New York State Master Electrician Practice Exam

How many duplex receptacles are required for each patient bed in critical care areas?

1. 2 duplex

2. 3 duplex

3. 4 duplex

4. 5 duplex

The correct answer is: 3 duplex

In critical care areas, the National Electrical Code (NEC) specifies that each patient bed must be equipped with a minimum of three duplex receptacles. This requirement is established to ensure that there is adequate electrical power availability for various medical equipment that might be necessary for patient care, including life-support systems, monitoring devices, and other electrical devices that can be critical in a healthcare setting. Having at least three duplex receptacles per patient bed allows healthcare providers to effectively manage the necessary equipment without the risk of overloading a circuit, ensuring that all devices can operate reliably at all times. This design consideration is crucial for maintaining the safety and efficacy of patient care in critical environments.