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Joined: Mar 2007
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Quinny Offline OP
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I'm not sure if this is an age old topic, apologies if it is but it is new to me.
We have a mix of plugs, some that are moulded, some that look as if they have been chopped and added.
They don't seem to be that "water tight" nor do they seem to be that robust either.
Also the leads are a mish mash and they don't all appear to match the device that they are attached to, surely is this a safety issue or does it not matter?
Do you know of any info/recommendations/risk assessments regarding plugs.Have you come across this as an issue in your experience?
Remember that i am not a biomed,and i am asking for advice on something that i know absolutely zilch on, so be gentle.
Grateful thanks
Quinny

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Quinny Offline OP
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Sorry guys, ignore me, just did a search and found a thread, will trawl.
apologies.

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Super Hero
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Yes, mains power plugs are another area that biomeds like to make a "federal case" about, Quinny. And (as you have already discovered), there's been a wealth of discussion about them on this forum.

It's all about electrical safety. Even today I can hardly bring myself to walk passed a mains lead without whipping off the plug top, and having a quick look inside (at the the connections - and the fuse - and the strain relief). Then getting out my little piece of Emery paper and burnishing up the "earth pin". It's ingrained!

Unfortunately (and as you have mentioned) some modern leads come with a "moulded" plug, so that's another of life's simple pleasures that has been denied me!

New equipment always comes with its "correct" mains lead. It's the staff who turn the whole thing into the mish-mash that you mention. Why they can't keep the "proper" lead with the kit is beyond me (well, almost)! But the bottom line is that if the plugs (and leads) are electrically safe (non-hazardous), then it may not be a big deal to "mix and match" (but have you found the thread yet about correct fusing?).

The user should remove from use any mains lead and plug about which they have doubts. They should put them aside to be checked (by someone able to do that), and not simply bung them into the "spare leads" drawer (or cupboard)! But, there again, they already always report faults ... don't they?

But even my dear old Mum would have told you that "water and electricity don't mix"! smile


If you don't inspect ... don't expect.
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Originally Posted By: Geoff Hannis
New equipment always comes with its "correct" mains lead. It's the staff who turn the whole thing into the mish-mash that you mention. Why they can't keep the "proper" lead with the kit is beyond me (well, almost)! But the bottom line is that if the plugs (and leads) are electrically safe (non-hazardous), then it may not be a big deal to "mix and match" (but have you found the thread yet about correct fusing?).


I must agree on this one we have found that even by matching leads with equipment (the lead has the same referance number as the equipment) it does not always work - to overcome this we have now started using cable locks from RS, so far everything is going well.

DW - Have to go shopping with the wife this afternoon! NOT HAPPY!

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Super Hero
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As I keep saying ... treat the cause, not the symptom (applies in both cases there, I would have thought, Darth). smile


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Quinny Offline OP
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I must say that New kit has a "plug lock" system whereby the connector is plugged into the device then immediately after this plug, the neck has almost like a C clamp around it screwed into the device itself. This must be a new and improved system to prevent the tricksters that are nurses from doing their trickery with leads!
Could you put a link on the "cable locks" please.
Will read on about the correct fusing Geoff although i am confident that the fuses in our dept are appropriate as a "little electric man" (looks suspiciously like a mole) is electrically testing all leads and he did tell me that our Datex monitors have different fuses than the plugs in general use, sounded like he knew what he was talking about.
DW bet you LOVE shopping really, i bet that your wife cannot drag you out of Topman!


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Super Hero
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Do you mean these beautiful things?

There are many "solutions", the cheapest of which usually involve cable ties or (my own favourite) P-clips.

There's no chance of the mysterious Mole being one of your biomeds, I suppose?

Meanwhile, here's your homework. Enjoy! smile


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Quinny Offline OP
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Thanks for the home work, feel a bit more reassured about it although i shall just check when i go back about the fuses.
We have one piece of equipment that has a lead attached to it with 2 kind of "boxes" attached. I am told that these are to prevent a "power surge" to the kit...what does this mean?

It is amazing how John Sandham hasn't changed one single bit in 5 years!!! In his picture he looks as young today as he did in 2003! What is his secret......

No, mole man is not one of the biomeds, think he is an electrician, I know the EBME chaps although i do wonder why they try to squeeze into cupboards and bolt through doors when i approach, odd that! All i do is fire 12,000 questions at them, pretty much like i do to you all.


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Super Hero
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Originally Posted By: Quinny
We have one piece of equipment that has a lead attached to it with 2 kind of "boxes" attached. I am told that these are to prevent a "power surge" to the kit...what does this mean?

... I'm trying to imagine what piece of equipment that is (no doubt the Mole would know)! Diagnostic ultrasound? Theatre "video stack"?

Any more clues? smile

PS: I believe I know John's secret ... but I'm don't think I should tell.


If you don't inspect ... don't expect.
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Quinny Offline OP
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Picco cardiac output monitor.


its ulay isnt it, plastered on at night, underneath a hair net to tame that hair.....

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