Electrical Safety Features-
A number of Electrical Safety features of the design of X-ray sets are primarily for safety and should be summarised briefly.
The Tube Housing-
As already indicated in previous blogs, this provides a totally enclosing metallic shield that can be firmly earthed thereby contributing to electrical safety.
High Tension Cables-
High tension cables are constructed so that they can operate up to potentials of at least 150 kV. Since the outermost casing metal braid of the cable must be at earth potential for safety, a construction of multiple coaxial layers of rubber and other insulators must be used to provide adequate resistance between the innermost conducting core and the outside to prevent current flow across the cable. It is essential that high tension cables are not twisted or distorted in any other manner that might result in breakdown of the insulation. They must not be load bearing.
Electrical Circuits-
These are designed in such a way that the control panel and all meters on the control panel are at earth potential. Nevertheless, it is important to appreciate that many parts of the equipment are at very high potential and the following simple precautions should be observed.
• Ensure that equipment is installed and maintained regularly by competent
technicians.
• Record and report to the service engineer any evidence of excessive mechanical
wear, especially to electrical cables, plugs and sockets.
• Similarly, report any equipment malfunction.
• Adopt all other safety procedures that are standard when working with electrical
equipment.
