What is the minimum number of receptacles required in operating rooms?

In operating rooms, specific requirements for the number of receptacles are established to ensure safety and adequate functionality during surgical procedures. The NEC (National Electrical Code) dictates that operating rooms must have a sufficient number of receptacles to accommodate the wide range of medical equipment and devices used in these environments.

The requirement for a minimum of 36 receptacles is based on the need to support multiple pieces of equipment without overloading circuits or risking the availability of necessary power sources during critical operations. This includes providing enough receptacles for surgical lights, monitoring devices, anesthesia machines, and other essential apparatus, as well as ensuring that sufficient separation exists between power circuits to reduce risks.

Therefore, the minimum number of receptacles required in operating rooms aligns with safety protocols and operational efficiency, making the choice of 36 receptacles the correct answer.