ECG Battery Guide | How to Choose Battery for ECG?

ECG Battery Application

An electrocardiograph (ECG) machine is a medical device used to record the electrical activity of the heart. It captures the potential changes on the surface of the human skin to generate an electrocardiogram, which helps analyze heart rhythm, heart rate, myocardial blood supply, and other cardiac functions. ECG machines are widely used in hospitals, community health centers, ambulances, and even remote home monitoring systems. They provide critical data for diagnosing arrhythmias, myocardial ischemia, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular conditions.

ECG Battery Guide | How to Choose Battery for ECG?

1、What is an ECG Machine Battery?

An ECG machine battery is a dedicated power system designed specifically for electrocardiograph devices (ECG Monitors or EKG Machines). As instruments that record and analyze the heart’s electrical activity, ECG machines often need to operate continuously and reliably over extended periods. In critical scenarios such as emergency care, mobile monitoring, or power outages, the stability of the battery power system directly determines the safety and reliability of the device.
ECG machine batteries are generally categorized into two main types: primary power batteries (used for daily operation) and backup batteries (providing UPS functionality to take over in case of power failure). Most portable or vehicle-mounted ECG machines today use built-in rechargeable lithium batteries as their primary power source. In contrast, desktop or stationary ECG machines are typically equipped with lithium batteries as backup power, ensuring uninterrupted operation and data protection during power outages.

2、How Does an ECG Machine Work?

Each heartbeat generates tiny electrical signals that travel along specific pathways to the surface of the body. An ECG machine captures these signals in real time using multiple electrodes attached to the chest and limbs, converting them into visible waveform charts. Inside the device, these weak electrical signals are amplified by a preamplifier, filtered, and then converted from analog to digital. The processing chip then generates standardized ECG waveforms—such as P waves, QRS complexes, and T waves—for doctors to analyze heart rhythm, heart rate, and myocardial condition.
Modern ECG machines are also equipped with automatic analysis algorithms, data storage, and wireless transmission features, enabling test results to be printed or synchronized with hospital information systems.

3、What Are the Basic Requirements for ECG Machine Batteries?

1) High Endurance Capacity

In real-world medical scenarios—such as ambulances, mobile wards, community clinics, and physical examination vehicles—ECG machines often cannot be connected to a power source in real time and must rely entirely on battery power. This demands that the battery provide long-lasting operation to support continuous ECG monitoring tasks. Typically, portable ECG machines consume between 2–10W. To operate continuously for over 4 hours, the battery capacity should be between 2000–4000mAh. If the device also supports Bluetooth/Wi-Fi communication, print output, and data storage, the endurance requirement becomes even higher.

2) Stable Voltage Platform

ECG machines are extremely sensitive to voltage fluctuations during signal acquisition. Even slight instability may cause waveform drift, false alarms, or analog-to-digital conversion failures. This is especially critical in high-precision digital circuits with 12-bit or even 24-bit resolution, where any sudden voltage drop or ripple can lead to serious interference. The battery must deliver a highly stable voltage output.

3) High Safety Standards

Medical equipment must be designed with a “zero-incident” goal. Any battery-related issue—such as explosion, fire, swelling, or leakage—could pose a direct threat to patients and medical staff, especially in high-risk departments like ICUs, CCUs, or emergency rooms.

4) Excellent Electromagnetic Compatibility

Since ECG machines are essentially receivers of weak bioelectric signals, they are highly susceptible to electromagnetic interference. Some batteries may generate high-frequency noise during discharge, which can couple into the main control circuit via power lines and interfere with accurate ECG signal interpretation, potentially leading to misdiagnosis of cardiac rhythms. Therefore, these batteries must avoid magnetic materials and be designed with low EMI in mind.

5) Strong Environmental Adaptability

ECG machines must operate reliably in harsh environments such as high altitudes, low temperatures, humidity, and vibrations. As such, the battery must be capable of functioning normally at low temperatures (down to –10°C or below) and withstanding high-temperature storage (short-term resistance up to 60°C). It must also be designed to resist shock, moisture, and corrosion.

4、Common Types of ECG Machine Batteries and Their Comparison

ECG equipment commonly used in hospitals can generally be categorized into four types: standard electrocardiographs, patient monitors, Holter monitors (dynamic ECG recorders), and stress test ECG systems. Each serves a distinct clinical purpose. Whether in use or in development, clearly identifying the application scenario and intended usage is the first and most critical step—yet it is often overlooked by both users and developers.

Below is a comparison of commonly used ECG battery types, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and typical applications:

Battery Type	Representative Models	Advantages	Disadvantages	Application Scenarios
Lithium-ion (Li-ion)	18650	Excellent consistency	Relatively large in size	Portable ECG machines, standard ECG systems
Lithium Polymer (Li-Po)	605080 / 505060	Customizable dimensions, high energy density	Higher cost	Holter monitors, stress test ECG systems
Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH)	AA / AAA	Low cost	Low capacity, bulky size	Home-use ECG monitoring devices
Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA)	Medical UPS systems	Cost-effective, stable output	Heavy, short lifespan, environmentally unfriendly	Hospital bedside ECG monitors (as UPS backup)
Lithium Primary (CR Series)	CR123A, CR2032	Excellent stability, long shelf life	Low capacity	Wearable ECG patches, lightweight telemetry units

5、Precautions for Using ECG Machine Batteries

As precision medical devices, ECG machines require strict adherence to battery usage protocols across several key aspects—including charging, storage, daily operation, and fault monitoring. The following provides a comprehensive overview of usage precautions for ECG batteries, categorized into four main areas: operational safety, routine maintenance, storage conditions, and lifecycle management.

1) Proper Charging: Avoid Overcharging, Mismatched Chargers, and Charging While in Use

Charging is one of the most high-risk phases for battery failure. The following details must be carefully followed:

Always use the original or manufacturer-recommended charger to avoid voltage or current mismatches that can cause abnormal charging.
Do not use generic chargers such as those for phones or laptops to charge ECG machines.
Charge in a well-ventilated area, away from water, high temperatures, or flammable materials.
Do not operate the ECG machine while it is charging—especially in portable devices, continuous high-load charging can cause excessive heat buildup, accelerated aging, or even thermal runaway.
Do not overcharge. Once fully charged, disconnect the power promptly. Some devices do not have automatic cutoff functions, and prolonged charging may lead to overcharging and battery damage.

2) Daily Operation: Avoid Deep Discharge, Frequent Plugging, and Poor Electrode Contact

Frequent usage of ECG devices can lead to abnormal battery wear. The following points are common precautions:

Leaving the device on or running background processes for extended periods may drain the battery unnecessarily.
Repeated use when battery power is below 10% increases the risk of deep discharge and shortens battery life.
Frequently unplugging or replacing battery modules can damage connectors, resulting in poor contact or momentary power loss.
Uncalibrated battery level indicators may mislead users into misjudging remaining power.
Poor electrode contact can increase power consumption, cause excessive heat buildup, and even lead to battery swelling.

3) Storage Conditions: Maintain Suitable Temperature and Humidity

When ECG machine batteries are left unused for extended periods, improper storage can lead to performance degradation or safety risks:

Temperature control: The ideal storage temperature is 15°C to 25°C. Avoid exposure to high heat or freezing temperatures.
Humidity control: Relative humidity should be kept below 65% to prevent moisture absorption that could cause internal short circuits or oxidation.
Periodic maintenance: Check battery status every three months and perform shallow charge-discharge cycles to minimize capacity loss.
Protective packaging: Batteries should be stored separately to prevent short circuits from metal contact. If possible, place them in anti-static bags for added protection.

4) Lifecycle Management: Monitor Aging and Set Replacement Schedules

Typical lithium-ion batteries have a cycle life of 500 to 800 full charge/discharge cycles. After that, the capacity drops below 80% of the original. For high-end medical devices, it is recommended to replace the battery every 18–24 months. Replace the battery immediately if any of the following occurs:

Noticeable slowdown in charging speed
Rapid drop from full charge to low power
Frequent automatic shutdowns or device restarts
Battery swelling, abnormal heating, or deformation of the battery casing

6、Which Manufacturers Specialize in Developing and Producing ECG Machine Batteries?

As a high-tech enterprise with years of deep expertise in the lithium-ion battery industry, IRAY Energy stands out as a battery supplier that not only understands the unique demands of the medical field but also possesses the technical capabilities to meet them. IRAY Energy operates a modern battery manufacturing facility covering over 10,000 square meters and is equipped with multiple automated production lines. The company supports the full spectrum of battery development—from cell design and structural customization to BMS (Battery Management System) integration.
With extensive experience in the medical device sector, IRAY Energy has developed a wide range of customized battery solutions for ECG machines, patient monitors, infusion pumps, and other medical applications.

FAQs About ECG Battery

Is ECG data collection easily affected by the battery?

Yes. If the battery voltage is unstable or there is electromagnetic interference, it may cause ECG waveform drift, increased artifacts, or even data loss.

How long can an ECG machine run after the battery is fully charged?

The actual runtime depends on the battery capacity and the device’s power consumption. Typically, a 3000mAh–5000mAh battery can support 6 to 12 hours of continuous operation. For high-power or continuous monitoring devices, the runtime may be shorter.

Does low battery power affect ECG accuracy?

Yes. Low battery voltage may cause unstable power output, leading to waveform drift, signal interruption, or inaccurate readings. In severe cases, the device may fail to power on. It is recommended to recharge the battery when it drops below 20%.

Can the ECG machine be used while charging the battery?

Most devices support charging while in use. However, it is important to avoid prolonged operation in high-temperature environments to prevent battery overheating. For some models like portable ECG patches, it is recommended to charge the battery fully before use.

How should the battery be stored when not in use for a long time?

The battery should be stored at 40–60% charge in a dry, cool environment (recommended temperature: 15°C to 25°C). It is advisable to perform a shallow charge/discharge cycle every 3 months to prevent deep self-discharge.

📌 Tip:
For professional ECG Battery customization or replacement solutions, feel free to contact the IrayEnergy engineering team. We’re here to provide efficient, reliable, and high-performance power solutions!