An anesthesia pendant is the ceiling-mounted service unit at the head end of the table that carries gases, power, scavenging and shelf space for the anaesthesia team. This guide is written for anaesthetists, biomedical engineers and planners, and explains what the pendant must carry, how to size heads and arms, and how to decide between a single-arm and a double-arm arrangement.
What the anaesthesia workplace needs from a pendant
The anaesthetist works at the head of the patient, usually with a machine, monitor, infusion pumps and suction within reach. The pendant brings the fixed services to that point: oxygen, medical air, vacuum and often nitrous oxide, an anaesthetic gas scavenging connection, mains and low-voltage sockets, equipotential bonding and network points for monitoring.
Because the pendant is in constant use, how it moves matters. Smooth rotation, reliable brakes and a layout that keeps hoses and cables off the floor reduce trip hazards and make the station quicker to set up and clean.
Gas outlets, scavenging and electrical points
List every outlet the anaesthesia team uses, by gas and connector standard, plus a margin for spare outlets. MZ Liberec builds gas outlets to national standards including DIN, AFNOR, BS and AGA, and SIMEON Sim.CARRY supports common international standards with adapters for popular anaesthesia machines. Confirm that the connector standard matches the one used in your hospital, and that scavenging (AGSS) connections are included where required.
For electrical points, specify the number of sockets and the supply type. Solido pendants from Lojer list a supply of 100 to 230 VAC and up to 2000 W per socket; check that the total demand of the equipment at the station fits the circuit. Equipment safety is covered by IEC 60601-1, and it is good practice to ask the supplier which parts apply to the configuration.
Head types, shelves and machine mounting
Head shape defines the workspace. In the MZ Liberec OK07 family, horizontal head A is designed for anaesthesia, head Z has a holder for the anaesthesia machine, and square head H has shelves on all four sides. The rigid PS07 pendant uses head A in 700, 800, 900 or 1000 mm lengths, which suits a simple fixed workstation.
TAURUS adds a vertical rail on all four sides of the column for shelves of up to 60 kg, monitor holders and IV-pole arms, with built-in cable management. Decide which equipment is placed on a shelf, which is fixed to the arm and which stays on its own cart, and check weights against the permitted load.
Single arm or double arm
A single arm is simpler, lighter and often adequate when the machine stays on a cart and the pendant serves as a utility hub. It also keeps the ceiling less crowded. A double-arm or tandem arrangement lets the anaesthetist place a monitor on one arm and the machine or shelf on another, and reach more of the room, but it needs more ceiling clearance and a higher support load.
TAURUS is offered in rigid, single-arm, double-arm and tandem configurations, as well as a height-adjustable version with a tilting arm and a lift of 540, 710 or 965 mm. For a wider comparison see our note on pendant arm configurations.
Positioning, hygiene and maintenance
Position the pendant so the anaesthetist has a clear view of the surgical field without crossing the sterile area, and so the arms clear the surgical lights through their full range. Coordinate with the ceiling plan at design stage and agree the clearance in writing.
For cleaning, smooth profiles and covers without exposed screws are easier to wipe, and the Solido pendants are described as having no visible fixing screws. Schedule periodic inspection of brakes, hoses and outlets with a service partner; our maintenance service page explains what is covered. Beckfinity can also review your configuration on request.
Frequently asked questions
What does an anaesthesia pendant usually carry?
Oxygen, medical air and vacuum outlets, often nitrous oxide, a scavenging connection, electrical sockets, equipotential bonding, network points and shelves or holders for monitors and the anaesthesia machine.
Should the anaesthesia machine be mounted on the pendant?
It depends on the model and clinical preference. Some pendants offer a head with a holder for the machine, such as head Z in the OK07 family. Many hospitals keep the machine on its own cart and use the pendant for services.
Is a single-arm anaesthesia pendant enough?
In many rooms yes, particularly when the machine is on a cart. A double arm adds flexibility for monitors and shelves but needs more space and structural capacity.
Can the gas connectors be matched to our hospital standard?
Manufacturers such as MZ Liberec build outlets to several national standards. State the required standard in the order.
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