Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to common questions about our products and services.
Lighting Control & Interface Boxes
What is the lead time for your lighting control boxes?
We maintain a steady inventory of our most popular models (including the LCBEX277-2 and LCB-XRAY) for immediate shipment. While some specialized configurations are custom-built to order, in most cases, we can have a control box delivered and ready for your project in less than five business days.
What is a "freewheeling diode" and why is it mandatory?
Siemens has updated lighting control specifications to require a 24VDC power supply (replacing the older 24VAC standard). This eliminates electromagnetic interference (EMF) being induced into the imaging equipment. However, when DC relay coil voltage is removed, it can produce a high-voltage spike that damages sensitive electronics. A freewheeling diode immediately shorts out this spike. All Xray Lighting control boxes include factory-installed and tested diodes to ensure 100% compliance with Siemens specifications.
Why is "silent switching" of the relays so important?
In clinical and surgical environments, the audible “clicking” or humming of standard industrial relays is a major distraction for clinicians. We utilize specialized Silent Relays that provide heavy-duty 15-amp switching capacity for room lights without the disruptive noise, eliminating end-user complaints.
Will the LCBEX277-2 control both X-ray warning and exam room lights?
Yes. It is a complete solution designed to fully interface with Siemens Artis Zee, Q, ICONO, and Pheno equipment to control the X-ray warning lamps and the ambient room lighting simultaneously.
Why are the exam room lights being controlled by the interface?
During procedures, clinical staff often need the room dimmed to allow better viewing of X-ray images on the monitors—much like a darkened movie theater. Our lighting box interfaces with the Siemens X-ray footpedal to automatically dim or switch specific light banks when radiation is active.
My LCBEX277-2 is connected, but the 24VDC power supply light is off?
Check the internal 4-amp breaker located inside the control box that feeds voltage to the DC power supply. Ensure this breaker is in the “ON” position; once active, the indicator light on the power supply will illuminate.
Can I test the box before the Siemens equipment delivery?
Yes. Testing can be performed prior to equipment delivery to verify all field wiring is correct. For the LCBEX277-2, this is typically done by temporarily jumping the control circuits at the terminal strips. However, procedures vary—please refer to your specific installation instructions or call us for technical assistance before attempting to test the circuit
Can the LCBEX277-2 handle multiple independent lighting circuits?
Yes. Our box can handle two totally independent lighting circuits, running on separate voltages (100–277 VAC) at 15 amps each.
Emergency Power Off (EPO) Stations
Why is getting the correct EPO station so difficult?
A medical EPO must perform multiple critical duties
simultaneously when depressed:
1. Shunt Trip: Provides Normally Open (N/O) contacts that are wired in parallel to send 120VAC to the main circuit breaker shunt trip mechanism. By wiring multiple stations in parallel, any single button can complete the circuit to kill power to the imaging equipment.
2. UPS Shutdown: Provides Normally Closed (N/C) dry contacts that are wired in series to maintain the UPS safety loop. This circuit is a continuous loop that starts and ends at the UPS; our station provides the critical break in that loop. When the button is pushed, the circuit opens, immediately signaling the UPS to shut down and prevent battery back-feed.
3. Manual Reset: It must stay tripped (Latching) and cannot reset automatically.
4. Accident Prevention: It must have a protective cover to prevent accidental shutdowns. Our stations incorporate these dual-circuit requirements into one code-compliant package.
Are your EPO buttons "Momentary" or "Latching"?
All our stations are Latching (Push to Activate / Twist to Reset). Siemens Healthineers and most local building codes strictly prohibit momentary buttons for emergency power-off circuits.
ATUP Table Pedestal
What is the "34-inch rule" for the ATUP?
To ensure a zero-collision environment with Siemens ARTIS ICONO
and Pheno systems, the ATUP must be placed starting exactly 34 inches from the Patient Table Orientation
Point.
Is the ATUP compatible with the Sensis Combo EP Box?
No. The ATUP is not physically compatible with the
Sensis Vibe EP Combo box. However, in most circumstances, the Sensis box can be relocated to a different
area of the room, allowing you to still use the ATUP for your main pedestal connections.
Is the ATUP compatible with foot-side accessory rails?
No. This pedestal is not compatible with the optional
foot-side accessory rail. Please refer to our product photos or technical documents for visual clarification on these clearance requirements.
Why are there no single-gang openings or connections on the front (patient head-side) of the ATUP?
The ATUP is designed for a high-precision, low-profile installation directly at the foot of the Siemens ARTIS ICONO or Pheno table. The front face of the pedestal is intentionally kept free of connections to ensure zero interference with the table’s complex mechanical movement.
There are two primary reasons for this “Clear Zone”:
1. Rotational Clearance (The “Clock” Effect): The Siemens table is capable of rotating approximately 270°. As the table pivots—much like the hand of a clock—the corners of the table base at the patient foot-side swing in an arc that brings them extremely close to the front of the ATUP.
2. Collision Prevention: If cables, medical gas hoses, or data plugs were connected to the front of the ATUP, the rotating corners of the table would cause a physical collision. This creates a high risk of:
• Cable Shear: Snapping or fraying expensive data and power lines.
• Equipment Damage: Potential impact damage to the table’s internal mechanical items or the ATUP housing itself.
• Operational Downtime: Any breakage during a procedure could compromise the sterile environment and system functionality.
By utilizing the other three sides of the ATUP for all electrical, data, video, and medical gas connections, we maintain a safe, code-compliant “Stay-Out” zone that allows the table to rotate through its full range of motion without obstruction.
General & Shipping
Are your products Made in the USA?
Yes. Our products are proudly manufactured and tested in the USA to ensure high quality and strict adherence to medical imaging standards.
Are your X-ray warning lights in stock?
Yes. We maintain a full inventory of XRAY IN USE and MRI MAGNET ALWAYS ON (with battery backup) signs at our facility and offer immediate shipping, including overnight options.