Electrical Testing in Care Homes: Care Beds, Lifters, Medical Devices

Why care homes have particularly high testing obligations

Care homes are among the facilities with the highest density of electrical devices subject to mandatory testing. From electrically adjustable care beds to patient lifters, blood pressure monitors and infusion pumps — a typical care home contains 50 to over 200 devices requiring regular testing. Each one is subject to statutory testing regulations.

As an operator, you bear full responsibility for the safety of residents and nursing staff. Regular testing is not only a legal obligation but also protects against liability risks and ensures smooth daily operations.

Which devices are tested in a care home?

Care facilities contain numerous device types that must be tested regularly:

• Care beds (electrically adjustable) — the most common device, often 50–150 units per facility
• Patient lifters — ceiling and mobile lifters with electric drives
• Blood pressure monitors — multiple units on every ward
• Blood glucose meters — essential for diabetic residents
• Inhalation devices — for residents with respiratory conditions
• Suction devices — for the care of tracheotomised residents
• Infusion pumps — for parenteral nutrition and medication delivery
• Infrared lamps — for pain therapy and wound treatment

Additional devices such as alternating pressure mattresses with compressors, oxygen concentrators, electric wheelchairs and therapy devices are also common. The actual device inventory depends on the range of care services your facility provides.

Legal basis: MPBetreibV, DGUV V3 and DIN EN 62353

Several legal frameworks apply to device testing in care homes:

MPBetreibV (Medical Devices Operator Ordinance)

The MPBetreibV governs the operation of medical devices. Relevant provisions for care homes:

• ✓ Section 4 General requirements: Devices may only be operated if they are properly maintained
• ✓ Section 7 Maintenance: A safety test is mandatory after every repair
• ✓ Section 11 STK: Safety technical inspections for Annex 1 devices every 2 years

DGUV Vorschrift 3

The accident prevention regulation of the German Social Accident Insurance obliges every employer to have all electrical equipment tested regularly. This applies without exception to care facilities as well — regardless of whether a device is a medical product or not.

DIN EN 62353 and DIN VDE 0751

DIN EN 62353 (VDE 0751-1) is the authoritative testing standard for medical electrical equipment. It defines the testing procedure including visual inspection, electrical measurements (protective earth resistance, equivalent leakage current, touch current, patient leakage current) and functional testing.

Special considerations when testing care beds

Electrically adjustable care beds are by far the most common device subject to mandatory testing in care homes. The following aspects receive particular attention during testing:

• ✓ Electrical safety: Protective earth resistance, insulation resistance, leakage currents according to DIN EN 62353
• ✓ Earthing and equipotential bonding: Correct earthing of all conductive parts that can be touched
• ✓ Adjustment mechanism: Function of the electric adjustment (head section, foot section, height), limit switches
• ✓ Pinch hazard: Inspection of gaps and clearances at moving parts — a frequently underestimated risk
• ✓ Cables and hand controller: Condition of the mains cable, hand controller and connecting leads
• ✓ Visual inspection: Housing, side rails, castors and locking brakes

Insurance obligation: the BG requires documentation

The German Social Accident Insurance for Healthcare and Welfare Services (BGW) requires proof of regular testing of all electrical equipment. In the event of damage — such as an electrical accident involving a resident or employee — the BGW first checks whether testing obligations have been met.

If testing documentation is missing, the BGW may:

• ✓ File recourse claims against the facility management
• ✓ Impose fines under DGUV Vorschrift 3
• ✓ Limit insurance coverage in cases of gross negligence

On-site testing procedure in a care home

We have tailored our testing procedure specifically to the needs of care facilities:

1. Preliminary inventory

Before the testing appointment, we compile a list of all devices subject to mandatory testing together with your facility management or maintenance team. Ideally, an inventory register per Section 13 MPBetreibV is already available. If not, we create one as part of the initial inspection.

2. Room-by-room testing

Testing is carried out systematically room by room, ward by ward. This ensures every device is captured while minimising disruption to residents' daily routines. Testing a single care bed typically takes 10–15 minutes.

3. Test report and documentation

Each tested device receives an individual test report with all measured values, assessments and the next testing date. You also receive a complete overview of all devices — ideal for the medical device log and BGW documentation.

Consequences when defects are found

When defects are identified during testing, clear rules apply:

In the case of safety-critical defects, the device must be taken out of service immediately. Recommissioning is only permitted after successful repair and subsequent safety testing per Section 7 MPBetreibV. We also offer retrofitting or replacement of defective devices.

Maintenance contract: predictable costs, no missed deadlines

With a device count of 50 to over 200 devices, it is virtually impossible to manually keep track of all testing deadlines. A maintenance contract offers decisive advantages:

• ✓ Automatic reminders: We contact you in good time before testing deadlines expire
• ✓ Predictable costs: Fixed annual fee instead of unexpected individual invoices
• ✓ Seamless documentation: All test reports in one place, BGW-compliant
• ✓ Priority repairs: Contract customers receive preferred appointments

Our range of services for care homes

Elektrotechnik Driller offers care facilities a comprehensive testing package:

• ✓ DGUV V3 / DIN EN 62353 testing of all medical devices
• ✓ STK for Annex 1 devices (e.g. infusion pumps, suction devices)
• ✓ Creation and maintenance of the inventory register
• ✓ Test reports for the medical device log
• ✓ On-site repair of defective devices (where possible)
• ✓ Digital device management solution for seamless administration