Relocatable Power Taps Can Be Used If Appropriate Safe Practices Are Followed

More commonly known as "power strips" or "multiple outlet connectors," relocatable power taps (RPTs) are often used in hospitals to, for example, safely power multiple medical devices mounted on a cart. Because inappropriate use of RPTs may risk electric shock and fire, their use in the healthcare environment warrants careful attention.

For many years now, ECRI—like many other organizations and individuals—has argued that these risks can be effectively managed, and that RPTs are safe to use provided that appropriate safe practices are employed. Such practices include:

Healthcare facilities, however, have needed clarity about the use of power strips in the patient care vicinity...