Hospitals are one of the most critical facilities in any society. They offer life-saving treatments and care to patients in need, and as such, they must have a reliable and uninterrupted power supply.
Hospital-grade power cables are necessary to ensure the power supply is consistent and safe for all medical equipment and devices. In Australia, specific requirements for hospital-grade power cables must be followed to maintain the safety of patients and medical staff.
What Are Hospital-Grade Power Cables?
Hospital-grade power cables refer to the power cords and cables used in medical facilities to connect medical equipment and devices to the power supply. These cables must be of high quality and meet specific requirements to ensure they are safe for use in a hospital environment. Hospital-grade power cables are designed to be durable, flexible, and withstand the wear and tear of constant use.
The Requirements for Hospital-Grade Power Cables
In Australia, hospital-grade power cables must meet specific requirements to ensure that they are safe for use in medical facilities. These requirements are outlined in the Australian Standard AS/NZS 3191:2016, which sets out the minimum safety requirements for hospital-grade power cables.
Insulation
The insulation on the cable must be able to withstand high temperatures, as well as exposure to chemicals, oils, and other substances that are commonly found in hospitals. The insulation must also withstand abrasion and physical damage, such as cuts or punctures.
Hospital-grade power cables must be double-insulated, meaning they have two layers of insulation to provide additional protection against electrical shock.
Conductors
The conductors on hospital-grade power cables must also meet specific requirements. The conductors must be made of high-quality copper and be sized appropriately to handle the electrical load of the equipment or device they are powering.
Moreover, the conductors must be stranded, which means they are made up of multiple smaller wires twisted together. This design makes the cable more flexible and less prone to breaking or cracking over time.
Plug and Socket
The plug and socket must be designed to prevent accidental disconnection and withstand frequent use. The plug must have a locking mechanism that prevents it from being accidentally pulled out of the socket. The socket must also have a shroud that covers the pins to prevent accidental contact with live parts.
Testing and Certification
Hospital-grade power cables must be tested and certified to meet the safety requirements outlined in the Australian Standard. The testing and certification process includes tests to ensure the cable is safe and reliable for use in a hospital environment. These tests include a high voltage test, a continuity test, and an insulation resistance test.
Labelling
Hospital-grade power cables must also be labelled to indicate they are suitable for use in medical facilities. The label must include the following information:
- The manufacturer’s name and address
- The cable type and size
- The voltage and frequency rating
- The date of manufacture
- The standard to which the cable complies
Whom to Call for Cable Installation
Installing these power cables requires specialised knowledge and a high level of skill from electrical contractors. When installed properly, these cables provide a reliable and safe power source for medical equipment and other essential systems.
The installation involves running cables through walls, ceilings, and other tight spaces, which must be done to the highest standards. Electrical contractors specialising in this type of work are familiar with the safety codes and regulations and understand the importance of proper installation.
Conclusion
Medical facilities must use hospital-grade power cables that meet these requirements to ensure the safety of both patients and medical staff. With the proper installation of hospital-grade power cables, healthcare facilities can be confident that their electrical systems will be safe and reliable.
EDSA Group provides residential, commercial, and industrial project design, installation, management, and maintenance services. We collaborate with you to develop a strategy that addresses all cabling solutions, including electrical, data, communications, security, intelligent systems, and audiovisual, from conception to completion. Contact us for cable installation in Melbourne!
