Are you part of an organization thinking about buying a mobile clinic but worried about how to keep it powered or connecting to an external power source? You might feel anxious about making sure the clinic runs well, especially in remote areas without easy access to electricity.
This is a common worry, and you want your mobile clinic to work smoothly to help those in need. We understand how important this decision is and the challenges you face.
At AVAN Mobility, we have over 10 years of experience in designing and building mobile clinics that help remove barriers to healthcare and save lives all over the U.S. Our expertise in creating reliable and efficient solutions makes us leaders in this field. While we know there are other options out there, our goal is to give you the information you need to make the best choice for your organization.
In this article, you’ll learn how to run a mobile clinic off an external power source. After you’ve finished reading, you’ll have more clarity on what types of generators are most suitable, common issues you might experience, and even how to deal with power outages.
Before we start, click the button below for a free mobile clinic maintenance checklist!
How do you power your mobile clinic with an external power source?
You can power your mobile clinic using a 110-volt outlet from a building or a generator. For now, let’s focus on how to use a 110-volt outlet.
Here’s what to do:
1. Locate the Shore Power Plug: The Shore Power Plug is on the exterior driver’s side of your vehicle. This is where you connect to an external power source.
2. Get an exterior-grade extension cord: Next, you will need an extension cord that can handle outdoor use. Make sure this cable is rated for at least 15 amps to handle the power safely.
3. Connect the cord: Plug one end of the extension cord into the 110V Shore Power receptacle on your van.
4. Plug the other end into the power source: This will be a building outlet.
This setup makes sure that your clinic has the electricity it needs to operate all its equipment and provide services to those in need.
How do you power your mobile clinic with a generator?
Using a generator is another effective way to power your mobile clinic, especially in areas where a 110-volt building outlet isn’t available. Here’s how to do it:
Choosing the right generator
- Power output: Any generator that can produce 1800W or more will work for a basic mobile clinic. This ensures that you have enough power to run all the necessary equipment.
- Portability: Look for a generator that is easy to move around. This makes it convenient to set up and store when not in use.
- Noise level: Choose a generator that is quiet enough not to disturb your patients or the surrounding area. A quieter generator can make a big difference in maintaining a peaceful environment.
Setting up the generator
1. Place the generator: Set the generator on a flat, stable surface outside your clinic, ensuring it’s in a well-ventilated area to avoid exhaust buildup.
2. Connect the extension Cord: Use an exterior-grade extension cord rated for at least 15 amps. Plug one end into the generator and the other into the 110V Shore Power Plug receptacle on your mobile medical clinic van.
3. Start the generator: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to start the generator. Once it’s running, your clinic will have the power it needs to operate.
For example, imagine you’re at a rural health fair with no building outlets nearby. You set up your quiet, portable generator next to your mobile clinic. Using the heavy-duty extension cord, you connect the generator to your van’s 110V Show Power Plug receptacle. Now, you can run all your medical equipment smoothly, ensuring your clinic can serve the community effectively.
Using a generator provides flexibility and ensures your mobile clinic can function in various locations, no matter the availability of local power sources.
What are some common issues when connecting your mobile clinic to an external power source?
You might encounter a few common issues when using an external power source to run your mobile clinic. Here’s what to watch out for and how to address them:
Power source not turned on
One of the most common issues is the external power source not being turned on. If the power source, like a building outlet or generator, is not switched on, your van will not receive any power. Always double-check that the power source is active before connecting your van.
Battery system and inverter configuration
Make sure your battery system and inverter are correctly configured to receive external power. If these components are not set up properly, the van won’t be able to use the power from the external source.
Depleted battery
If your van’s battery has been completely drained, it might take a few minutes to charge before it can supply power to the rest of the van. Be patient and give it some time to recharge. Once the battery has enough charge, it will start powering your equipment.
Power outages or fluctuations
In remote areas, you might face power outages or fluctuations. These can disrupt the power supply to your mobile clinic. To handle this, consider using a generator, which can provide a stable power source and insulate your van from the power grid. A generator assures that your clinic remains operational even during unexpected power issues.
Tips for avoiding external power source issues
Here are some tips to help you avoid external power source issues and guarantee your clinic runs smoothly:
Use a larger battery pack
A larger battery pack provides additional power storage, allowing your clinic to operate longer without needing to recharge. This extra capacity is especially useful in areas where access to power sources is limited. With a larger battery pack, you can:
- Extend operational time: Your clinic can function for extended periods without interruption.
- Enhance reliability: Reduce the risk of power outages, ensuring all medical equipment continues to run smoothly.
Keep the battery charged
To ensure a stable and reliable power supply for all medical equipment in your clinic, keep the battery charged at all times. Regularly check the battery levels and charge them as needed to prevent any interruptions in service. This proactive approach helps maintain a consistent power supply and prevents unexpected downtime.
Check out the video below about how one of our past clients is saving lives with their new Mobile Clinic Van!
Learn more about how to run your mobile medical clinic
You came to this article looking for some guidance on how to run your mobile clinic using an external power source. We know how important it is to keep your clinic running smoothly, especially when you’re out in the field.
In this article, you’ve learned how to power your mobile clinic using a 110-volt outlet or a generator, how to handle common issues, and some handy tips to keep things running without a hitch. We also talked about why having backup power options, like a bigger battery pack or a generator, is so important.
At AVAN Mobility, we’re dedicated to making healthcare accessible to everyone, no matter where they are. With over a decade of experience, we’ve worked with countless organizations to create mobile clinics that meet their unique needs.
If you have any questions or need more guidance, just click the button below to chat with one of our mobility experts. We’re here to help you make the best choices for your mobile clinic.
And if you’re not quite ready to talk, no worries—check out some of our other resources to learn more.
Start with checking out our mobile clinic equipment list article. You’ll find out some of the equipment options you can get installed in your clinic.
After that, look at our article on the top 6 ways to apply for mobile health grants. This will teach you about different ways to get funding for your mobile clinic.
