Category 2 medical-surgical vacuum systems are permitted to be what configuration?

Category 2 medical-surgical vacuum systems are permitted to be simplex in configuration. Simplex systems consist of a single vacuum source serving the entire system. This design is straightforward and is typically sufficient for medical-surgical applications where the demand does not require redundancy or backup systems.

Using a simplex configuration allows for effective suction capabilities while simplifying maintenance and reducing the complexity of the system. In contrast, duplex systems, which include two interconnected vacuum sources for redundancy, and series configurations involving multiple sources, are generally not applicable in situations where a single source can adequately meet the medical demands. Additionally, the disconnected approach is not suitable for ensuring consistent and reliable vacuum performance in medical settings. Thus, simplex configurations best align with the requirements of Category 2 medical-surgical vacuum systems.