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Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Addresses battery charging or runtime problems caused by AC supply, connection, battery seating, battery condition, storage, or internal charging faults.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect the Patient and Maintain Reliable Power
Do not intentionally test questionable battery operation while a patient depends on the ventilator. Connect to reliable AC power and arrange alternate ventilation before battery troubleshooting. Expected outcome: Patient ventilation is protected from power interruption.
2. Confirm the Battery Symptom
Determine whether the battery is not recognized, does not charge, discharges quickly, or causes unexpected shutdown. Record battery and AC status indications. Expected outcome: The specific power complaint is identified.
3. Verify the AC Source
Confirm the power cord is fully connected and the outlet is known good. Inspect the cord, plug, and external power inlet. Expected outcome: Reliable AC power is present. If charging resumes, continue verification before return to service.
4. Allow Appropriate Charging
If the battery was deeply discharged or stored, allow a normal charging opportunity according to applicable manufacturer guidance. Expected outcome: Charge indication increases normally. No charging response warrants further troubleshooting.
5. Inspect Battery Condition
Where permitted through normal handling, inspect the battery for swelling, leakage, cracks, contamination, damaged contacts, or improper seating. Expected outcome: The battery is physically safe and properly installed. Damaged batteries are removed from service.
6. Reseat the Battery
Remove and reinstall the battery if allowed and while the ventilator is not supporting a patient. Expected outcome: The battery is recognized and begins charging normally.
7. Install a Known-Good Compatible Battery
Use a known-good approved battery. Expected outcome: Normal charging with the substitute identifies the original battery as defective. Failure with both batteries suggests a ventilator charging-system problem.
8. Verify Runtime
After sufficient charging, perform a controlled battery runtime evaluation under applicable department and manufacturer criteria. Expected outcome: Battery performance is acceptable and stable.
9. Verify AC-to-Battery Transition
During controlled testing, confirm the ventilator transitions appropriately between AC and battery operation without reset or unexpected shutdown. Expected outcome: Backup power operates reliably. Troubleshooting can stop after successful verification.
10. Escalate Persistent Charging Problems
If the Servo-air Lite will not charge or properly operate with a known-good battery and verified AC source, stop external troubleshooting. Expected outcome: The ventilator remains out of service for qualified power-system evaluation.
If the Problem Persists
Common outlet, cord, battery seating, and battery-condition causes have been ruled out. The remaining problem may involve charging electronics, internal power conversion, battery communication, wiring, or other service-level components. Remove the ventilator from service, label it Out of Service, and send it for bench evaluation using appropriate Getinge documentation and approved test equipment. Verify charging, battery runtime, power transition, alarms, ventilation, and pre-use functions following repair. Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Do not use a Servo-air Lite for transport when battery capacity or charging reliability has not been verified.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Respiratory Therapy reported that the Servo-air Lite battery showed little runtime despite being connected to AC power."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found the installed battery failed runtime testing while a known-good compatible battery operated normally."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering replaced the battery, verified normal charging and battery operation, completed functional testing, and returned the ventilator to service."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Battery status indication
- AC outlet result
- Power cord condition
- Battery physical condition
- Battery recognition
- Known-good battery result
- Runtime result
- Power transition result
- Final device status
Final Thought
Establish reliable patient power first, rule out the source and battery before suspecting the charging system, and verify backup operation before returning the ventilator to service. That is successful troubleshooting.