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06 April 2020

What Do Defibrillator IP Ratings Mean?

What Do Defibrillator IP Ratings Mean?

Have you ever asked yourself “What does the IP rating on a defibrillator mean?"

Automated External Defibrillators (AED’s), especially those intended for public access use, need to be able to withstand certain types of environmental elements such as rain or snow to ensure the unit is ready for action when it is needed in an emergency.

 

So an AED’s IP rating can be used to determine the level of environmental impact a defib can withstand before it experiences a malfunction or damage. 

What is an IP rating?

The IP ratings test is a global standard for electronic devices established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

The rating is made up of 2 numbers. The first number is the degree of protection from foreign bodies such as dirt or dust particles (rated 0-6) and the second number is the protection against contact with water (rated 0-9).

The higher the number, the greater the protection the device has against those factors and those factors alone... The IP rating does not indicate a protection against a fall!

Before leaving the factory an AED is subject to tests which are then rated depending on their ability to withstand exposure to different levels of dust particles and moisture.

Although rare, if there is an X in the IP rating, this means it has not been tested for that particular environmental effect.

How Are Defibrillators IP Rated?

If the seams of an electronical product are not properly sealed dust and water can find its way in, causing the defibrillator to malfunction or fail.

When it comes to medical devices, a malfunction or fail could cost a life – so it’s incredibly important that life-saving devices like defibrillators or AED’s are tested and given a clear rating to ensure users pick the right device for their environment.

Defibrillators with higher IP ratings are recommended for professionals in the emergency rescue sector, harsh factory environments or outdoor locations such as seafronts or open-air pools due to their protection against higher levels of moisture and small particles such as sand. 

Lower IP rated defibrillators can be used in more controlled environments such as in the home, school or offices.

During testing each defib will be subject to different levels of ingress from objects of different sizes to find out how easy it if for each object to make its way inside the AED.

From open palm hands, to finger tips, tools and other smaller objects right up to fine dust particles. 

When being tested for moisture resistance the AED will also be subjected to different levels of water pressure, from a drip to a light sprinkling to being completely submerged in water.

SP Services’ Defibrillators And Their IP Ratings

All of the AEDs in our range come with an IP rating.

When deciding on which defibrillator to purchase the environment it will be used and stored in should always be considered and the IP rating should always be checked to ensure the AED you are looking to purchase is suitable. If you’re unsure our expert team will be happy to advise you.

For example, the iPAD SP1 has an IP rating of IP55, making it a suitable AED for most environments such as Public Access cabinets, sports clubs and workplaces.

Whereas the Heartsine Samaritan 350P has a higher IP Rating making it more suitable for customers who may need to store or use their AED in harsher conditions such as outdoors on a sea front.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check Out The Best Defibs for Home, Schools, Offices or Public Access

Click Here

 

 

 

 

 

To See The Best Defibs for Medical Professionals

Click Here

 

 

 

 

 

For The Best Defibs For Use In Harsh Environments

Click Here

 

 

 

 

 

Looking to purchase a new defibrillator? Need more advice on the best model to choose for your business or location? We’d love to help! Get in touch with us by email or phone on sales@spservices.co.uk or 01952 288 999.

Customers in Ireland contact on sales@spservices.ie / 021 234 9999

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