Master Electrician Exam (NEC)Special Occupancies, Equipment, and ConditionsMedium
A master electrician is designing the electrical system for a new health care facility. The facility includes patient care areas where critical patient care is administered. Which specific type of receptacle is required for patient bed locations in these critical care areas?
- AIsolated ground receptacle
- BWeather-resistant receptacle
- CHospital-grade receptacle
- DStandard duplex receptacle
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Hospital-grade receptacle
NEC 517.18(B) specifically mandates the use of 'hospital grade' receptacles at each patient bed location in critical care areas. These receptacles are designed for increased durability and reliability to ensure continuous power for life-support and monitoring equipment.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Isolated ground receptacles are for reducing electrical noise, while important, they are not the primary requirement for patient bed locations in critical care; hospital-grade is a broader safety and durability requirement.
- B. Weather-resistant receptacles are for outdoor or damp locations, not specifically for health care critical care.
- D. Standard receptacles lack the durability and reliability required for critical patient care.
Critical Care Receptacle Type
Specific type of receptacle (hospital grade) required in patient bed locations within critical care areas of health care facilities.
- Required by NEC 517.18(B)
- Identified by a green dot on the face.
- Designed for enhanced durability and reliability.
Memory trick: In critical care, outlets need a 'hospital grade' to sustain life.