ABSTRACT
Alternating current gives rise to two electromagnetic properties: inductance and capacitance. These properties are central to the operating room line isolation and current leakage. In the case of inductance, the arrangement of two coils of wire wound around a common iron core allows an electrical current to be induced in one coil when an alternating current is passed through the other (Fig. 31.1). This property is used in power transformers to step up or step down power line voltage by changing the ratio of turns between the coils around the core. In the operating room, power can be induced and yet isolated from the utility plant power supply as, using electromagnetic inductance, the two coils are not in contact, hence line isolation.
