What safety device is commonly included in power cords for medical equipment?

What safety device is commonly included in power cords for medical equipment?

• A. Fuse
• B. Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
• C. Surge protector
• D. Voltage regulator

Answer: (B)

The ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a critical safety device commonly included in the power cords for medical equipment. Its primary function is to protect patients and healthcare providers from electrical shock. By monitoring the electrical current flowing through the circuit, the GFCI can detect any imbalance that may indicate a leakage of current through an unintended path, such as through a person who might come into contact with the equipment. If such a current leakage is detected, the GFCI responds rapidly by cutting off the power supply, significantly reducing the risk of serious injury or electrocution in a medical environment where patients may be more vulnerable. In contrast, while fuses, surge protectors, and voltage regulators serve important functions in electrical systems, they do not specifically address the unique safety concerns associated with electrical shock in a medical setting as effectively as a GFCI. Fuses protect against overcurrent scenarios, surge protectors guard against voltage spikes, and voltage regulators ensure that electrical devices receive a consistent voltage level. However, none of these devices provide the immediate disconnection from electrical current that a GFCI does to protect individuals from potentially dangerous electrical faults. Thus, the inclusion of a GFCI in the power cords of medical equipment is paramount for

The ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a critical safety device commonly included in the power cords for medical equipment. Its primary function is to protect patients and healthcare providers from electrical shock. By monitoring the electrical current flowing through the circuit, the GFCI can detect any imbalance that may indicate a leakage of current through an unintended path, such as through a person who might come into contact with the equipment. If such a current leakage is detected, the GFCI responds rapidly by cutting off the power supply, significantly reducing the risk of serious injury or electrocution in a medical environment where patients may be more vulnerable.

In contrast, while fuses, surge protectors, and voltage regulators serve important functions in electrical systems, they do not specifically address the unique safety concerns associated with electrical shock in a medical setting as effectively as a GFCI. Fuses protect against overcurrent scenarios, surge protectors guard against voltage spikes, and voltage regulators ensure that electrical devices receive a consistent voltage level. However, none of these devices provide the immediate disconnection from electrical current that a GFCI does to protect individuals from potentially dangerous electrical faults. Thus, the inclusion of a GFCI in the power cords of medical equipment is paramount for