Standards for Airborne Power Distribution Systems Used to Power Portable Medical Equipment

This paper accentuates the need for standards for airborne medical power supply system (AMPSS) installations. Potential electrical shock hazards through improperly designed AMPSS are discussed. The airplane electrical power system and the airplane environment are described and compared to that of a hospital. Regulatory bodies and medical device industry standards are discussed. Design safety requirements contained in the National Electric Code and ASTM standard for ground ambulances are identified. Federal regulations and standards for fixed wing medical transport units are compared to the above mentioned standards to demonstrate the lack of guidance material for medical airborne applications. This paper recommends that associations such as ASTM or SAE begin development of a standard for airborne applications based on existing standards.