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Asset Type
Manufacturer
Model
Models Covered
Precision Medical PM and PMX 3000, 3100, 3300, 3400, and 3500 Vacuum Regulator families, plus PM3600 units when the exact Rev. 27 manual applies. The PM/PMX 3000 and 3500 families are continuous two-mode regulators; 3100 and 3600 families add LINE mode; and 3300 and 3400 families provide regulated/intermittent operation. Identify the complete model, suffix, gauge type/range, connection, and MR status before testing. Preset PS models use separate documentation and are not covered by the numeric test branches below.
Manual Reference
Precision Medical Vacuum Regulator User Manual, document 1949 Rev. 27; Precision Medical Recommended Testing for Verifying Device Performance, 2026, pages 13-16; and Precision Medical Vacuum Regulator Product Catalog, 2026. Use the latest exact-model document if the nameplate or configuration differs.
Manufacturer Recommendation / AEM Status
Precision Medical requires a visual inspection before each use and states not to use a damaged regulator. Its recommended performance-testing document leaves the test interval to the healthcare provider or dealer. The facility must therefore assign and justify the scheduled interval under its maintenance program; this procedure does not invent an OEM annual interval.
Perform the complete applicable performance test after repair, internal cleaning/decontamination, suspected inaccuracy, abnormal operation, or other service that could affect regulation. Use only the model-specific branch; do not apply PM3000/3100/3300/3400/3500 values to PM3600 or preset PS regulators.
What This PM Procedure Covers
- Exact model, suffix, gauge range/type, operating modes, connections, accessories, MR marking, service history, and contamination status
- Housing, gauge, labels, knobs, ports, fittings, filters/traps, battery-powered digital display, and leak-free connections
- OFF, REG, LINE, and INT operation only where the identified model provides those modes
- OEM gauge checks at 60, 140, and model-specific 200 mmHg points
- PM/PMX 3500 and 3400 maximum-vacuum limiting and PM/PMX 3300/3400 intermittent timing
- Cleaning status, final restoration, pass/fail, and CMMS documentation
Required Tools and Equipment
- Current Precision Medical manual and Recommended Testing sheet for the exact model
- Medical vacuum source capable of at least 21 inHg at 100 L/min for the published PM/PMX 3000-3500 tests
- Calibrated vacuum reference gauge covering the unit's full range with accuracy sufficient to verify the OEM tolerance
- Correct vacuum-source and patient-port fittings, tubing, caps, adapters, and leak-free connections
- Stopwatch for PM/PMX 3300 and 3400 intermittent-cycle testing
- Approved exterior disinfectant wipes, paper towels, gloves, and facility biohazard supplies
- Replacement digital-gauge battery, filter, trap, or approved repair kit only when required by the exact model manual
Step-by-Step PM Procedure
1. Identify the Exact Regulator
Action: Record asset tag, complete model and suffix, serial number, PM/PMX/PS family, analog/digital/dual gauge, full-scale range, mode labels, source and patient connections, color/application, accessories, and MR Conditional marking. Compare the unit to the current model-specific manual.
Expected outcome: The regulator and CMMS record agree, and the correct test branch and full-scale tolerance are known. Stop if the unit is a preset PS model or another configuration not covered by the available procedure.
2. Review History and Control Contamination
Action: Review reports of weak/no suction, unstable setting, inaccurate/stuck gauge, leaks, fluid ingress, damaged controls, prior repair, and decontamination. Treat suspected internal contamination under facility biohazard policy. Do not ship an internally contaminated unit to Precision Medical or place it on a normal bench.
Expected outcome: Service history and contamination status are documented, and contaminated equipment is isolated through the approved workflow.
3. Clean and Dry the Exterior
Action: Disconnect all gas connections and accessories. Remove visible soil from exterior surfaces, seams, and recesses using the current approved wipe. With the Rev. 27 method, use a second Super Sani-Cloth wipe to keep surfaces wet for four minutes, then air dry completely. Never autoclave or immerse the regulator.
Expected outcome: The exterior is visibly clean, fully dry, and free of residue or fluid entry. Internal flushing is not routine PM and is performed only under the exact OEM decontamination procedure and facility policy; never use INT mode for cleaning.
4. Inspect Housing, Labels, Gauge, and Connections
Action: Inspect the case, backplate, gauge lens/display, pointer, labels, selector, regulator knob, mounting connection, patient port, threads, seals, filters, traps, tubing, and accessories. Look for cracks, impact, corrosion, contamination, missing/illegible labels, loose fittings, bent connections, blocked ports, heat or chemical damage, and battery leakage.
Expected outcome: All parts are complete, legible, secure, unobstructed, and appropriate for the model. Remove damaged or contaminated equipment from service.
5. Verify Gauge Zero and Control Movement
Action: With the regulator disconnected and at atmospheric pressure, confirm the gauge returns to zero. Move the selector through its labeled positions and the regulating knob through its usable travel without forcing beyond resistance. For a dual gauge, verify both analog and digital indications operate independently; assess the digital battery/display as applicable.
Expected outcome: The pointer/display returns to zero, controls move smoothly and positively, and no sticking, looseness, dead display, or unintended vacuum indication exists.
6. Connect the Test Setup
Action: Confirm the test source can provide at least 21 inHg at 100 L/min for the OEM PM/PMX 3000-3500 tests. Place the regulator in OFF, connect it to the source, connect the calibrated reference gauge at the tested port as directed by the OEM sheet, and verify all connections are tight and leak-free. Keep MR Conditional units outside the controlled MR environment unless every item in the setup is approved for that zone.
Expected outcome: The setup is stable, correctly connected, and appropriate for the regulator and environment.
7. Verify OFF and REG Operation
Action: Confirm OFF produces no vacuum at the patient port. Select REG, turn the regulating knob clockwise and counterclockwise, and verify the regulator gauge travels smoothly toward full vacuum and back toward zero in direct correlation with knob movement. Do not force the knob after resistance is felt.
Expected outcome: OFF isolates vacuum, REG provides smooth adjustable vacuum, and the gauge/control response has no jump, lag, drift, or sticking.
8. Verify PM/PMX 3000 and 3500 Accuracy
Action: For PM/PMX 3000 or 3500 only, compare the regulator gauge to the calibrated reference at 60 and 140 mmHg. Each point must be within ±5% of full scale. For PM/PMX 3000 only, repeat at 200 mmHg. For PM/PMX 3500 only, turn fully clockwise and verify maximum vacuum is 170 ±10 mmHg.
Expected outcome: Every applicable accuracy point and the 3500 limiting value meet the exact OEM acceptance criterion.
9. Verify PM/PMX 3100 Accuracy and LINE Mode
Action: For PM/PMX 3100 only, compare at 60, 140, and 200 mmHg; each point must be within ±5% of full scale. Briefly select LINE and verify it provides direct source vacuum independent of the regulator knob, then return to OFF. Never treat LINE as regulated vacuum.
Expected outcome: All three accuracy points pass, LINE provides source vacuum, and OFF removes vacuum.
10. Verify PM/PMX 3300 Accuracy and Intermittent Timing
Action: For PM/PMX 3300 only, compare at 60, 140, and 200 mmHg; each point must be within ±5% of full scale. Disconnect the reference gauge as the OEM sheet directs, set REG to 180 mmHg, select INT, and time the cycle. The timing module must engage after 6-10 seconds; when ON, the gauge must return to 180 mmHg and remain steady for 14-18 seconds.
Expected outcome: Gauge accuracy passes and intermittent OFF/ON behavior meets both timing windows without unstable vacuum.
11. Verify PM/PMX 3400 Accuracy, Limit, and Timing
Action: For PM/PMX 3400 only, compare at 60 and 140 mmHg; each point must be within ±5% of full scale. Verify fully clockwise maximum vacuum is 170 ±10 mmHg. Disconnect the reference gauge as directed, set REG to 120 mmHg, select INT, and verify engagement after 6-10 seconds and a steady 120 mmHg ON phase lasting 14-18 seconds.
Expected outcome: Accuracy, pediatric vacuum limiting, and both intermittent timing windows pass.
12. Verify PM3600 Only With Its Exact Procedure
Action: For a PM3600, verify OFF, REG, and LINE operation and compare its 0-760 mmHg gauge against a calibrated reference using the exact current manual and facility-defined points. Rev. 27 specifies analog accuracy of ±5% of maximum and digital-display accuracy of ±1% of full scale, but the 2026 Recommended Testing sheet does not publish the lower-range 3000-3500 bench sequence for PM3600. Do not reuse those points as an OEM procedure.
Expected outcome: The PM3600 passes the documented exact-model procedure and applicable gauge specification, or remains out of service until such a procedure is available.
13. Check Stability, Leak-Free Connections, and Accessories
Action: Hold representative regulated settings long enough to detect drift, leakage, hissing, or unstable indication. Inspect the collection container interface, overflow protection, fluid trap, hydrophobic/micro-bacterial filter, PMX900 filtered trap, and retrofit adapter when equipped. Confirm the regulator itself is not relied upon for fluid-ingress protection.
Expected outcome: Settings remain stable, connections are leak-free, and required protective accessories are complete, clean, correctly oriented, and serviceable.
14. Restore and Document
Action: Return the selector to OFF, disconnect the test source safely, reinstall approved accessories, replace only authorized parts, and complete a final zero, control, label, and cleanliness check. Record the reference gauge ID/calibration status, source capability, full-scale range, every reading, tolerance calculation, timing, parts, corrective action, and disposition.
Expected outcome: The regulator is fully assembled, clean, in OFF, traceable, and either returned to service or clearly quarantined.
Electrical Safety Testing
Not applicable to these wall-vacuum-powered regulators. They have no AC mains connection or patient electrical applied part. A battery-powered digital gauge does not require line-power leakage or protective-earth testing. Inspect the digital display and battery compartment for operation, corrosion, leakage, or damage and follow the exact model manual for battery replacement. Document electrical safety as N/A - pneumatic device, not as a passed leakage-current test.
Pass / Fail Criteria
Pass
- Exact model, suffix, range, gauge type, operating modes, connections, MR status, and applicable procedure are documented
- Regulator is clean, dry, uncontaminated, undamaged, fully labeled, mechanically secure, and returns to zero
- OFF, REG, and model-specific LINE or INT modes operate correctly without sticking, leakage, drift, or unstable indication
- All applicable 60/140/200 mmHg checks are within ±5% of full scale
- PM/PMX 3500 and 3400 maximum vacuum is 170 ±10 mmHg
- PM/PMX 3300 at 180 mmHg and 3400 at 120 mmHg engage after 6-10 seconds and remain ON steadily for 14-18 seconds
- Accessories and protective filters/traps are complete, and all readings and test-equipment data are documented
Remove From Service
- Internal contamination, physical damage, missing/illegible labeling, blocked port, loose connection, battery leakage, or unapproved MR condition exists
- Gauge fails to zero, sticks, is inaccurate, has a dead/unstable display, or fails an applicable OEM tolerance
- OFF leaks vacuum, REG cannot regulate smoothly, LINE/INT operates incorrectly, or a setting drifts or hisses
- Pediatric maximum-vacuum limiting or intermittent timing fails
- The exact model-specific procedure cannot be established, including unsupported PM/PMX 3600 or preset PS testing
Copy/Paste CMMS Work Order Procedure
Use the exact current Precision Medical documentation for the complete model and suffix. Do not use a damaged or internally contaminated regulator, do not autoclave or immerse it, do not clean through INT mode, and do not substitute one model family's limits for another.