests that power cords may be subject to when testing for medical-grade status. These tests help ensure durability, reliability, and safety. Tests can include:

  • Accelerated Ageing Test ​​​​​​​
  • Dielectric Voltage-Withstand Test
  • Flexing Test
  • Forces Necessary to Insert and Withdraw Connector
  • Impact Resistance Test
  • Insulation Resistance
  • Strain Relief Test
  • Temperature Test

Quail Electronics, Inc. is Your Expert Source for Medical Grade Cords

With over 30 years of industry experience and a team of knowledgeable experts, we can answer any questions and assist you with any inquiries. We stock an extensive inventory of power cords, power strips, and accessories for all industries. We offer competitive pricing, low minimum order requirements, and convenient same-day shipping to supply you with the best solutions for your requirements.

Learn more about hospital power cords and contact an expert at Quail Electronics, Inc. today.