Articulated Test Probe of UL 1993 Figure 9.3

The UL 1993 Figure 9.3 Articulate Test Probe is a critical safety tool tailored for medical electrical equipment—like infusion pumps, patient monitors, and ultrasound machines. It mimics human finger movement via a flexible articulated design, using a 25.4mm stainless steel test finger to navigate tight gaps (e.g., device chassis seams or control panel slots) and detect accessible hazardous live parts or hot components. The probe features a 12.7mm rounded head (to avoid damaging delicate medical gear) and an insulated nylon handle for operator safety, with a 31.75mm tail diameter that prevents over-insertion. Applying a gentle 10N thrust to simulate accidental contact, it strictly complies with global medical safety standards, making it essential for validating device safety.

Standards:

Specifications:
Tool Type: Articulate Test Probe (UL 1993 Figure 9.3; for hazardous part accessibility testing in medical electrical equipment)
Test Finger Material: Stainless steel (resistance ≤ 0.1Ω; corrosion-resistant; smooth finish to protect medical device surfaces)
Handle Material: Insulated nylon (resistance ≥ 100MΩ; heat-resistant up to 110°C; ergonomic non-slip grip for precision)
Key Dimensions:
– Test Finger Diameter: 25.4mm (1 inch) ± 0.1mm
– Test Finger Length: 101.6mm (4 inches) ± 0.2mm
– Head Radius: R12.7mm (0.5 inch) ± 0.05mm
– Tail Diameter: 31.75mm (1.25 inches) ± 0.2mm
– Total Length (Probe + Handle): 320mm ± 0.5mm
Joint Characteristics: Articulated design; max bending angle: 90° ± 10° (single plane/direction); maintains flexibility under 10N thrust
Applied Thrust: 10N ± 0.5N (simulates gentle accidental contact; aligns with medical device safety requirements)
Core Function: Detects accessible hazardous live/hot parts in medical equipment; mimics human finger movement; ensures compliance with global medical safety standards

Test Procedures:
1. Inspect the probe for loose joints, bent fingers, cracked insulation, or surface scratches; confirm conductivity with a test tool.
2. Power on the medical device under test (EUT, e.g., a patient monitor) and set it to normal operating mode.
3. Hold the nylon handle, use the articulated joint to guide the 25.4mm finger into EUT gaps (chassis seams, control slots).
4. Apply steady 10N thrust—stop if resistance blocks insertion or the probe’s tail touches the EUT.
5. Check the connected live-part detector for signals (indicating contact with hazardous parts).
6. Record results: Pass if no contact; Fail if the probe reaches dangerous components.

Applications:
1. Testing access to live circuits in infusion pump casings (per UL 1993:2023 Figure 9.3) to prevent electric shock to patients or staff.
2. Verifying control panel gaps in patient monitors (compliant with CSA C22.2 No. 1993:2023) to block contact with internal wiring.
3. Safety checks for ultrasound machine transducer ports (per IEC 61032:2017 Figure 2) to avoid exposure to hot components.
4. Quality control for blood glucose meter casings during manufacturing, ensuring UL 1993 compliance.
5. Post-production testing of medical centrifuges to meet global medical electrical equipment safety rules.

Articulated Test Probe of UL 1993 Figure 9.3