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Asset Type
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Power loss, failure to turn on, unexpected shutdowns, or battery not charging due to external power, cable, or battery-related issues.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Ensure Patient Safety First
- If the monitor is in use, immediately confirm continuous patient monitoring on an alternate device before proceeding.
- Expected: Patient monitoring remains uninterrupted.
- Why it matters: Loss of monitoring can delay recognition of critical patient changes.
Verify Power Status and Indicators
- Check if the monitor is completely off, intermittently shutting down, or showing low battery indicators.
- Observe:
- Power LED status
- Battery icon (if unit powers briefly)
- Any alarms related to power
- Expected: Clear understanding of whether this is total power loss or battery-specific issue.
- Why it matters: Helps separate AC power failure from battery failure.
Check AC Power Cord and Connections
- Inspect the power cord at both ends.
- Actions:
- Ensure cord is firmly seated in the monitor
- Ensure plug is fully inserted into the wall outlet
- Look for damaged or frayed cable
- Expected: Secure and intact connection.
- Why it matters: Loose or damaged cords are a common cause of power loss.
Test Wall Outlet
- Plug another known working device into the same outlet.
- Expected: Outlet provides power.
- Why it matters: Rules out facility power issues before focusing on the device.
Verify Power Source Configuration (if applicable)
- If using a power strip, UPS, or boom outlet:
- Actions:
- Confirm the strip/UPS is powered on
- Bypass it by plugging directly into wall power
- Expected: Stable AC power source.
- Why it matters: Intermediate devices can fail or trip without obvious indication.
Check Battery Charging Behavior
- Reconnect AC power and observe battery indicators.
- Observe:
- Charging icon or indicator
- Battery percentage increasing over time
- Any battery-related alarms
- Expected: Battery begins charging when AC power is applied.
- Why it matters: Confirms charging circuit functionality.
Perform a Power Cycle
- Disconnect AC power, remove battery if accessible (external), wait 30 seconds, then reconnect and power on.
- Expected: Device powers on normally.
- Why it matters: Clears temporary faults or power management errors.
Inspect for Heat, Odor, or Noise
- Check for:
- Burning smell
- Excessive heat near power inlet
- Unusual sounds from power supply area
- Expected: No abnormal physical signs.
- Why it matters: Indicates potential internal power supply failure requiring immediate removal from service.
Test with Known Good Power Cord (if available)
- Swap with a compatible, known working power cord.
- Expected: Device powers normally if original cord was faulty.
- Why it matters: Quickly isolates cord vs internal issue.
Evaluate Battery Condition
- If the unit only works on AC but not battery:
- Observe:
- Rapid battery drain
- Failure to hold charge
- Battery age (if known)
- Expected: Battery should support operation when unplugged.
- Why it matters: Batteries degrade over time and may no longer hold charge.
If the Problem Persists
If all external power sources, cords, and battery conditions have been verified, the issue is likely internal (power supply module or charging circuitry).
Remove the device from service, label it Out of Service, and send for repair or bench evaluation.
Knowing when to stop prevents unnecessary risk and reflects proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Never troubleshoot power issues while the monitor is actively connected to a patient. Always transition monitoring to a safe alternative device first.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Monitor would not power on and shut down when unplugged."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Failed internal battery not holding charge."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Replaced battery and verified normal operation on AC and battery power."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Outlet tested and confirmed working
- Power cord inspected/swapped
- Battery charging behavior observed
- Any power-related alarms noted
- Presence of heat, odor, or noise
- Final device status (operational or sent for repair)
Final Thought
Power-related issues should always be approached from the outside in—starting with the simplest causes like outlets and cords before considering internal failure. Patient safety remains the priority, and clear documentation ensures accurate tracking and future reliability.
That is successful troubleshooting.