What are Relocatable Power Taps (RPTs), and when can they be used in healthcare settings?

RPTs, commonly known as power strips, are used to extend the number of available electrical outlets. In healthcare settings, only UL-listed, hospital-grade RPTs should be used. UL 1363 is suitable for non-patient care areas, while UL 1363A or UL 60601-1 types are required in the patient care vicinity. The patient care vicinity is a space, within a location intended for the examination and treatment of patients, extending 6 ft beyond the normal location of the device that supports the patient during examination and treatment and extending vertically to 7 ft 6 in. above the floor. Use must be approved by the facility’s policies and safety team.