Hello members I’m relatively new to Medical equipment but have a background in electronics repair. I’ve attended an electrical safety course run by an external firm but in truth I thought it was poor and not well explained. I did raise questions but didn’t feel they were answered adequately. I have decided to ask the experts on here. I understand the differences between type testing IEC 60601-1 and the less stringent IEC 62353 but there are areas of the 62353 I’m struggling to comprehend fully and would like to make sure I’m doing things correctly.
Firstly 62353 tests earth continuity which I’m OK with
Insulation tests I’m OK with too.
For the equipment current and leakage tests what and how is it being measured? Does the tester require the earth lead to be connected to any earth or in-earthed conductive part or is the current measured internally in the tester between the earth, negative and live connectors? Also same question really for patient applied parts is the earth lead necessary or does the tester test between the conductors internally? Lastly Class 2 equipment on the equipment current and leakage tests is it necessary to have the earth test lead connected to any non earthed conductive part? Also on class 2 equipment I understand the use of foil on non conductive parts but is that actually a thing as I’ve not seen more experienced colleagues do it and when asked I’ve been told it doesn’t matter as the AP is plastic rubber etc?
Sorry it’s a long post but I’d like to know what I’m actually testing rather than letting the tester automate it to the point I’m just pressing a button not knowing what it’s actually doing. Btw the tester in use is a Fluke ESA 615
