What percentage indicates a pressure increase or decrease for area alarm panels in medical gas systems from normal operating pressure?

In medical gas systems, area alarm panels are designed to monitor the pressure within the system to ensure that it remains within safe and operational limits. The standard percentage that indicates a significant deviation from normal operating pressure is 20%. This range is critical because it helps to quickly identify potential leaks or failures within the system that could compromise patient safety.

When the system pressure deviates by 20% from the normal operating pressure, the alarm is triggered, alerting medical staff to investigate further. This threshold is chosen to provide a balance between responsiveness and minimizing false alarms, ensuring that any significant pressure changes are promptly addressed.

Using a lower percentage, such as 10% or 15%, might not adequately signal minor fluctuations in pressure that could occur naturally during system operation, while a higher percentage like 25% could delay response to critical changes. Hence, maintaining the alarm threshold at 20% allows for timely intervention while ensuring operational stability.