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What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshoot unavailable battery-powered movement caused by charging problems, battery condition, power connections, or incorrect assumptions about installed backup capabilities.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Ensure Patient Safety and Confirm Backup Requirements
Determine whether the bed is occupied and whether loss of powered positioning affects patient care.
Do not intentionally disconnect AC power while a patient depends on powered bed movement.
Transfer the patient to another verified bed if the affected function is necessary for safe care.
Secure the unoccupied bed before testing.
Expected outcome: The patient is safe and battery operation can be evaluated without interrupting care.
2. Confirm Installed Battery Backup Capability
Verify the specific Secure II configuration and installed options using the equipment record and applicable manufacturer documentation.
Confirm which functions, if any, are designed to operate from battery power.
Do not assume all powered movements are supported during AC loss.
Expected outcome: The expected battery-supported functions are established.
3. Confirm the Reported Failure
Ask whether the problem occurred during an actual power interruption or a routine test.
Determine whether all supported battery functions failed or only one movement.
Record any available battery or charging indicators.
Expected outcome: The reported failure is distinguished from normal configuration limitations.
4. Inspect AC Power and Charging Conditions
Inspect the power cord and plug for damage.
Connect the bed to a verified appropriate outlet.
Check available charging indicators and allow charging according to the applicable manufacturer instructions.
Do not attempt to charge a battery associated with unusual heat, odor, swelling, or visible damage.
Expected outcome: The installed battery system receives normal charging power without abnormal conditions.
5. Check Controls and Lockouts
Verify that the intended movement operates normally on AC power.
Inspect applicable caregiver controls and lockouts.
Confirm that the requested movement is one of the functions supported by the installed backup system.
Expected outcome: Control or lockout problems are excluded before battery testing.
6. Inspect Accessible Battery-Related Components
If the battery or its connections are externally accessible through an approved service-access method, inspect for visible damage or loose connections.
Do not open battery packs, bypass protection circuitry, or disconnect internal wiring without authorized procedures.
Expected outcome: No visible battery damage or unsafe external condition is present.
7. Perform an Approved Battery Operation Test
With the bed unoccupied, perform the manufacturer-approved battery operation test using the appropriate setup.
Test only functions documented as battery-supported.
Observe whether the bed operates reliably and whether any warning indicators appear.
Do not infer battery capacity or runtime from a brief movement test.
Expected outcome: Supported functions operate under the specified battery test conditions.
8. Verify Normal AC Operation
Reconnect AC power and verify charging status.
Repeat the affected positioning functions.
If battery operation and charging pass all required checks, troubleshooting can stop.
Expected outcome: The bed operates normally on AC and meets applicable battery verification requirements.
If the Problem Persists
External power, charging conditions, controls, and installed capability have been verified.
Possible remaining causes include battery deterioration, charging circuitry, power distribution, or internal wiring.
Remove the bed from service, label it Out of Service, and arrange repair or bench evaluation using approved test equipment and Stryker service documentation.
Battery replacement or electrical repair must be performed by qualified personnel using approved parts and procedures.
Complete the required battery and powered movement tests before return to service.
Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Do not assume a bed can maintain powered positioning during transport or an outage without verifying the installed battery configuration.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Nursing reported that the battery-equipped Secure II bed would not operate its supported positioning function when AC power was disconnected."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found that the battery had not received adequate charging because the bed had been left disconnected from AC power."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Restored AC charging, completed the prescribed charging period, and verified the supported battery-operated movement using the approved test procedure."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Installed battery configuration
- Functions supported by battery
- AC power condition
- Charging indicator status
- Time disconnected from AC
- Visible battery condition
- Function tested
- Battery test results
- Abnormal heat or odor
- Final charging and movement verification
Final Thought
Battery troubleshooting begins by confirming what the installed bed is designed to support. Verify charging, controls, and external conditions before suspecting internal failure. Escalate failed battery tests and document the results before returning the bed to service.
That is successful troubleshooting.