If you or the person you support has a pacemaker, implantable defibrillator (ICD), or Implantable Loop Recorder (ILR), you may have questions about whether it is safe to use an Access TEC personal alarm or tracking device at the same time. This guidance explains what we have done to assess that question, and what it means for you in practice.
The short answer is: Access TEC mobile devices are low-power, CE-certified radio devices. Based on their electromagnetic compliance profile and established clinical guidance, most people with an implanted cardiac device can use them. There is one straightforward precaution: during charging, keep the magnetic charging connector at least 15 cm from your implant site.
What we have checked
✓ | Independently tested and CE certified All Access TEC mobile devices are tested by accredited laboratories to European Radio Equipment Directive (RED) standards before being placed on the market. This includes specific testing to confirm that radio emissions are within limits designed to be safe for use around other electronic devices. |
✓ | Low-power radio — the same as your smartphone Our devices use the same mobile and Bluetooth technologies found in everyday smartphones and fitness wearables. Clinical guidance from major pacemaker manufacturers confirms that devices of this type operate well below the signal strengths needed to affect a modern implanted cardiac device. |
✓ | Worn on the wrist or body — away from the chest Access TEC Mobile devices are designed to be worn on the wrist or clipped to clothing. This naturally keeps them at a safe distance from a pacemaker or ICD implanted in the chest — generally well beyond the 15 cm precautionary separation recommended by cardiac device manufacturers. |
! | One precaution: keep the charger away from your implant site Like many modern wearables, Access TEC mobile devices use a magnetic charging connector. Magnets can temporarily affect the way a pacemaker or ICD works if held very close to it. This only applies whilst the device is being charged — not during normal wear. When charging, keep the charging connector at least 15 cm from your implant site. |
✓ | Human exposure tested to EU standards The EV-04 platform (Rio, ROAM, Sentry) is certified to EN 62479 and EN 50364 — the European standards specifically covering human exposure to electromagnetic fields from devices of this type. |
Simple guidance for everyday use
• Wear your Access TEC mobile device on your wrist or clip it to your clothing as normal
• When charging the device, keep the magnetic charging connector at least 15 cm away from your implant site
• During normal wear (not charging), no additional precautions are needed beyond keeping the device away from the implant site generally
• If your cardiologist has given you specific restrictions on electronic devices, discuss those with your cardiac team before starting to use any new wearable
• If you ever feel unwell whilst wearing the device, remove it from your body and contact your GP or cardiac team
Common questions
I have a pacemaker. Can I use an Access TEC mobile device? | Yes. Based on the electromagnetic profile of Access TEC mobile devices and current clinical guidance, there is no identified reason why someone with a pacemaker cannot use one. We recommend wearing it in a standard position on the wrist or body, away from your chest. |
What about an ICD or Implantable Loop Recorder? | The same applies. Access TEC mobile devices are low-power radio devices that comply with CE certification standards. If you have any specific concerns, we recommend speaking with your cardiologist or implanting centre. |
Do the devices contain magnets? | Yes — like many modern wearables and smartphones, Access TEC mobile devices use a magnetic charging connector. The magnet is only present in the charging port and is only active during charging. During normal wear, the magnetic charging mechanism is not engaged. The precaution is straightforward: when charging your device, keep the charging connector at least 15 cm away from your pacemaker, ICD, or ILR. During normal everyday wear, no additional precautions are needed beyond the general guidance in this document. |
What if I notice an unusual sensation whilst wearing the device? | If you ever feel dizzy, experience an irregular heartbeat, or notice anything unusual whilst wearing your Access TC mobile device, move it away from your body immediately and contact your GP or cardiac team. You can also call our support team. |
Where can I get more information? | Your care coordinator or the Access TEC IntelliCare product team can provide copies of our technical certifications. You can also consult your cardiologist or contact your pacemaker clinic with any device-specific questions. |
Need more information? Your care coordinator can provide copies of our technical certification documents. If you have specific concerns about your individual cardiac device, we recommend contacting your pacemaker clinic or cardiologist — they know your implant and medical history best.