Wondering what types of cables are used in hospitals?

Here's a quick overview of different types of hospital-grade cables and their applications. It includes common types of cables in hospitals, types of plugs used with medical power cords, and standards applied to these cables.

1. Hospital-grade MC cables:
• Use: Distribute power in hospitals, which is basically used in all patient care areas. The cable has an aluminum bonding strip that acts as a second grounding conductor. The only cable where anti-microbial properties are not generally required unless used in critical areas.
2. Medical power cords:
• Use: Connect medical devices to power sources. This is a general term for all hospital power cables and equipment power cables.

Medical power cords have shared features:

• Flexible and durable for repeated bending and pulling.
• Shielded for EMI protection, reducing electrical noise interference.
• Compliant with IEC 60601-1 standards for medical electrical equipment.
• The cables have molded plugs with hospital-grade markings and an LSZH jacket for fire safety.

• Use: Connect monitoring devices to patients for vital sign tracking. Usually single-use for infection control. They are used in ECG, SpO2, and blood pressure monitors. The cables have silver-plated copper conductors, silicone insulation, and anti-microbic properties.

• Use: Used in imaging devices like MRI, CT scans, and X-rays. They have EMI shielding, high-quality signal transmission, and resistance to chemicals and wear. These are basically double-shielded coaxial cables with a TPE abrasion-resistant jacket.

• Use: Connect infusion pumps that deliver fluids and medications like chemotherapy to patients. The cables have strain relief to withstand constant movement. They are also chemical-resistant outer sheathing for easy cleaning. Anti-kink design prevents tubing and cables from twisting.

• Use: Connect surgical instruments to control units. These are sterilizable and robust cables designed for repeated use. They also withstand high temperatures and have low-friction coatings for smooth movement during procedures. Cables for surgeries are often color-coded.

• Use: Connect ventilators and respiratory equipment to power or control systems. These cables have secure locking connections to avoid accidental disconnections and EMI shielding.

• Use: Enable data transfer and connectivity in medical facilities. These are usually Category 6A/7 with a shielded twisted pair (STP) and an anti-microbial sheath.

• Use: Facilitate communication between patients and healthcare providers. The cables have an emergency backup connection if the primary one fails. Like telephone cables, they transform signals between two points. They are equipped with quick-response connections with backup systems for emergency use. They are used in nurse call systems, patient alert alarms, and emergency communication setups.

Types of hospital-grade plugs for power cords

Medical power cords use specific plugs (hospital-grade NEMA) as they meet safety standards for grounding and durability. All of them comply with UL 817. A green dot symbol on the plug indicates compliance with hospital-grade standards. Here are the types of these plugs:

1. Hospital Grade NEMA 5-15P: 15 Amp-125 Volt AC, 2 Pole 3 Wire Grounding

• This is a standard North American plug with two parallel blades and a grounding pin, designed to handle up to 15 amps at 125 volts. It is commonly used in patient-grade areas.

        2. Hospital Grade NEMA 5-20P: 20 Amp-125 Volt AC, 2 Pole 3 Wire Grounding

• Similar to the NEMA 5-15P, but designed for higher current loads up to 20 amps at 125 volts. This plug has one blade turned 90 degrees to distinguish it from the 15-amp version. It is used for higher power medical equipment in hospitals, such as imaging machines or large monitors.

• This plug is designed for 250-volt applications with a capacity of up to 15 amps. It features two angled blades and a grounding pin, different from the 125-volt versions. It is commonly used in laboratory or diagnostic equipment.

• A high-capacity 250-volt plug rated for 20 amps, distinguished by one blade oriented differently to prevent misconnection with lower amp devices. It is used in equipment like imaging machines.

Standards for medical cables

1. IEC 60601 Series (Medical Electrical Equipment Standards)

• Overview: The IEC 60601 series is a globally recognized standard for the safety and performance of medical electrical equipment, including cables. They apply to cables used in medical equipment, such as patient monitoring cables and medical power cords. ANSI/AAMI ES60601-1 (Medical Electrical Equipment Safety) is a similar standard with specific requirements for the US market. These include stricter grounding, leakage current limits, and labelling.
• Key requirements:
• Ensures that cables are designed to minimize risks such as electrical shock, short circuits, and fire hazards.
• Cables must be shielded to prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI) that could affect medical equipment performance.
• Includes tests for cable strain relief, bending, and resistance to wear and tear to ensure durability in clinical environments.

• Overview: UL 817 covers the safety standards for cord sets and medical power supply cords used in medical devices.
• Key requirements:
• Power cords must have the green dot marking, indicating they meet hospital-grade requirements.
• Cables must withstand repeated flexing without losing their grounding connection.
• Requires cables to resist ignition and spread of fire, which is crucial in hospitals.

• Overview: ISO 10993 series assesses the biocompatibility of medical device materials, including cables that may come into contact with patients. These apply to patient monitoring cables, surgical instrument cables, and any cables in direct or indirect contact with patients.
• Key requirements:
• Cytotoxicity testing ensures that materials do not cause cell damage.
• Confirms that cables do not cause allergic reactions or skin irritation when in contact with patients.
• Materials must withstand sterilization processes without degrading.

• Overview: RoHS limits the use of specific hazardous materials in electrical and electronic equipment. It applies to disposable cables (such as patient monitoring).
• Key requirements:
• Limits the presence of lead, mercury, cadmium, and other toxic substances in cable materials.
• Ensures cables are safe for use and disposal, aligning with environmental health standards.