Requirement Against Appliances in Power Strips?

7/29/2022

Is there a requirement that you cannot plug an appliance (such as a refrigerator, microwave, toaster) into a power strip?

I'm specifically concerned with codes related to health care settings.

Thanks in advance.

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7 Comments

M. Newell

7/29/2022 08:09:40 am

I believe there is a code against daisy chaining. Meaning hooking multiple power strips to one another, but I do not believe there is anything that prohibits utilizing them with larger voltage items if they able to handle the load. You could check NFPA 1 & 70 for more information.

Alex

7/29/2022 08:23:06 am

I'm not aware of a specific code reference but I do know that many companies put warnings on their products to NOT plug them into power cords. Most power strips are only able to carry a few amps.

7/29/2022 08:35:38 am

RTP (relocatable power taps) must be listed per UL 1363. This includes a section for healthcare and medical equipment. See the following link. https://global.ihs.com/doc_detail.cfm?document_name=UL%201363&item_s_key=00124626.

Paul

7/29/2022 08:42:53 am

Not sure on your applicable fire code. But check IFC 604 for multi plug adapters.

Also check out NFPA 99, Ch. 10 multi outlet I think the call it. I know CMS allows it with certain criteria being met.

Jeyson

7/29/2022 08:47:27 am

This is a deficiency that DNV, JCI, and other third party surveyors will flag. The deficiency is tagged under K919 for CMS, EC.02.04.03 for JCI, or PE.3 SR.1 for DNV.

The "requirement" comes from NFPA 70: Article 110.3(b) which states "Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling."

I see two solutions here. You can either try to prove that your high powered equipment is installed in accordance with the listing/instructions AND that the power strip is listed to handle high powered devices, or you can just plug the high powered device directly into an outlet.

Randy Kimbro

8/4/2022 10:19:04 am

Check out NFPA 1, Section 11.1 Electrical Fire Safety, specifically 11.1.3.2 Multiplug adapters shall not be used as a substitute
for permanent wiring or receptacles.

As an AHJ,I would argue that appliances (as the original question asked) are permanent and therefore plugging them into a multiplug adapter is now using that adapter as permanent wiring.

Kelley Stalder

8/17/2022 04:19:46 pm

OSHA has weighed in on this:

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2002-11-18

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Requirement Against Appliances in Power Strips?

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