Which method is commonly employed to test electrical safety in medical devices?

The use of a hipot tester is the standard method for testing electrical safety in medical devices. This tool is designed to assess the electrical insulation and the integrity of safety grounds in medical equipment. The hipot tester applies a high voltage to the device under test while monitoring for current leakage. If the current leakage exceeds a certain threshold, it indicates a potential failure in the device's insulation or grounding, making it unsafe for use.

In a clinical environment, ensuring that medical devices do not leak hazardous voltages to the patient or operator is crucial for safety, and the hipot test effectively evaluates this aspect. It is especially important for devices that come into contact with patients, as they must be rigorously tested to prevent electrical shock or injury.

Other methods mentioned are not primarily focused on electrical safety. For instance, a voltmeter measures voltage levels but does not directly assess insulation integrity. A flow meter is used to measure the flow of liquids or gases, which is irrelevant in the context of electrical safety, and a pressure gauge measures the pressure of fluids but does not pertain to electrical testing. Thus, the hipot tester remains the most relevant and effective tool for ensuring electrical safety in medical devices.