The Difference Between Master and Area Alarms

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Medical gas is a lifesaving component of all healthcare facilities. It includes oxygen, anesthetic gases, and other critical gases that assist healthcare providers in treating their patients. With such a crucial role, they must be monitored constantly to ensure the facility does not run short of medical gas or put its patients at risk.

The Difference Between Master and Area Alarms

The best way to monitor medical gas is by using master and area alarms. These systems work together to maximize their efficiency. They are most commonly found in larger healthcare facilities, although they can work just as well in smaller ones.

But what is the difference between master and area alarms? Well, the primary difference is in the zones they operate in. Medical gas master alarms are used to monitor medical gas source equipment such as vacuum systems, manifolds, and compressors. They usually consist of a primary alarm panel connected to the source equipment. Qualified personnel monitor this panel continuously to ensure no issue goes undetected.

On the other hand, medical gas area alarms are installed in specific areas of the healthcare facility that receive medical gas. These areas include operating rooms and patient rooms. Whenever there is a gas issue at the point of use, the area alarm alerts the healthcare staff inside the room. Thus, they don’t usually need too much specialized training to be used.

Despite their primary differences, master and area alarms work exceptionally well together. They can detect medical gas issues at both the source and point of use. As a result, they maximize the safety of healthcare facilities and their patients. At Pure-Line Plumbing, we are Med Gas certified and have over 25 years of experience in installing and maintaining medical gas alarm systems. Contact us today to learn more.