The State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Minnesota Department of Health Engineering Services Division have recently communicated a clarification regarding the use of “relocatable power taps” (commonly referred to as “power strips” or “surge protector strips”).

The use of relocatable power taps is acceptable if they are properly used for their designated purpose (low current devices). Relocatable power taps are designed to serve as an extension of a building’s wiring. Underwriters Laboratory (UL) lists them for indoor use as relocatable multiple extensions of a branch circuit to supply laboratory equipment, home workshops, home movie lighting controls, and musical instrumentation, and to provide outlet receptacles for computers, audio and video equipment, and other equipment. Medical equipment and high current draw devices are not allowed to be plugged into a power strip, even if it has a breaker.

Note that the Minnesota State Fire Code (2007) Sec. 605.4 and Sec. 605.5 prohibits the use of multi-plug adapters (such as cube adapters, non-fused plug strips) as a substitute for permanent wiring, and allows extension cords to be used only with portable appliances. Extension cords and flexible cords shall not be affixed to structures, extended through walls, ceilings or floors, or under doors or floor coverings, nor shall such cords be subject to environmental damage or physical impact. While it could be argued that power taps are the same as multiplug adaptors, their use is allowed. By definition power taps must meet UL 1363.

Also note that some power taps are designed and marketed as “medical grade.” Medical grade refers to the mechanical construction of the device, but not the permitted uses. That being said, a power tap (regardless of whether it is “standard” or “medical grade”) is a low current device and must only be used with low current devices or equipment.

So what devices or equipment would be considered high current versus low current? Below are some examples:

According to the State Fire Marshal’s office, no device or piece of equipment that draws over 2.5 amps may be plugged into a relocatable power tap. Check the information that accompanies a piece of equipment to determine how much power it draws.

Facilities are encouraged to have policies and procedures regarding the proper use and limitations of relocatable power taps and monitor for internal compliance.

Want to know more? Click here for a State Fire Marshal Division information document on this subject.

Doug Beardsley
952.851.2489
dbeardsl@careproviders.org

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