What is the recommended maximum leakage current allowed in operating room equipment?

The recommended maximum leakage current allowed in operating room equipment is critical for ensuring patient safety and preventing electrical shock hazards. The standard for medical equipment, particularly those used in sensitive environments like operating rooms, dictates that the maximum permissible leakage current should not exceed 10 microamperes (μA).

This standard is based on safety guidelines that aim to minimize risks associated with electrical equipment in clinical settings where patients may be more vulnerable. A leakage current of 10 μA is generally considered safe and protects patients from potential harm during medical procedures.

The other options suggest higher levels of leakage current, which could pose serious risks to patients and healthcare personnel. For example, 1 mA (1,000 μA) and 5 mA (5,000 μA) are significantly above the safe threshold, creating a high risk of electrocution or an electrical shock, especially in a moist environment typical of many surgical settings. Similarly, while 5 μA is lower than the maximum threshold, it does not represent the established standard limit, which is specifically set at 10 μA for operational safety.

Thus, 10 μA represents the safest maximum leakage current level that allows for effective operation of medical equipment while maintaining patient safety as the highest priority