Change Summary

• Section 517.19(B)(1) has been revised by changing the word “six” to “fourteen.”
• The minimum number of receptacles required in a critical care patient bed location has increased to fourteen
• These receptacles are required to be listed and identified as “hospital grade” and connected to an insulated copper equipment grounding conductor

Expert Analysis

The minimum number of receptacles required in a critical care patient bed location has been six for several years. This revision increases the minimum number required to align with the NFPA 99 standard. Advances in medical technology have resulted in more medical appliances and equipment being utilized in critical care patient bed locations to provide necessary care. NFPA 99-2012 Health Care Facilities Code has been revised by increasing the number of receptacles in critical patient care bed locations. This revision aligns 517.19(B)(1) with Section 6.3.2.2.6.2 (B) of NFPA 99. A minimum of fourteen receptacles must be installed in patient bed locations in critical care areas and they must be listed “hospital grade” and so identified. The equipment grounding conductor connected to the grounding terminal of these receptacles is required to be insulated, copper. At least one of the fourteen receptacles shall be connected to either the normal system branch circuit required in 517.19(A), or a critical branch circuit supplied by a different transfer switch than the other receptacles at the same patient bed location. The other revision in this section in list item (2) removes the term essential branch and replaces it with “critical branch.”

4-IN-1 Receptacles

Leviton offers hospital “4-IN-1” receptacles in Hospital Grade, Hospital Grade Isolated Ground and
Hospital Grade Surge Protection.

• Terminal wiring screws fit inside a standard single gang wallbox
• Available in 15A-125V and 20A-250V configurations
• Impact resistant nylon cover and base for strength and resistance to chemicals and corrosives
• Easy-to-read voltage and amperage rating molded into face
• Available in several colors, including red