Drager Apollo

Asset Type

Anesthesia Machine

Manufacturer

Drager

Model

Apollo

What This Guide Helps With

This guide helps troubleshoot a BATTERY LOW alarm on a Drager Apollo anesthesia machine when the UPS battery capacity is nearly exhausted and continued powered operation may be limited. The alarm may occur if the machine is running on battery power, connected to a dead outlet, using a loose or damaged power cord, or experiencing a battery charging or internal power issue.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Ensure Patient Safety First

• Check the patient’s condition immediately.
• Confirm ventilation is adequate.
• Prepare manual ventilation with 100% O2.
• Have an alternate anesthesia machine or backup ventilation method available if the unit cannot be stabilized quickly.
• Do not continue relying on battery operation if mains power can be restored.

A BATTERY LOW alarm on an anesthesia machine must be treated as a patient safety issue because loss of power can affect ventilation, monitoring, and gas delivery support.

Verify the Reported Alarm and Behavior

• Confirm the exact alarm displayed is BATTERY LOW.
• Observe the alarm priority if available.
• Advisory may indicate battery capacity is approximately 10 to 20%.
• Caution may indicate battery capacity is below 10%.
• Determine whether the alarm occurred during an active case, after unplugging from wall power, during transport, after repositioning, after a facility power interruption, or after connection to an outlet that may not be powered.
• Check whether the unit is operating on battery power or mains power.

Connect the Machine to Mains Power

• Plug the Apollo anesthesia machine into a known working hospital-grade AC outlet.
• Verify the power cord is fully seated at the machine and wall outlet.
• If the machine is plugged into a power strip, extension cord, or auxiliary source, remove that from the setup and connect directly to a proper wall outlet if allowed by facility policy.
• Observe whether the unit recognizes mains power and begins charging.

The most common correct response to a BATTERY LOW alarm is restoring reliable mains power.

Verify the Outlet Has Power

• Check whether other devices on the same outlet are powered.
• If safe and allowed, test the outlet with an approved outlet tester or known working device.
• Try another known working emergency-powered outlet if available.
• Confirm the outlet is not controlled by a wall switch or failed power source.

A machine may appear to be plugged in while still running on battery if the outlet is dead, loose, or not on the expected power circuit.

Check the Power Cord and Connection Points

• Inspect the power cord for damage, loose fit, bent prongs, cuts, crushing, or signs of overheating.
• Confirm the cord is properly connected to the machine.
• Check for strain on the cord that could partially pull it loose.
• If the cord is detachable and a known-good approved replacement is available, swap the cord.

A damaged or loose power cord can cause the machine to run on battery even when it appears plugged in.

Check for Facility Power or Circuit Issues

• Ask clinical staff whether there was a recent power outage, room power issue, tripped breaker, or outlet failure.
• Check whether multiple devices in the room are affected.
• If the room outlet appears faulty, escalate to Facilities or Plant Operations.

Clinical Engineering should avoid assuming device failure until the power source has been verified.

Confirm Battery Charging Behavior

• Once connected to mains power, observe whether the machine indicates AC power present and battery charging.
• Leave the machine connected long enough to confirm the battery level does not continue dropping.
• Verify the alarm status after mains power is restored.
• Confirm the battery level stabilizes or begins recovering.

If the machine sees AC power but the battery does not charge, the issue may involve the battery, charging circuit, or internal power supply system.

Isolate External Power Issue vs Device Issue

• If the alarm clears after moving to a known-good outlet, suspect the original outlet or power source.
• If the alarm clears after replacing the power cord, suspect the original cord.
• If the alarm remains despite known-good mains power and a secure cord, suspect an internal battery, charging, or power supply issue.

This step helps narrow the issue to external power, cord connection, or device-related failure.

Stop When Resolved

• If connecting to a verified mains power source clears the alarm and the machine charges normally, document the outlet, cord, and alarm behavior checked.
• Confirm the device is stable on mains power.
• Allow battery recharge according to department practice.
• Return the device to service only if normal operation is confirmed and no related power alarms remain.

If the Problem Persists

If BATTERY LOW continues after the Apollo is connected to a known-good mains outlet with a secure power cord, external and common power causes have been ruled out.

Persistent BATTERY LOW conditions may indicate a failed or aging UPS battery, a battery that is not accepting charge, an internal charging problem, an internal power supply issue, or a power detection problem.

The device should be removed from service, labeled Out of Service, and sent for repair or bench evaluation.

Do not continue using the machine for patient care if battery status is unresolved or if reliable mains operation cannot be confirmed.

Clinical Use Tip

Never troubleshoot on an active patient. Move the patient to a backup device first.

For a low-battery anesthesia machine, restore mains power, prepare manual ventilation with 100% O2, and transfer care to backup equipment if power stability is uncertain.

Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)

CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution

Complaint

What was reported by the clinical staff.

Example:
"Apollo anesthesia machine displayed BATTERY LOW alarm. Staff reported unit was operating with low UPS battery capacity."

Cause

What was observed during troubleshooting.

Example:
"Machine was found operating on battery power due to loss of reliable mains power. Outlet, power cord, and AC connection were checked."

Resolution

What action was taken.

Example:
"Connected unit to known-good mains power, verified AC power recognition, monitored battery charging behavior, and confirmed BATTERY LOW alarm cleared. Unit returned to service after normal operation was confirmed."

Helpful Details to Include (If Known)

• Alarm behavior
• Accessories swapped
• Power behavior
• Environmental factors
• Indicator lights
• Final device status

Final Thought

BATTERY LOW on a Drager Apollo is not just a convenience alarm. It means the anesthesia machine has limited remaining UPS battery support. Clinical Engineering troubleshooting should start with patient safety, restore mains power, verify the outlet and cord, and only move toward internal failure after simple external causes are ruled out. Clear CCR documentation helps show what was checked, what was found, and why the device was either returned to service or escalated.

That is successful troubleshooting.