The PM schedule is determined by the facility via their internal processes. Manufacturer's recommendations provide necessary input to developing that process.
Could anything happen to equipment if a PM is not preformed on time? What are the risks?
An ESU PM deals with both low frequency electrical safety and actual generator performance, e.g., power outputs. The concern really drives down to the patient and hospital personnel. From an electrical safety perspective, if touch currents are beyond specification, there is the danger of electrical shock. From a performance perspective, there is a very real danger of unnecessary patient tissue damage and burns. In the OR during a procedure, should a surgical tool fail, HF leakage current could cause harm, burns that is, to both the patient and possible the OR staff.
Not testing specific aspects, like HF leakage current testing or other manufacturer suggested tests. There is a concern from some generator manufactures on the actual impedance of the load bank. There is a tendency to look at a power load bank as simple DC resistance. When in actuality, at generator PWM frequencies, any inductance and/or capacitance in the load bank will influence test results. If using separate power resistors for power output testing, doing so on a conductive ESD mat.
Are there extra safety measurements that must be taken for an ESU PM that differ from usual PMs?
Extra care is to become part of the test circuit which would result in burns to the individual preforming the testing.
Which testing devices do you recommend to be used during PM on an ESU?
Certainly an electrical safety analyzer is needed. Other accessories such as foot switch adapters and test pencils help speed up the PM process.
I have seen many do their electrical safety test after completing their performance testing. My suggestion is always do electrical safety first. It may be rare occurrence, but you want to ensure touch current is not excessive prior to handling the generator.
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