?? Electrical Solutions for Hospital Environments — From Reliable Power Systems to Patient Experience

Hospitals present unique challenges for electricians, requiring expertise in everything from critical power systems to patient privacy. In this eNewsletter, our very own Healthcare Industry Manager Jeff Rondeau explores how electrical solutions, like redundancy and building automation systems (BAS), can improve hospital operations and patient experiences. He also discusses what every hospital should look for when partnering with an electrical contractor.

Reliable Electrical Systems

Power outages can disrupt healthcare operations, affecting surgeries, procedures, equipment, and even elevators. These disruptions can negatively impact both patients and staff. To avoid disruption, redundant power supplies are built into the power system, giving priority to the most critical functions.

Redundancy priority is broken down by Life Safety, Critical, and Equipment Branches (NFAP 99). During a power outage, power is transferred to emergency power sources, usually a generator or Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS). Power is automatically distributed based on priority, providing multiple layers of backup to maintain critical functions.

This redundancy ensures critical electrical systems remain operational during any emergency, including those involving surgical procedures, life-sustaining equipment, patient transport elevators, data privacy and care records, infectious disease control, building safety, and more. An electrician specializing in hospital settings will understand Critical A and Critical B power systems and the complex nature of redundant supply systems.

Learn more about the importance of an Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) System.?

Life Safety and Security Systems

Providing for the safety and security of patients, staff, and data is paramount in a healthcare setting. Life safety and security systems, such as building or area access controls, video surveillance, fire alarms, emergency egress lighting, nurse call, and mass notification systems, provide warning and protect patients and staff during emergencies. Building Automation Systems (BAS) can integrate these systems for more centralized control and monitoring. Additionally, touch-free entry or occupancy-censored lighting helps reduce the spread of infections.?

Whether for new construction, upgrades, or expansion, a reputable electrical contractor will have the expertise to install the low-voltage, fiber-optic structured cabling needed to support these types of integrated systems.

This blog explores how electrical construction can support healthy building strategies for healthcare facilities and hospitals.?

Technology, Signage, and Lighting

Experienced healthcare electricians help improve the overall patient experience by incorporating various technologies and thoughtful design features that promote comfort, safety, and ease of navigation. Key elements include:

• Sound masking for privacy — Helps maintain patient confidentiality by reducing overheard conversations in treatment areas.?
• Wi-Fi connectivity —? Ensures seamless internet access for both patients and visitors.?
• Network and data communications —? Secures patient data and supports essential hospital operations.
• Bright lighting and security cameras — Well-lit parking lots and hospital perimeters, combined with security cameras, keep patients and staff safe.
• Creative lighting and wayfinding/directional signage — ?Helps guide patients and visitors through the hospital.?
• Digital signage and branding — Promotes the hospital’s brand.

By integrating these technologies, hospital electricians help create a safer, more comfortable environment for patients and visitors while optimizing hospital operations and enhancing the overall patient experience.

Check out these past projects to see how electrical construction can help enhance any hospital environment.

Green Energy

Hospitals can save on operational costs and meet sustainability goals with the right green energy solutions. An experienced electrician can tailor options to your facility’s needs, including:

• Solar electric systems — Converts sunlight to electricity.
• LED lighting and fixtures —? More energy efficient and cost-effective than traditional lighting.
• Occupancy sensors and automated environment — Control utilities like lighting based on occupancy in a room.?
• Electric vehicle charging stations — Enhances patient and employee experience.

Explore our Energy Technology page.?

Electrical Preventive Maintenance and 24/7 Emergency Service

Routine preventive maintenance, such as scheduled diagnostics and infrared (IR) scanning, helps identify potential risks before they lead to unexpected failures. A trusted electrician will work with hospital facilities managers to mitigate risks and schedule maintenance so there is minimal disruption for patients and staff. Maintenance should include all smart building technologies, including lighting, HVAC, air-filtration systems, and specialized areas like clean rooms.

An electrician with hospital experience will help avoid mechanical or electrical failures that cause unplanned downtime. Should an emergency arise, a quality electrical contractor like Lemberg provides 24/7 emergency services. Being familiar with the hospital’s systems and layout allows them to respond quickly, troubleshoot issues, and carry out critical repairs, ensuring essential operations remain uninterrupted.

Start your electrical preventive maintenance plan now.?

What to Look for When Hiring an Electrical Contractor for Your Healthcare Facility?

Finding an electrical contractor with experience in healthcare environments is key to keeping any electrical project timeline as efficient and short as possible, allowing for no disruptions in the hospital’s operations and patient experience.

When selecting an electrical contractor, hospitals should look for professionals who demonstrate discretion, respect patient privacy, and understand the specialized needs of healthcare environments. Maintaining a calm, safe atmosphere for patients and staff is critical throughout the project. In addition to their technical skills, electricians must follow strict safety and sanitary protocols, especially in patient exam and treatment areas, while showing care and compassion.

Ready to power up your hospital? Lemberg offers a team of specialized electricians trained to meet the unique demands of hospitals. With 24/7 emergency services and a full range of facilities management support, we ensure reliable power and safety for patients and staff.