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Electronics => Projects, Designs, and Technical Stuff => Topic started by: cRash1001 on March 25, 2022, 05:35:58 am

Title: Loudness of Audible Alerts IEC60601-1-8
Post by: cRash1001 on March 25, 2022, 05:35:58 am

IEC60601-1-8 states requirements for audible alerts in medical devices but doesn't state how loud should these alerts be. It distinguishes alerts based on priority into High, Medium and Low Priority, and says there should be a difference of 3-6dB between each of these alert sounds.

I found medical audible alarms which are IEC60601-1-8 compliant with loudness between 85dBa to 95dBa. Link: https://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/mallory-sonalert-audible-medical-alarms-meet-iec60601-1-8-standards-40002397

I don't have access to the standard, and it would be really helpful if someone could provide me with some information regarding,

1. For a medical device such as an X-Ray device which alert priority (High, Medium or Low) does the audible alert sound during an X-Ray exposure belong to?
2. What should be a typical loudness level of such X-Ray Exposure Alert sound be?
3. What is the loudness level (in db) of Low, Medium and High Priority sound for medical devices?

Title: Re: Loudness of Audible Alerts IEC60601-1-8
Post by: CaptDon on March 25, 2022, 03:01:55 pm

I wonder if the joint commission for hospitals JCAHO would have any searchable rules or guidelines? They are the inspecting body we all fear working in BioMed (and everyone else from patient transfer to doctors hate to hear those words...surprise Jay-Koe inspection this morning). Best wishes in your search!!