Medical Grade vs. Industrial Grade

While industrial computers prioritize ruggedness against dust and vibration, medical computers prioritize electrical safety and sterile washdowns.

The EN/IEC 60601-1 Standard

This standard governs the safety of medical electrical equipment. For a PC to be used in the "patient vicinity" (within 1.5 meters of the patient), it must meet strict galvanic isolation requirements to prevent fatal micro-shocks.

• Isolated I/O: USB and COM ports must be optically or galvanically isolated so power surges from attached equipment cannot reach the patient.
• Low Leakage Current: Power supplies must be specially designed to prevent current leakage to the chassis.
• Antimicrobial Housing: Enclosures are often treated with silver-ion coatings to inhibit bacterial growth.