What is the primary safety concern associated with improperly grounded medical equipment?

The primary safety concern associated with improperly grounded medical equipment is the increased risk of electrical shock to patients and healthcare staff. Grounding provides a low-resistance path for fault current to flow back to the source, causing the circuit breaker to trip and de-energize the equipment in the event of an electrical fault. Without proper grounding, a fault current can flow through unintended paths, such as the patient's body, creating a dangerous shock hazard. Medical equipment used in or near patients, especially those with invasive connections like ECG leads or IV lines, poses a heightened risk because even small leakage currents can be life-threatening. Grounding also helps to minimize electrical noise and interference, improving the performance and reliability of medical equipment. Improper grounding can also lead to equipment damage and fire hazards. Therefore, proper grounding is essential for ensuring electrical safety in healthcare facilities, as mandated by codes like NFPA 99.