Critical Power: Hospital Electrical Systems

Power loss for a hospital could be devastating. In the event of a utility outage, patients' lives are at risk, and maintaining power and communication systems through emergency power-generation systems is critical.

The learning objectives for this course are:

• Explain the applicable codes and standards: NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, Article 517; NFPA 99: Health Care Facilities Code; NFPA 110: Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems; and various hospital accrediting agencies.
• Assess the unique electrical system requirements of hospitals including those for patient care and nonpatient areas.
• Analyze and compare the differences between emergency and essential power, connected load and demand load, the branches of the emergency power supply system (EPSS), and the types of equipment associated with each branch.
• Outline backup, standby, and emergency power systems for hospitals versus other building types.
• Highlight recommended best practices such as ASHE Handbook for Electrical Systems and IEEE White Book.