Correcting Malfunctions
6-8 Force FX-8C Service Manual
Footswitch will not
activate output
Malfunctioning or damaged footswitch
receptacle
Replace the Footswitch board. Refer to Footswitch Board
Replacement in Section 7.
Footswitch activation signal lost on
Control board
Replace the Control board. Refer to Control Board
Replacement in Section 7.
Continuous monitor
interference
Faulty chassis-to-ground connections Check and correct the chassis ground connections for
the monitor and, if applicable, for the generator.
Check other electrical equipment in the room for
defective grounds.
Electrical equipment is grounded to
different objects rather than a common
ground. The generator may respond to the
resulting voltage differences between
grounded objects.
Plug all electrical equipment into line power at the same
location.
Malfunctioning monitor Replace the monitor.
Interference with other
devices only when
generator is activated
Metal-to-metal sparking Check all connections to the generator, patient return
electrode, and accessories.
High settings used for fulguration Use lower power settings for fulguration or select the
Desiccate mode.
Electrically inconsistent ground wires in
the operating room
Verify that all ground wires are as short as possible and
go to the same grounded metal.
If interference continues when the
generator is activated, the monitor is
responding to radiated frequencies.
Check with the manufacturer of the monitor.
Some manufacturers offer RF choke filters for use in
monitor leads. The filters reduce interference when the
generator is activated and minimize the potential for an
electrosurgical burn at the site of the monitor electrode.
Pacemaker interference Intermittent connections or metal-to-metal
sparking
Check all connections to the generator.
It may be necessary to reprogram the pacemaker.
Current traveling from active to return
electrode during monopolar
electrosurgery is passing too close to
pacemaker.
Use bipolar instruments, if possible. If you must use a
monopolar instrument, place the patient return electrode
as close as possible to the surgical site. Make sure the
current path from the surgical site to the patient return
electrode does not pass through the vicinity of the heart
or the site where the pacemaker is implanted.
Always monitor patients with pacemakers during
surgery and keep a defibrillator available.
Consult the pacemaker manufacturer or hospital
Cardiology Department for further information when use
of electrosurgical appliances is planned in patients with
cardiac pacemakers.
Situation Possible Cause Recommended Action
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