Is your organization thinking about getting a mobile medical clinic but feeling unsure about how to keep it powered? It’s normal to worry about how to run your clinic smoothly, especially in remote areas of Canada where electricity might be hard to find.
This is a big concern because you want your clinic to work effectively and help those in need. We understand how important this decision is and the challenges you face.
At MoveMobility, we are Ford QVM certified and Q-Pro certified, showing our commitment to the highest standards of quality and safety. Our mission is to break down barriers to healthcare and save lives. We’re experts in creating reliable, high-quality solutions that really make a difference.
In this article, you’ll learn how to run a mobile clinic on an external power source in Canada. We’ll highlight what’s involved and the types of external power sources you can use, and we’ll finish off with some tips to keep your clinic powered up and running as you provide mobile healthcare.
What types of external power sources are there for mobile clinics?
There are two main ways to power your mobile clinic from an external source: using a 110-volt outlet or a generator. Let’s start with how to power your clinic with a 110-volt outlet.
Using a 110-volt outlet
Powering your mobile clinic with a 110-volt outlet is simple and convenient, especially if you’re near a building with available power. Here’s how you do it:
1. Find the Shore Power Plug on your van: This is where you’ll plug in the power.
2. Get the right extension cord: Make sure it’s an exterior-grade cord that can handle at least 15 amps. This ensures it can safely carry the power.
3. Plug in the extension cord: Connect one end of the cord to the 110V Shore Power receptacle on your van.
4. Connect to the power source: Plug the other end of the cord into a building’s outdoor power outlet.
For example, suppose you’re setting up your mobile clinic at a community center. In that case, you’ll find the 110V outlet on your van and connect it to the building’s outdoor power outlet using a heavy-duty extension cord. This setup provides a stable power supply to keep your clinic running smoothly.
Using a generator
If you can’t access a building’s power outlet, a generator is a great option for powering your mobile clinic. Here’s what you need to know:
Choosing the Right Generator
- Power output: Make sure the generator can produce at least 1800 watts (W). This will be enough to power all the equipment in a basic mobile clinic.
- Portability: Find a generator that is easy to move. A portable unit makes it convenient to set up wherever you need it.
- Noise level: Choose a generator that runs quietly. A quieter generator helps keep a calm environment for your patients and staff.
Setting up the generator
1. Place the generator: The generator should be placed on a flat and stable surface outside your mobile clinic. Sometimes generators are prone to exhaust buildup, so make sure the area is well-ventilated.
2. Connect the extension cord: You should use an outdoor-rated extension cord that can handle at least 15 amps. Connect one end to the generator and the other end to the 110V Shore Power Plug outlet on your van.
3. Start the generator: Remember to follow the generator’s instructions to start it. Once it’s running, your clinic will have the power it needs.
Imagine you’re working in a remote area without access to a building’s power. This is the perfect scenario where a generator would come in handy. You set up your quiet, portable generator next to your mobile clinic. You then connect it with a heavy-duty extension cord to your van’s 110V outlet, and you’re all set to provide uninterrupted services.
Next, we’ll talk about some common issues you might encounter when using an external power source and how to solve them.
What are some issues with using external power sources?
Running a mobile clinic on an external power source can sometimes be tricky. Here are some common issues you might face and how to solve them:
Keeping the battery charged
Issue: Your medical equipment needs a stable and reliable power supply.
Solution: Always keep the battery charged. Regularly check the battery levels and charge them as needed. If the battery is completely empty, it may take a few minutes to start supplying power again.
Configuring the battery system and inverter
Issue: Your van’s battery system and inverter might not be set up correctly to receive external power.
Solution: Make sure your battery system and inverter are configured to accept power from an external source. Check your van’s manual or consult a professional to ensure everything is set up correctly.
Ensuring the power source is on
Issue: The van will not receive power if the external power source is not turned on.
Solution: Double-check that the power source, whether a building outlet or a generator, is switched on. This simple step can often solve power issues quickly.
Handling power outages
Issue: Power outages or fluctuations can disrupt your clinic’s operations.
Solution: Consider using a generator. A generator can keep your van powered even if the main power source fails. This provides an extra layer of security and ensures your clinic can keep running smoothly.
For example, imagine you’re in a remote area in Canada, and your van suddenly stops receiving power. First, check if the external power source is on. If it is, make sure your battery system and inverter are set up to receive external power. If the battery is completely drained, give it a few minutes to charge. Having a generator as a backup can also help you avoid these interruptions.
Tip: Consider a larger battery pack
To keep your mobile clinic running smoothly, it’s important to consider reliable backup power solutions.
Benefits:
- Longer operation: A larger battery pack means your clinic can run for a longer time, reducing the chance of interruptions.
- Better reliability: A bigger battery pack keeps all your medical equipment running, even if the main power source goes out.
In addition to getting a larger battery pack, a few bonus tips to keep in mind include:
- Check batteries often: Regularly check the battery levels and condition of your power systems. This helps catch problems early.
- Test backup systems: Test your larger battery pack and generator regularly to make sure they work properly. This way, you’re ready for unexpected power outages.
- Have spares: Keep spare batteries and extension cords on hand. You’ll be thankful you did this if you experience unexpected power outages.
Your next steps on powering your mobile clinic
You came to this article to understand how to run a mobile clinic on an external power source. We know that keeping your clinic running smoothly and reliably is a top priority for you.
In this article, you learned about the two main ways to power your clinic: using a 110-volt outlet or a generator. We also covered common issues you might face and how to solve them, along with backup power solutions to keep everything running seamlessly.
At MoveMobility, we strive to answer your questions before you even have to ask. Our dedication to innovation and quality ensures that our solutions meet your needs. We’re committed to helping organizations like yours provide crucial services to the community. If you have any questions, click the button below to talk to a mobility expert.
If you’re not ready to talk to a mobility expert yet, we have a few other resources you should check out to learn more.
Start with checking out our article on the different types of medical equipment you can install in your mobile clinic.
After that, read our article on how to reduce patient discomfort in a mobile medical clinic. This article will help you help your patients stay more comfortable during medical visits.
