What is the pressure drop limit for support outlets in medical gas systems?

In medical gas systems, the design and operation are critical for ensuring safety and effectiveness in patient care. The pressure drop limit for support outlets is established to maintain the integrity and availability of the gas supply, which is essential for medical equipment and patient treatment.

The correct answer reflects the industry standard that allows for a maximum pressure drop of 5 psi at support outlets. This limit is set to ensure that even in the presence of variations due to flow conditions or system design, sufficient pressure remains for the proper delivery of medical gases to patients. A pressure drop greater than 5 psi could compromise the performance of medical devices and lead to inadequate gas supply, which poses a significant risk in a healthcare environment.

Maintaining pressure within this limit is crucial for compliance with health and safety regulations and ensuring that medical facilities can provide uninterrupted and reliable care. This understanding supports the safe and effective operation of medical gas systems, highlighting the importance of strict adherence to prescribed standards in plumbing design for healthcare applications.