The manufacturer is allowed a decay of less than what percentage in 24 hours during the standing pressure test?

During the standing pressure test for medical gas systems, the manufacturer must ensure that the system maintains its integrity by allowing only a minimal percentage decay in pressure over a 24-hour period. This is critical for ensuring safety and reliability, as any significant drop in pressure may indicate leaks or other issues in the system.

The correct choice allows a decay of less than 1.0% in 24 hours. This stringent standard is in place to ensure that any potential issues are identified and addressed promptly, thereby safeguarding both the equipment and patients who rely on the medical gases for their treatments. A decay of less than 1.0% demonstrates an effective installation with no substantial leaks, ensuring that the system will operate as intended.

For other options, while a decay of 1.5%, 2%, or 3% might still indicate an acceptable performance in different contexts, they do not meet the rigorous standards set for medical gas systems, which prioritize maximum safety and reliability. Higher allowable decay percentages could lead to significant risks if leaks go unnoticed, impairing the timely delivery of critical medical gases.