New York State Master Electrician Practice Exam

In anesthetizing areas, receptacles in a hazardous location must be suitable for which class I group?

1. Group A

2. Group B

3. Group C

4. Group D

The correct answer is: Group C

In anesthetizing areas, receptacles must be suitable for Class I, Group C locations due to the presence of anesthetic gases and vapors. Class I locations are generally characterized by the potential for flammable gases or vapors to be present in the atmosphere. Group C specifically addresses areas where anesthetics that may accumulate—such as ether, cyclopropane, or other volatile agents—are present in sufficient quantities to create a risk of explosion or fire when in contact with electrical equipment. Utilizing receptacles suitable for Group C ensures that they have been designed to minimize any potential risk associated with electrical ignition sources in such an environment. Receptacles that are not rated for this classification may not have the necessary protective features to prevent arcing or sparking, which could lead to catastrophic events in an area where anesthetic agents are being used. Understanding the classifications of hazardous locations is critical for ensuring safety in medical environments. The differences in groups reflect the varying levels of ignition risk posed by various hazardous materials, which underscores the importance of adhering strictly to these standards in sensitive areas like anesthetizing zones.