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What This Guide Helps With
This guide addresses the alarm “Power Off then On. Replace pump if alarm continues.” which indicates a system reset or internal malfunction that may interrupt infusion or cause unreliable operation.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Ensure Patient Safety First
- Stop the infusion immediately.
- Transfer therapy to a verified working infusion pump.
- Remove the affected pump from active patient use.
Verify the Reported Alarm and Behavior
- Power on the pump and confirm the exact alarm message appears.
- Observe when the alarm occurs (startup vs during infusion).
- Check for unexpected shutdowns or restarts.
Perform a Full Power Cycle
- Turn the pump OFF completely.
- Disconnect from AC power.
- Wait 10–15 seconds.
- Reconnect AC power and turn the pump ON.
Check AC Power Source and Cord
- Plug into a known working outlet.
- Inspect the AC power cord for damage or loose connections.
- Verify charging indicators behave normally.
Inspect Battery Operation
- Disconnect AC power and observe if the pump stays powered.
- Reconnect AC power and confirm charging resumes.
- Note any immediate shutdown or abnormal battery behavior.
Remove External Accessories
- Disconnect any secondary lines or accessories.
- Restart the pump with only essential components attached.
Attempt Basic Infusion Setup
- Load a known good administration set.
- Attempt to start a test infusion.
- Monitor for alarm recurrence.
If the Problem Persists
If the alarm returns after completing the above steps, external and common causes have been ruled out. This indicates a likely internal system malfunction.
- Remove the device from service
- Label as Out of Service
- Send for repair or bench evaluation
Clinical Use Tip
Never troubleshoot a pump experiencing power or reset alarms while connected to a patient. Always move the patient to a reliable backup device before proceeding.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Pump displayed ‘Power Off then On. Replace pump if alarm continues’ during infusion and stopped delivering medication."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Alarm persisted after power cycle and power checks, indicating internal malfunction."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Removed pump from service, labeled out of service, and sent for repair."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Alarm behavior
- Accessories swapped
- Power behavior
- Environmental factors
- Indicator lights
- Final device status
Final Thought
Power-related alarms should always be treated as high priority. Perform simple external checks first, but escalate quickly when the issue persists, as internal faults can compromise safe infusion delivery.
That is successful troubleshooting.