The relative cutting power is proportional to the amount of current which is usually measured in watts or as an ordinal scale. As the surface area of the cut increases, the amount of power needed to make the cut also increases. Larger or deeper cuts require higher current settings. Drier or more keratinized skin requires higher current settings. Setting the current too high results in increased thermal damage and increased risk of unintentional burns.
Most loops have an insulated shaft and crossbar to prevent accidental thermal injury.
Common loop sizes range from 1 by 1 cm to 2.0 by 1.5 cm.7 1. The stainless steel or tungsten wire of the loop is approximately 0.2 mm thick. Ball electrodes ranging from 3mm-5mm are used for fulguration. E. Smoke evacuators consisting of suction devices with filters are used to eliminate the steam or smoke generated during the procedure. Often it is a separate unit but some LEEP units now have them built in.