Electrical Equipment - Power Cords and Extension Cords
Power strips in a patient care vicinity are only used for components of movable patient-care-related electrical equipment (PCREE) assembles that have been assembled by qualified personnel and meet the conditions of 10.2.3.6. Power strips in the patient care vicinity may not be used for non-PCREE (e.g., personal electronics), except in long-term care resident rooms that do not use PCREE. Power strips for PCREE meet UL 1363A or UL 60601-1. Power strips for non-PCREE in the patient care rooms (outside of vicinity) meet UL 1363. In non-patient care rooms, power strips meet other UL standards. All power strips are used with general precautions. Extension cords are not used as a substitute for fixed wiring of a structure. Extension cords used temporarily are removed immediately upon completion of the purpose for which it was installed and meets the conditions of 10.2.4.
10.2.3.6 (NFPA 99), 10.2.4 (NFPA 99), 400-8 (NFPA 70), 590.3(D) (NFPA 70), TIA 12-5
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Observations:
Name: BUILDING 02 - Component: 02 - Tag: 0920
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to maintain electrical power cords and surge protectors in three of three wings on the second floor.
Findings include:
Observation on January 16, 2025, between 10:05 a.m. and 11:10 a.m., revealed the following electrical power cord deficiencies:
A. (10:05 a.m.) Second floor, West Cardinal Wing, resident room 230 had two multi-outlet, two prong extension cords plugged into a receptacle;
B. (10:11 a.m.) Second floor, West Cardinal Wing, resident room 231 had multiple surge protectors in use with multi-port timer plugs and other various items plugged in. The facility failed to supply evidence the power strips were adequate for the number and types of devices being powered, and that there was no potential for overloading the outlets;
C. (10:15 a.m.) Second floor, West Cardinal Wing, resident room 239 had a multi-outlet, two prong extension cord plugged into a receptacle;
D. (10:24 a.m.) Second floor, West Cardinal Wing, resident room 238 had a multi-outlet, two prong extension cord plugged into a receptacle;
E. (10:29 a.m.) Second floor, East Cardinal Wing, resident room 243 had a cord with damaged insulation for the adjustable hospital bed;
F. (10:30 a.m.) Second floor, East Cardinal Wing, resident room 245 had two two-prong extension cords plugged into a power strip. Additionally, the facility failed to supply evidence the power strips were adequate for the number and types of devices being powered and that there was no potential for overloading the outlets;
G. (10:35 a.m.) Second floor, East Cardinal Wing, resident room 248 had a three prong to two prong adapter in use;
H. (10:38 a.m.) Second floor, East Cardinal Wing, resident room 252 had an extension cord plugged into an outlet;
I. (10:40 a.m.) Second floor, East Cardinal Wing, resident room 249 had damaged cord insulation for the adjustable hospital bed;
J. (10:43 a.m.) Second floor, South Cardinal Wing, resident room 207 had an extension cord plugged into an outlet;
K. (10:45 a.m.) Second floor, South Cardinal Wing, resident room 205 had a surge protector plugged into a surge protector. Additionally, the facility failed to supply evidence the power strips were adequate for the number and types of devices being powered and that there was no potential for overloading the outlets.
Interview with the maintenance director on January 16, 2025, at 10:45 a.m., confirmed the power cord and surge protector deficiencies at the time of the survey.
| | Plan of Correction - To be completed: 02/28/2025
All resident rooms will be inspected to ensure the electrical power cords and surge protectors are maintained and utilized properly.
Letters will be sent to residents and/or responsible representatives informing them of the proper use of electrical power cords/surge protectors within the Center. Staff education will be completed by the Staff Educator/designee of the proper use of electrical power cords/surge protectors.
Center audits will be conducted by the Managers/Designee in resident rooms three times per week for one month to ensure the electrical power cords and surge protectors are maintained and utilized properly. Audit findings will be discussed during our Quality Assurance meeting.
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