Relocatable Power Taps or Strips

To minimize fire risks, UCSF Health developed a policy on the use of relocatable power taps (RPT), more commonly known as extension cords, power strips, or surge protectors.  The following guidelines govern the use of RPTs in both clinical and non-clinical settings.

In clinical areas:

• Use only special-purpose relocatable power taps (SPRPT); regular RPTs are prohibited in clinical areas
• SPRPT must be UL1363A or UL60601-1 listed
• SPRPT may be used to power only patient-care-related electrical equipment and may not be used for non-patient-care equipment such as personal electronics
• SPRPT may not be used with the following equipment; these must be plugged directly to the wall:
         - heating or cooling devices such as Bair Hugger or hypothermia units
         - x-ray or ultrasound imaging equipment
         - surgical lasers over 2W output
         - anesthesia machines
         - ventilators
         - heart/lung machines
         - dialysis machines
         - apheresis machines
         - balloon pumps
         - blood warmers
         - Neptune waste management devices
• SPRPT for use in clinical areas may be obtained by submitting a request to Clinical Engineering via Service Now (MCSS)

In non-clinical areas:

• RPT must be UL1363 listed
• Must have a built-in surge protector
• Must be plugged directly into an appropriate wall outlet and not another RPT ("daisy-chaining")
• May be used to power both patient-care and non-patient-care related equipment
• May not be used with major appliances such as microwaves and refrigerators; these equipment must be plugged directly to a wall outlet