Leakage current is one of the most stringent, yet telling, parameters of possible danger to human. It does not take much electric current flowing through the human body to cause harm. This is especially true for patients with weakened immune systems. The potential risk is why measurement of leakage current in electrical medical products is so critical. 

Leakage current is measured to ensure that direct contact with the equipment is highly unlikely to result in electrical shock. The tests are designed to simulate a human body coming in contact with different parts of the equipment. The measured leakage current values are compared with acceptable limits. These limits are based on the type of product being tested, the point of contact with the product (earth, enclosure, human), and the operation of the product under normal and single-fault conditions. 

Leakage current measurements are performed with the product energized and in all conditions, such as standby and full operation. The mains supply voltage is normally delivered via an isolation transformer to the product. Per IEC 60601-1, the mains supply voltage should be at 110% of the highest-rated supply voltage and at the highest-rated supply frequency.
 
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