Are you wondering what types of cables are used in hospitals?
Here’s a quick overview of the different types of hospital cables and their applications. It includes the types of cables common in hospitals, the types of plugs used with medical power cords, and the standards applied to these cables.
Hospital grade MC cables:
is used: Hospital power distribution which is used primarily in all patient care areas. The cable has an aluminum bonding strip that acts as a second grounding conductor. The only cable in which antimicrobial properties are generally not required unless used in critical areas.
Medical power cords:
is used: Connecting medical devices to power sources. This is a general term for all hospital power cables and equipment power cables.
Medical power cords have common 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 fire safety jacket.
3. Patient monitoring cables:
is used: Connecting monitoring devices to patients to track vital signs. It is usually used once to fight infection. They are used in ECG, SpO2, and blood pressure monitors. The cables have silver-plated copper conductors, silicone insulation, and antimicrobial properties.
4. Diagnostic imaging cables:
is used: It is used in imaging devices such as MRI, CT scan, and X-ray. It features EMI shielding, high-quality signal transmission, and resistance to chemicals and corrosion. These are basically double shielded coaxial cables with an abrasion resistant TPE jacket.
5. Infusion pump cables:
is used: Connecting infusion pumps that deliver fluids and medications such as chemotherapy to patients. The cables feature strain relief to withstand constant movement. It also has a chemical-resistant outer shell for easy cleaning. Anti-tangle design prevents tubes and cables from kinking.
6. Surgical instrument cables:
is used: Connecting surgical instruments to control units. These are autoclavable, sturdy cables designed for repeated use. It also withstands high temperatures and has low-friction layers for smooth movement during procedures. Surgical cables are often color coded.
7. Ventilation cables:
is used: Connecting ventilators and breathing equipment to power or control systems. These cables have secure locking connections to avoid accidental disconnections and EMI shielding.
8. Data and network cables:
is used: Enabling data transfer and communication in medical facilities. These are usually Class 6A/7 with a shielded twisted pair (STP) and antimicrobial sheath.
9. Alarm and nurse call cables:
is used: Facilitating communication between patients and healthcare providers. The cables have an emergency backup connection in case the primary connection fails. Like telephone cables, they transfer signals between two points. It is equipped with rapid response communications with backup systems for emergency use. They are used in nurse call systems, patient alert alarms, and emergency communications settings.
Types of plugs used in hospitals for power cords
Medical power cords use specific plugs (NEMA hospital grade) because they meet safety standards for grounding and durability. They are all UL 817 compliant. The green dot symbol on the plug indicates compliance with hospital level standards. Here are the types of these plugs:
Hospital grade NEMA 5-15P: 15 amps – 125 volts AC, 2 pole 3 ground wires
This is a standard North American plug with two parallel blades and a ground pin, designed to handle up to 15 amps at 125 volts. It is usually used in areas designated for the patient.
2. Hospital grade NEMA 5-20P: 20A – 125V AC, 2 pole 3 ground wire
It is similar to NEMA 5-15P, but is designed for higher current loads up to 20 amps at 125 volts. This plug has a single blade that rotates 90 degrees to distinguish it from the 15 amp version. It is used for high-power medical equipment in hospitals, such as imaging devices or large monitors. 3. Hospital grade NEMA 6-15P: 15A – 250V AC, 2 pole 3 ground wire
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 125V versions. It is commonly used in laboratory or diagnostic equipment.
4. Hospital grade NEMA 6-20P: 20A – 250V AC, 2 pole 3 ground wire
High capacity 250 volt plug rated at 20 amps, features a single differently oriented blade to prevent misconnection with lower amp devices. It is used in equipment such as photocopiers.
Medical cable standards
Overview of the IEC 60601 series (Standards for Medical Electrical Equipment).: The IEC 60601 series is a globally recognized standard for the safety and performance of medical electrical equipment, including cables. These standards apply to cables used in medical equipment, such as patient monitoring cables and medical power cords. ANSI/AAMI ES60601-1 (Safety of Medical Electrical Equipment) is a similar standard with specific requirements for the US market. These include stricter grounding, leakage current limits, and labeling.
Basic 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 may affect the performance of medical equipment.
Includes cable stress relief, bending, and abrasion resistance tests to ensure durability in clinical environments.
2. UL 817 (Wiring Assemblies and Power Supply Cords)
summary: UL 817 covers safety standards for wiring harnesses and medical power supply cords used in medical devices.
Basic requirements:
Power cords must be marked with a green dot, indicating that they meet hospital requirements.
The cables must withstand repeated bending without losing their ground connection.
Cables require resistance to ignition and fire spread, which is critical in hospitals.
3. ISO 10993 (Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices)
summary: The ISO 10993 series evaluates 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.
Basic requirements:
Cytotoxicity test Ensures that the substances do not cause cell damage.
He confirms that the cables do not cause allergies or skin irritation upon contact with patients.
Materials must withstand sterilization processes without decomposing.
4. RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
summary: RoHS restricts the use of specific hazardous materials in electrical and electronic equipment. This applies to disposable cables (such as patient monitoring).
Basic requirements:
Limits the presence of lead, mercury, cadmium and other toxic substances in cable materials.
Ensures that cables are safe to use and dispose of, in line with environmental health standards.
At NNC, we deliver Hospital grade MC cables.
