Area alarms shall be tested to verify an alarm condition if the pressure in the piping system increases or decreases by what percentage?

Area alarms are designed to alert personnel of potentially hazardous conditions in medical gas systems, particularly when there are significant changes in pressure that could indicate a malfunction or unsafe situation. The standard testing criteria dictate that alarms must be activated when there is a 20% increase or decrease in pressure within the piping system. This threshold is critical because a change of this magnitude can significantly affect the delivery and effectiveness of medical gases, which need to remain within specified pressure ranges for safe operation.

By confirming alarms at these levels, facilities ensure they are proactive in maintaining safety and compliance with regulatory standards. Testing at a 20% threshold strikes a balance – it is sensitive enough to detect significant pressure changes that could lead to patient safety issues, while also being appropriate for the operational range of typical medical gas systems.