IEC 60601-1-8 Auditory Alarm Signals vs Auditory Pointers

[lpravato]

Hi all

I was hoping someone could provide some input on the different timing requirements for alarm signals vs alarm pointers.

We have some software that was using the urgency encoded alarm signals (section 1.1) from this site: th.id.au/alarms/. After some external validation testing, it was reported that the timing between pulses in the high priority alarm with not in compliance with table 3 in clause 6.3.3.1.

After some investigation I uncovered the alarm pointers provided in annex G of amendment 2. However, table G.1 and G.2 have a different set of timing requirements for the pointers vs the alarms. This is confusing!

What is the differentiator between an auditory alarm signal vs an auditory pointer? If we were to use the standard-proved pointers as alarm signals, they would meet the requirements for the pointer timing but they would not be compliance with the timing requirements for the alarm signal timing.

 

[Al_Z1]

First of all, alarm signals from ISO IEC 60601-1-8 Alarm Sounds are outdated. Alarm signlas from p.4 from this site were base signals for 2020 update of IEC 60601-1-8. As I remember, their author Judy Edworthy even answered some questions here on Elsmar forum.
Secondly, according to p. G.1 of annex G, high priority alarm should consist of auditory pointer, compliant to G.2 and auditory icon, compliant to G.3 or auditory alarm signal, compliant to G.5.
In turn, auditory pointer, compliant to G.2, should be in compliance with tables G.1 and G.2, or compliant to table G.3.
Also, auditory icon, compliant to G.3, should be chosen from tables G.4 or G.5, or should fall into G.4 table 1st column type (category) and be validated according to annex H, or should be categorised by manufacturer (instead of G.4 table categories) and still be validated according to annex H.
So, first you have to choose from 2 options - you use auditory pointer+auditory icon or you use auditory signal according to G.5.
If you chose 2nd option, than it is finished)).
if you chose first option, than you have to define both pointer and icon requirements.
For pointer you again have to chose compliance to both G.1 and G.2 tables (bursts and pulses) or G.3 table (sample file).
For icon you have to chose compliance to table G.4 (samples of icons divided into categories) or G.5 (samples of pointer+icon, also divided into the same categories) or you can implement and validate your own icon signals using standard defined category or creating your own category.
Hope, that helps.

 

[lpravato]

Thank you for your response! I have a few follow up questions:

1. Based on the 2020 amendment, am I correct in my understanding that you can have an alarm signal that complies with tables 3 and 4 of section 6.3.3.1 OR you can use a alarm signal that is in compliance with Annex G? That is my main source of confusion I think.
2. Am I correct in my interpretations of clause G.1:
   1. In G.1 part a) it seems to say you can
      1. create your own pointer + icon that must comply with clauses G.2 and G.3
      2. OR use the signals provided in the standard (table G.5)
   2. In G.1. part b) it says you are allowed to use a pointer without an icon (namely the ones provided in G3). So G.1 a) is optional?

 

[*KLxGray]

Thank you for your response! I have a few follow up questions:

1. Based on the 2020 amendment, am I correct in my understanding that you can have an alarm signal that complies with tables 3 and 4 of section 6.3.3.1 OR you can use a alarm signal that is in compliance with Annex G? That is my main source of confusion I think.
2. Am I correct in my interpretations of clause G.1:
   1. In G.1 part a) it seems to say you can
      1. create your own pointer + icon that must comply with clauses G.2 and G.3
      2. OR use the signals provided in the standard (table G.5)
   2. In G.1. part b) it says you are allowed to use a pointer without an icon (namely the ones provided in G3). So G.1 a) is optional?

1. You are right, it is cleared in 6.3.3.1 d)
2. Annex G provides those ways:
1. Customized pointer Tables G.1+G.2 & Given icon Table G.4
2. Customized pointer Tables G.1+G.2 & Validated customized icon
3. Given pointer Table G.3 & Given icon Table G.4 (Combination also given in G.5)
4. Given pointer Table G.3 & Validated customized icon
5. Given pointer Table G.3 & No icon (Typically for the general category)