EBME Forums Forums Maintenance Technical Assistance Replacement batteries (Medgraphics)

Sounds more like they didn't if you read it fully, first they claimed they were EXACT equivalent then had to put out an an URGENT recall when they found they weren't. Are they fully equivalent or is there something else they don't know? Probably best to go with the MHRA guidance.

At least Philips don't do it on purpose, there's one GE product that uses a standard smart cell but their unit will only work with their programmed smart cell not the standard ones!

Also some companies if you send a piece of equipment into them with a third party cell, they will change it and charge you for a new one!

No comment needed there, methinks! I might as well leave others to fill in their own!

When you buy a piece of equipment, does title not pass to you these days, then? I would have thought that no-one has the right to change stuff in your machine without first advising you, or better yet, seeking your permission. I would not have paid that bill!

But, happily, anything programmed, whether computer programs or so-called "smart" cells, can always be hacked. Someone has to fight back, after all!

Quite correct Geoff but what about those individuals that need a bit of guidance because things aren't so obvious to them as they are to others? Where do we draw the line on what devices to and what devices not to fit batteries that aren't manufacturer-recommended? "Equivalent" doesn't mean the same as "manufacturers recommended" nor does it mean "identical to manufacturers specification". Nor is it necessarily "best practice".


Actually I diagree. I can quite honestly say, hand on heart, that I've had more potentially serious issues with cheaper 3rd party batteries used in defibrillators and infusion devices, for example, than when I've recommended purchasing of the OEM recommended batteries. Buying 3rd party batteries for safety-critical applications such as defibrillation, portable suction, external pacing, ventilation, anaesthetics monitoring, anaesthetics pumps, etc, carries more risk in my opinion.

Hi Chris,

I did also read it fully and simply stated that they "seem to be aware of the battery requirements".

So taking into account that they did appear to know, yes you can, and should, criticise them for putting out the initial statement without a full physical investigation of the battery and not choosing to simply rely on manufacturer’s data.

Check out this previous thread.

Heartstart XL Batteries.

A.M

Same thread that was being discussed (and linked to earlier) A.M

Sorry Scottish, I did notice the “here” on your posting.

I would only use original equipment manufacturer batteries on any Defibrillator, the risk is to great if it goes wrong.

A.M

Although I can't comment on this particular battery (never having seen or tried it), apart from mumbling that the price seems a bit too good to be true, my "beef" is with the modern trend of using so-called "intelligent batteries" (?) in the first place.

Why, exactly, do we need "dimples", "hidden (undocumented) thermistors", built-in fuses, and all the rest, if not simply to enforce a tie-in to OEM replacement batteries at horrendous prices? I believe they are meant to charge faster than dumb batteries. Is this the case in fact (and, if so, by how much)? Do they last longer? (not so, from what I hear).

It may be a sophisticated gouge, but it's a gouge all the same! At the prices these people charge up-front for their modern, Fisher-Price styled equipment, you'd expect free replacement batteries for life!

Are these smart batteries service-exchangeable, by the way? Otherwise, how are they meant to be disposed of?

Need I mention the distress these things cause to our friends trying to maintain kit in the so-called Developing World? Would I be cynical if I commented that I doubt that the OEM's worry too much about that? And that they're actually more worried about ability (or otherwise) to pay their inflated prices!

Because new batteries have such high power density and the chemistry is fairly complex it's important that protection is built-in during charge, discharge and storage - otherwise pack life is shortened or damage can occur.

The smart functions control charging and protection so I'm led to believe - to prevent scenarios where batteries explode when charged or abused. Also to provide smart capacity indicators of course.

Maybe a gouge but didn't we have scenarios where faulty notebook packs were exploding a while back because some designer/manufacturer got it wrong?