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What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshoots charging failure or short runtime caused by power supply issues, poor connections, charging conditions, battery age, or suspected battery-system failure.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect the Patient and Maintain Therapy
If battery performance is unreliable during active therapy or transport, move the patient to another verified pump or ensure dependable AC operation according to clinical requirements.
Do not rely on a pump with uncertain battery runtime for transport or power-interruption protection.
Expected outcome: Patient therapy no longer depends on the questionable battery system.
2. Confirm the Battery Complaint
Determine whether the problem is:
- Battery does not charge
- Charging indicator does not appear
- Runtime is noticeably short
- Battery percentage changes unexpectedly
- Pump shuts down when disconnected from AC
- Battery appears to charge but does not retain energy
Expected outcome: The battery failure mode is clearly defined. If the issue is only an incorrect external connection and charging resumes normally, troubleshooting can stop after verification.
3. Verify AC Power Source
Confirm that the receptacle is energized and appropriate for use.
If needed, test the outlet or use a known-good verified outlet.
Expected outcome: Reliable AC power is available. If changing to a functional outlet restores charging, troubleshooting can stop.
4. Inspect the Approved Power Supply
Inspect the adapter, cord, strain relief, plug, and pump-side connector for:
- Cuts
- Fraying
- Bent contacts
- Loose fit
- Contamination
- Evidence of overheating
Do not use damaged power accessories.
Expected outcome: The power supply and connector are physically intact. If replacing a damaged external power accessory resolves charging, troubleshooting can stop.
5. Confirm Power Connection
Connect the approved power supply securely and observe the pump's charging or external-power indication.
Gently verify that ordinary connector movement does not interrupt charging.
Expected outcome: External power is recognized consistently. If reseating the connection resolves the issue and charging remains stable, troubleshooting can stop.
6. Compare With a Known-Good Power Supply
Where compatible and permitted, use a known-good approved power supply to determine whether the fault follows the adapter or remains with the pump.
Expected outcome: The pump charges normally with the known-good supply. If so, the original external power supply is the likely cause and troubleshooting can stop.
7. Allow Normal Charging Opportunity
If the battery was deeply discharged, allow the pump to remain connected to verified AC power under normal approved charging conditions.
Do not assume immediate full charge.
Expected outcome: Battery status increases normally over time. If charging proceeds normally and subsequent runtime is acceptable under approved testing, troubleshooting can stop.
8. Assess Battery Runtime
After appropriate charging, operate the pump using an approved bench setup while monitoring battery behavior.
Use facility or manufacturer-approved battery evaluation criteria rather than invented runtime thresholds.
Expected outcome: Battery operation remains stable for the approved evaluation. If runtime is inadequate, continue to escalation or qualified battery replacement procedures.
9. Perform Final Functional Verification
After correction or qualified battery service, verify:
- AC recognition
- Charging indication
- Battery operation
- Transition between AC and battery
- Startup and infusion function
- Alarm operation
Expected outcome: The pump operates reliably on both approved external power and battery. If all required checks pass, troubleshooting can stop and the device may be returned to service.
10. Escalate Persistent Battery Problems
If charging does not occur with verified AC power and a known-good approved adapter, or if runtime remains inadequate after proper charging, remove the device from service.
Do not open the pump or replace internal battery components unless trained and authorized under approved service procedures.
Expected outcome: A likely battery, charging-circuit, connector, or power-management problem is referred for service.
If the Problem Persists
External power, receptacle, adapter, and connector problems have been ruled out. Remaining causes may involve battery degradation, internal charging circuitry, battery communication, power-management components, or configuration.
The device should be:
- Removed from service
- Labeled Out of Service
- Sent for repair or bench evaluation
- Evaluated using appropriate manufacturer documentation and approved test equipment
- Repaired or have the battery replaced only by qualified personnel
Complete charging, battery-operation, and full functional verification before return to clinical service.
Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting and escalate is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Do not use a pump with uncertain battery capacity for patient transport, even if it appears normal while connected to AC power.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Nursing reported the Sapphire would not charge and shut down shortly after being disconnected from AC power."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found the external power adapter connector was damaged and intermittently losing contact."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Replaced the damaged approved power adapter and verified stable charging, battery operation, and normal pump function."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Charging indicator behavior
- Battery level at arrival
- AC outlet tested
- Power adapter condition
- Connector condition
- Known-good adapter result
- Battery behavior after charging
- AC-to-battery transition
- Unexpected shutdowns
- Final device status
Final Thought
Battery complaints should be separated into external-power, charging, and capacity problems. Verify the outlet and adapter first, then evaluate battery performance using approved methods before escalating internal power concerns.
That is successful troubleshooting.