Medical-grade power supplies have been specially designed to meet the IEC60601 medical equipment safety standard. IEC60601-rated power supplies must have effective and reliable isolation between the AC input to the power supply, the internal high voltage stages, and the DC output. Any shortcoming in isolation risks electric shock. Spacing between conductors and electronic components must be sufficient in order to meet the isolation standards and qualify the power supply for global medical certifications. In addition, medical power supplies use double or reinforced insulation and must adhere to stringent leakage requirements.
Safety is not the only factor that distinguishes medical-grade power supplies from commercial models. Medical equipment typically requires longer design cycles than other types of equipment and more support from the power supply vendor. In addition, medical equipment usually has greater life expectancy than other equipment and generally needs to be supported by the power supply vendor for many years.
