New York State Master Electrician Practice Exam

How many receptacles are required for each general care area, patient bed location?

1. Two receptacles

2. Three receptacles

3. Four receptacles

4. Five receptacles

The correct answer is: Four receptacles

In healthcare settings, particularly in general care areas, the electrical needs must be carefully planned to ensure safety, effectiveness, and adherence to codes. Each patient bed location is typically required to have four receptacles. This requirement is rooted in the need for sufficient electrical outlets to accommodate medical equipment, patient monitoring devices, and other necessary electrical devices that may need to be plugged in simultaneously. The specific need for four receptacles helps practitioners ensure that they have enough capacity to power essential medical devices without requiring excessive use of extension cords, which can pose safety risks. Additionally, having this number of receptacles allows for flexibility in patient care, accommodating the varying needs of different patients and types of equipment. The National Electrical Code (NEC) and local amendments often guide these standards in healthcare facilities. Therefore, adherence to these guidelines is crucial in promoting both patient safety and effective operation in care areas.