ABSTRACT
Almost without exception, when a person decides to use an instrument, it must first be connected to an electrical outlet. Because electricity is almost always available for our use, we tend to take it for granted, never questioning what it is or from where it comes. There are, however, some fundamental electrical concepts that are important to the overall understanding of clinical and laboratory equipment as it is discussed in later chapters of this book. But even more important, these concepts should be understood in order to operate instruments safely. This chapter contains a simplified discussion of where electricity comes from, what its basic parameters are, and how it can be used safely. Some simple equations and formulas illustrate the basic concepts, and you are encouraged to study them.
