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What This Guide Helps With
Use this guide when an installed or associated backup battery does not charge, maintain expected operation, or support its intended backup function.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect the Patient and Verify the System's Intended Power Configuration
Do not depend on a questionable battery or backup-power function during an active procedure. Confirm whether the specific DiamondTemp configuration includes an installed or associated battery-backed function before proceeding.
Expected outcome: The patient is supported by reliable AC power or an approved alternative, and the actual battery-backed configuration is identified.
2. Confirm the Exact Battery Complaint
Determine whether the battery does not indicate charging, loses charge rapidly, fails during an AC interruption, or generates a battery-related message. Record the exact indication.
Expected outcome: The battery problem is clearly characterized rather than assumed from normal AC-powered behavior.
3. Verify AC Input
Inspect the generator power cord and confirm the approved AC outlet is functioning. A battery cannot be properly evaluated if the system is not receiving reliable charging power.
Expected outcome: Stable AC power is present. If restoring AC input restores normal charging indication, continue to verification.
4. Inspect Accessible Battery-Related Connections
Where the system design provides externally accessible battery or backup-power connections, inspect them for looseness, physical damage, contamination, or incomplete seating. Do not open battery compartments requiring unauthorized disassembly.
Expected outcome: Accessible battery-related connections are secure and undamaged.
5. Allow Charging Under Approved Conditions
Connect the unit to verified AC power and allow charging according to current manufacturer guidance. Do not invent a charging duration or expected runtime.
Expected outcome: The system indicates normal charging or reaches the manufacturer-defined charged condition.
6. Check for Battery Age or Service History
Review maintenance records for previous battery replacement, charging complaints, storage history, or prolonged periods disconnected from AC power where relevant.
Expected outcome: Service history helps identify whether battery degradation is plausible without assuming it is the only cause.
7. Perform an Approved Battery Test
If the manufacturer provides an approved battery or backup-power verification procedure, perform it with the required test equipment and criteria.
Expected outcome: The battery-backed function meets manufacturer requirements. If it passes, troubleshooting can stop after final verification.
8. Replace Only Approved User-Serviceable Battery Components
If the battery is designated for replacement by qualified Clinical Engineering personnel and fails approved testing, install the approved replacement according to current manufacturer documentation.
Expected outcome: Charging and backup operation are restored and verified. Do not replace internal battery assemblies beyond authorized service scope.
9. Verify Charging and Backup Function After Correction
Confirm normal AC operation, charging indication, battery status, and manufacturer-specified backup functionality.
Expected outcome: The system passes required power and battery checks and is suitable for return to service.
10. Escalate Persistent Battery or Charging Failure
If AC power is correct and an approved battery or backup source still will not charge or pass testing, remove the device from service as appropriate to its intended safety function.
Expected outcome: The unit is sent for qualified service evaluation.
If the Problem Persists
Verified AC supply, accessible connections, and approved battery testing have ruled out common external causes. Remaining possibilities include charging circuitry, battery monitoring, internal power distribution, battery hardware not serviceable at the Clinical Engineering level, or another service-level fault.
Remove the device from service when the failed battery function affects safe operation, label it Out of Service, and send it for bench or manufacturer evaluation. Use approved service documentation and test equipment. Internal repair should be performed only by qualified personnel.
After service, verify AC operation, charging, backup functionality, and any required safety checks before return to use. Recognizing the limits of battery troubleshooting is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Do not assume a generator can safely support a procedure through a power interruption unless its intended backup-power function has been verified.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Clinical staff reported that the DiamondTemp system displayed a battery-related condition and did not appear to maintain its backup-power function."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found the unit was connected to an outlet that was not providing AC power, preventing normal charging."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering moved the system to a verified approved AC source and confirmed normal charging indication and battery-function verification."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Exact battery indication or message
- Whether the configuration includes battery backup
- AC power status
- Outlet verification
- Power-cord condition
- Battery service history
- Charging indication
- Approved battery-test result
- Results before and after correction
- Final device status
Final Thought
First establish whether the configuration actually uses a battery-backed function, protect the patient from unreliable backup power, verify AC and external causes before replacing components, use approved battery testing, and document the final verified condition.
That is successful troubleshooting.