Alternatives to the Extension Cords Used in Hospitals

Extension cords in hospitals could be a safety hazard. If an electric cord is broken or damaged, for instance, it could create an electrical shock. It's also possible for hospital staff or visitors to trip over the cords. There are alternatives to power cords that hospitals could use.

Multiple Outlet Strips

• One alternative to extension cords is the use of multiple outlet strips. The strips consist of a single power cord that feeds a number of receptacles. ECRI Institute recommends that you use multiple outlet strips, if you follow certain safety precautions. For instance, mount the multi-receptacle ends of the cords to carts.

Hospital Design

• Another way to avoid using extension cords is to plan the hospital design better. A Canadian Medical Association Journal article notes that selecting the number and location of wall power receptacles in patient care areas while the hospital is in the design state helps reduce the use of extension cords. Planning for power receptacles may not always be possible, but where possible it's a good way to avoid the use of extension cords.

Cord Management

• To ban the use of extension cords altogether would be like throwing the baby out with the bathwater. If you must use extension cords, use ones of good-quality material. Don't support more appliances than the building capacity permits. Inspect the cords occasionally. Avoid placing cords under rugs, in public lounges and nursing stations. The ECRI Institute recommends adding additional power outlets and avoiding the use extension cords as a matter of routine.