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Short answer: The ZOLL AED Plus is an automated external defibrillator (AED) made by ZOLL Medical Corporation. FDA approved it under premarket approval P160015 on 05/26/2017 (product code MKJ), in semi-automatic and fully automatic versions. ZOLL’s specification sheet lists a 10-battery lithium pack rated for about five years, a pad shelf life of five years, a 6.7 lb (3.1 kg) body and an IP-55 rating.
This page gives general product information from the FDA and the manufacturer. It is not medical advice and not a substitute for the device’s own instructions for use or for training.
What the ZOLL AED Plus is
The FDA’s premarket approval (PMA) database lists P160015 for the “AED Plus and Fully Automatic AED Plus,” applicant ZOLL Medical Corporation, generic name “automated external defibrillators (non-wearable),” reviewed by the Cardiovascular advisory committee. The decision is Approval, dated 05/26/2017. The approval states the devices are intended for use by personnel trained in their operation.
For how an AED differs from a clinical device with a manual mode, see manual defibrillator vs. AED; for the device category in general, see what a defibrillator is.
How it works in use
According to ZOLL’s AED Plus technical specifications sheet (document MCN PP 1906 0375), the device delivers the ZOLL Rectilinear Biphasic waveform with automatically preprogrammed energy steps of 120 J, 150 J and 200 J. After charging, it holds the charge for 30 seconds, and charge time is under 10 seconds with new batteries. In the semi-automatic version the rescuer presses a shock button when a shockable rhythm is detected; in the fully automatic version the device delivers the shock itself.
The sheet describes a “Real CPR Help” feature that gives feedback through the one-piece CPR-D-padz electrode. Compatible electrodes are CPR-D-padz, Pedi-padz II and Stat-padz II.
Specifications at a glance
Every row below comes from ZOLL’s AED Plus technical specifications sheet (checked 2026-11-01); the sheet states that specifications are subject to change without notice, so the manual supplied with a given unit governs.
| Item | Listed value |
|---|---|
| Configurations | Semi-automatic and fully automatic |
| Waveform and energy | ZOLL Rectilinear Biphasic; automatic selection of 120, 150 or 200 J |
| Charge time / hold time | Under 10 s with new batteries / 30 s |
| Electrodes | CPR-D-padz (one piece), Pedi-padz II, Stat-padz II; 5-year shelf life; 48 in (1.2 m) cable |
| Battery | 10 user-replaceable Type 123A lithium manganese dioxide batteries |
| Typical new battery capacity (20 C) | 5 years (225 shocks) or 13 hours of continuous monitoring |
| Size (H x W x D) | 5.25 x 9.50 x 11.50 in (13.3 x 24.1 x 29.2 cm) |
| Weight | 6.7 lb (3.1 kg) |
| Ingress protection | IP-55 (particles and water) |
| Operating / storage temperature | 0 to 50 C (32 to 122 F) / -30 to 60 C |
| Humidity | 10 to 95 percent, non-condensing |
| Shock and vibration | IEC 68-2-27, 100G; MIL Std 810F helicopter test |
| Data storage | 7 hours of ECG and CPR data; 20 minutes of audio plus ECG and CPR data if the audio option is enabled |
| Classification | Class III, internally powered per EN60601-1 |
Self-test, battery and pad life: a readiness checklist
ZOLL’s sheet states the testing and consumable details. They are arranged below as a list a clinic or lab safety coordinator can check against a unit:
- Automatic self-test interval: configurable from 1 to 7 days, default every 7 days. Confirm which interval the unit is set to.
- Monthly full-energy test: the sheet lists a monthly test at 200 J in addition to the routine self-test.
- What the self-test checks: battery capacity, electrode connection, ECG and charge/discharge circuits, microprocessor hardware and software, CPR circuitry and the CPR-D sensor, and audio circuitry.
- Battery end of life: shown by a Red X; the sheet gives typical remaining shocks at that point as 9. The device’s own indicator, not a calendar estimate, is the authority.
- Battery pack: 10 Type 123A batteries, user-replaceable, so replacement is not a return-to-manufacturer step.
- Electrode pads: 5-year shelf life, so the pad expiry date is a separate item from the battery indicator.
For the wider program around placement, inspection records and registration, see AED program management, and for cabinets and alarms see the AED wall mount and cabinet guide.
Related AED models
Searches for the AED Plus often sit alongside other widely deployed models: the ZOLL AED 3, Stryker LIFEPAK CR2, Philips HeartStart OnSite, HeartSine samaritan and Powerheart G5. Each has its own FDA approval record and manufacturer specification sheet, and none of the figures above carry over to them. Training units are a separate product class; see AED trainers and how they differ from a real AED. For general selection and compliance considerations that are not model-specific, see the AED buying guide for facilities.
Common misunderstandings
“The semi-automatic and fully automatic units are different devices.”
The FDA record covers both as one approval, “AED Plus and Fully Automatic AED Plus.” The difference ZOLL’s sheet describes is the protocol: whether the rescuer presses the shock button or the device delivers the shock automatically.
“Data storage is whatever the listing says.”
Figures differ between sources. The manufacturer sheet states 7 hours of ECG and CPR data, or 20 minutes when the optional audio recording is enabled alongside ECG and CPR data.
“A working self-test means the pads are good.”
The self-test checks electrode connection, but pad shelf life is its own 5-year figure on the electrode package and is tracked separately from the battery.
Frequently asked questions
Does the ZOLL AED Plus come in a fully automatic version?
Yes. FDA approval P160015 (05/26/2017) covers both the AED Plus and the Fully Automatic AED Plus, and ZOLL’s sheet lists semi-automatic and fully automatic configurations.
How often does the ZOLL AED Plus test itself?
The sheet lists a configurable automatic self-test from every 1 to 7 days, defaulting to every 7 days, plus a monthly full-energy (200 J) test.
What does the Red X on the AED Plus mean?
The sheet says the Red X designates battery end of life, with a typical 9 shocks remaining.
How long do the AED Plus batteries and pads last?
The sheet gives a typical new battery capacity of 5 years (225 shocks) or 13 hours of continuous monitoring at 20 C, and a 5-year shelf life for CPR-D-padz electrodes.
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, PMA database record P160015, AED Plus and Fully Automatic AED Plus (ZOLL Medical Corporation): accessdata.fda.gov, PMA P160015. Checked 2026-11-01.
- ZOLL Medical Corporation, “AED Plus Technical Specifications,” document MCN PP 1906 0375 (2019), hosted copy checked 2026-11-01: AED Plus specification sheet (PDF).
