Scottish Health Innovations Ltd

Earth Leakage Detection Device
Electrical medical equipment is subject to the strict safety limits
imposed by the Medical Devices Directive. If a number of
different earth_leakage_device_lo_res_cataloguecomponent parts are powered through a multi-way extension board then they must be considered as one single system and remain within these limits as a whole. This can be particulary critical where items not originally designed for medical use are included or where noise suppression filters are built into poser supply lines.

The amount of electrical powered medical equipment in use in hospitals is constantly increasing, multiple pieces of equipment being used concurrently for one patient. This is especially the case in theatres and critical care areas.
However, it is very much the case that often in these areas
there are insufficient electrical mains outlets and distribution boards have to used despite the fact that for reasons of safety their use is often frowned upon.

Market Opportunity
The Earth Leakage Detection Device was developed to address this problem. This compact, self contained circuit can be built into a power outlet for instance an existing suitable multi-way extension board, dual wall socket or dual/quad water-proof extension. The leakage current at which the device alarms is set to 500A but can be changed to suit specific requests during manufacture.

Clinical Benefit
The Electrical Leakage Detection Device constantly monitors the supply currents and detects the residual earth leakage. It provides an audible and visual warning if this exceeds statutory limits. It does not interrupt the supply therefore it can be used safely with critical life support equipment whilst giving a clear indication to staff to the fault.

The device measures leakage of current at a level that may also be indicative of fault or deterioration in the electrical appliance and/or provide warning of possible failure of the appliance. The device meets the British Standard Regulations that require equipment to be fitted with electrical safety devices and it is designed to bring multi-way plug extension cables to EU regulatory medical standards.

Summary of Technology:
  • Controlled by a microprocessor
  • Continuously monitors leakage of current from extension cables and wall sockets
  • Alerts medical staff of an out of limit condition with an alarm
  • Audible alarm of fault condition
  • Visual alarm of fault condition
  • Does not interrupt electrical supply making it suitable for use with critical life support equipment
  • May avoid the need to use a heavy and expensive isolation transformer
To date nearly two hundred of these devices have been manufactured for use within NHS hospitals and there is a widespread market for such a device nationally.

Opportunities are available for companies with design, manufacture and marketing capabilities.

If you would like to request more information about this project please click This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 

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