Why is it critical to use GFCI outlets in healthcare facilities?

Why is it critical to use GFCI outlets in healthcare facilities?

• A. To provide additional outlets for more devices
• B. To protect against electrical shock by shutting off power when a ground fault is detected
• C. To improve power efficiency in the facility
• D. To reduce wear and tear on electrical equipment

Answer: (B)

Using GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets in healthcare facilities is essential primarily because these devices protect against electrical shock by automatically shutting off power when they detect a ground fault. Ground faults can occur when there is an unintentional path between a source of current and a grounded surface, which can happen in environments where moisture is present, such as bathrooms, kitchens, or near sinks in healthcare settings. In healthcare environments, patients and staff may be at higher risk for electrical shock due to the presence of medical devices that may come into contact with water or bodily fluids. GFCI outlets are designed to continuously monitor the electrical current flowing through the circuit. If they detect an imbalance between the incoming and outgoing current, indicating a leak of electricity, they react quickly—typically within milliseconds—by shutting off the circuit. This swift action significantly reduces the risk of serious injury or death from electrocution. The other options do not address the primary role of GFCI outlets. While providing additional outlets or improving power efficiency may be beneficial in some contexts, they do not directly contribute to safety against electrical shocks. Reducing wear and tear on electrical equipment, while important for maintenance, is not the primary motivation for implementing GFCI outlets in healthcare

Using GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets in healthcare facilities is essential primarily because these devices protect against electrical shock by automatically shutting off power when they detect a ground fault. Ground faults can occur when there is an unintentional path between a source of current and a grounded surface, which can happen in environments where moisture is present, such as bathrooms, kitchens, or near sinks in healthcare settings.

In healthcare environments, patients and staff may be at higher risk for electrical shock due to the presence of medical devices that may come into contact with water or bodily fluids. GFCI outlets are designed to continuously monitor the electrical current flowing through the circuit. If they detect an imbalance between the incoming and outgoing current, indicating a leak of electricity, they react quickly—typically within milliseconds—by shutting off the circuit. This swift action significantly reduces the risk of serious injury or death from electrocution.

The other options do not address the primary role of GFCI outlets. While providing additional outlets or improving power efficiency may be beneficial in some contexts, they do not directly contribute to safety against electrical shocks. Reducing wear and tear on electrical equipment, while important for maintenance, is not the primary motivation for implementing GFCI outlets in healthcare