What is the primary purpose of electrical safety testing in medical devices?

The primary purpose of electrical safety testing in medical devices is to ensure safety from electrical shock hazards. Medical equipment often operates at high voltages and currents, which can pose a significant risk to patients and healthcare personnel if the devices are not properly tested and maintained. Electrical safety testing assesses the device's insulation, grounding, leakage currents, and overall electrical integrity, confirming that the equipment operates safely within defined parameters. This is crucial because any failure in these aspects can lead to potentially life-threatening electrical shocks.

By focusing on safety from electrical shock, manufacturers and healthcare facilities maintain compliance with regulations and standards that safeguard both users and patients. While efficiency, cost, and user instructions are important considerations, they do not directly address the primary concern of preventing electrical hazards, which is the cornerstone of electrical safety testing.