The key safety requirements outlined in the National Electrical Code for medical locations include:
1. Comprehensive Assessment: A thorough assessment must be conducted to identify the
electrical supply requirements for medical equipment and systems, considering all possible
patient positions. Locations that fall into both group 1 and group 2 categories should be
classified as group 2.
2. Independent Supply Lines: For group 2 medical locations, measures must be in place to
prevent total loss of power in case of a single fault. This can be achieved through
independent supply lines or uninterruptible power supplies (UPS).
3. Dedicated Systems for Critical Areas: Operating rooms and other critical areas require
dedicated UPS systems to ensure backup power for at least three hours. An isolated power
system panel should be used for circuits powering medical electrical equipment.
4. Protection of Wiring Systems: Total selectivity must be ensured for any prospective
overcurrent, and overcurrent protection against short-circuit and overload current is
necessary for each final circuit.
5. Identification of Safety Circuits: Circuits connecting safety power supply sources to the
main distribution board should be considered safety circuits, and socket-outlets supplied
from these sources must be readily identifiable.
6. Automatic Change-Over Systems: The standard mandates that the distribution system be
designed to facilitate automatic change-over from the main distribution network to a safety
power supply source. This ensures that essential medical equipment continues to receive
power without interruption in the event of a failure of the normal power supply.
7. Safety Power Supply Requirements: It specifies that a safety power supply must be
energized to feed essential equipment in case of a failure of the normal power supply. This
includes provisions for automatic activation if the voltage at the main distribution board
drops by more than 10% of the nominal voltage, allowing for short-time interruptions due
to auto re-closure of circuit-breakers.
8. Dedicated UPS Systems: In critical areas such as operating rooms, the standard calls for
dedicated UPS systems to ensure backup power for at least three hours. This is crucial for
maintaining the operation of medical electrical equipment during power outages.
9. Protection against Overcurrent: The standard emphasizes the need for overcurrent
protection against short-circuit and overload currents for each final circuit. This ensures
that any faults do not lead to widespread outages or damage to the electrical system.
10. Isolation and Monitoring: It requires the use of isolated power systems and insulation
monitoring devices in operating rooms and other critical areas. These systems help in
detecting faults and ensuring that the electrical supply remains safe and reliable for patient
care.
11. Testing and Maintenance: The standard includes provisions for regular testing and
maintenance of electrical installations, ensuring that all systems are functioning correctly
and safely before commissioning.
12. Assessment and Upgrades: It may be necessary to modify existing electrical installations
when there is a change in the utilization of the location. This includes assessing the current
systems to ensure they meet the updated safety requirements outlined in the standard.
13. Compliance with Safety Standards: Existing installations should be evaluated against the
latest safety standards, including the need for dedicated safety power supply sources and
automatic change-over systems. If the current setup does not comply, upgrades should be
made to align with the new requirements.
14. Isolation of Medical Circuits: For circuits supplied from other systems (such as TN-S or
TT systems) within the same medical location, socket-outlets connected to the medical IT
system should either be constructed to prevent their use in other systems or be clearly and
permanently marked. This helps in maintaining the integrity of the medical electrical
system.
15. Installation of Monitoring Devices: Existing systems may need to be retrofitted with
insulation monitoring devices and other safety equipment to ensure ongoing compliance
with safety standards. This is particularly important in areas where medical electrical
equipment is used.
16. Documentation and Record Keeping: A logbook should be maintained to record all tests
and inspections required prior to commissioning any modifications. This ensures that all
changes are documented and that the system remains compliant with safety standards.
