Why are isolated grounding receptacles prohibited in patient care vicinities?

Isolated grounding receptacles are prohibited in patient care vicinities primarily because they can create safety hazards. These receptacles are designed to limit the risk of interference and noise in sensitive equipment, but they may also create a false sense of security. Since the grounding system is isolated, any fault current does not return to the ground effectively, potentially resulting in dangerous equipment malfunctions or electrical shocks during fault conditions.

In environments where patients are receiving care, the highest safety standards are required to protect patients from electrical hazards. Standard grounding practices ensure that if a fault occurs, the system will operate properly to clear the fault and mitigate the risk of electric shock. Therefore, utilizing isolated grounding in patient care areas is not only ineffective in enhancing safety but may also introduce risks contrary to the fundamental goal of patient protection.