IEC 60601-2-2

The particular standard for high-frequency surgical equipment and accessories. It covers output power against load (the power curve), HF leakage current, the neutral (return) electrode and its monitoring, and protection against unintended output. What engineers check at maintenance: output power at several loads against the manufacturer's curve with an ESU analyser; HF leakage within the standard's limit; the return electrode monitor alarming and stopping output when contact quality is lost; footswitch and activation tones. Most patient burns from electrosurgery happen at the return electrode or through alternate current paths, which is why the monitoring is tested every time.

A summary written by BMEssentia for learning, not the text of the standard. Always work from the current official edition and the manufacturer's instructions.