Hospitals are highly complex centers where advanced technologies, highly qualified professionals and patients requiring critical care converge at all times. For all this to work properly, there is one element that is absolutely essential: electrical power. From operating theaters to diagnostic imaging rooms, intensive care units (ICU), hospital rooms and IT systems, every space depends on a continuous, safe and high-quality power supply.
The real risk of a power outage
Unlike other buildings, a power failure in a hospital can have major consequences. A power outage of even a few seconds can take life-support equipment out of service, interrupt an ongoing surgery, or cause the loss of critical information from a patient’s medical record. From an intensive care unit to an X-ray room, electrical power is the silent mainstay that keeps everything running.
Electrical systems must be designed with the nature and use of each area in mind. A waiting room is not the same as an operating room. Critical areas such as operating rooms, ICU, analysis laboratories or medical imaging rooms must be connected to redundant systems that ensure uninterrupted operation. In addition, it is mandatory to comply with technical standards such as ITC-BT-38 or UNE 20460-7-710, which regulate the specific requirements for medical premises in Spain.
What are the components of a hospital electrical installation?
Electrical installations in hospitals include many specialized elements. These include: main distribution boards, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), emergency generators, isolated grounding systems (IPS), and surge protection systems. All work together to ensure continuity of supply, power quality and the safety of patients and staff.
1. Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)
UPSs are key devices in hospitals. They function as an instant battery backup: if there is a mains failure, the UPS activates immediately to keep equipment on until generators come on line. They also regulate voltage and protect equipment from power fluctuations or surges, which is vital for the operation of sensitive devices such as scanners, monitors or respirators.
2. Emergency generators: the backup of last resort
While UPSs allow continuity for the first few seconds after a power failure, hospitals must also have emergency generators capable of powering critical areas for hours at a time. These generators start automatically after detecting a prolonged power outage, and are ready to power operating rooms, ICUs, HVAC systems, elevators and more.
A recent example that put these systems occurred in April 2025, when the Iberian Peninsula to the test suffered a massive blackout that lasted for several hours. Despite the magnitude of the event, the response of many hospital centers was exemplary. Thanks to the automatic activation of generators, most hospitals were able to continue their activity with a high level of care, although adapted to the emergency situation. Although it was not possible to maintain 100% of operational services, priority medical care was not compromised, demonstrating the effectiveness and necessity of robust and well-maintained backup power infrastructures.
3. Grounding systems and isolated installations.
In areas such as operating rooms, a special electrical isolation system is required to prevent leakage currents from passing into the patient’s body. This type of system is called IPS (Isolated Power System) and ensures both safety and electrical continuity. In addition, operating rooms must have isolation monitoring and alarms that alert of any failure in real time.
4. Monitoring and energy efficiency
A modern hospital must also be energy efficient. To this end, energy management systems are used to provide real-time information on consumption by area, detect anomalies or overexpenditure and optimize the use of resources. In many centers, artificial intelligence is already being implemented to predict consumption, anticipate demand peaks and automatically manage the climate, lighting and renewable energy.
Electrical regulations applicable in hospitals
In Spain, hospital electrical installations must comply with the Low Voltage Electrotechnical Regulation (REBT) and its complementary technical instructions. ITC-BT-38 specifically regulates operating rooms, while other standards such as UNE 20460-7-710 or IEC 60364-7-7-710 (at international level) establish criteria for medical premises. In addition, the Technical Building Code (CTE) regulates lightning protection and the structural safety of installations.
A well-designed hospital from an electrical point of view incorporates redundancy at all levels. This involves alternative power sources, dual switchboards and separate conduits. Predictive maintenance strategies and continuous monitoring through sensors and SCADA systems are also implemented, allowing action to be taken before a failure occurs.
Real cases of electrical failures in hospitals
There are multiple documented examples of the serious consequences of a power outage in a healthcare environment. In some hospitals, surgeries have been interrupted by power outages, forcing manual ventilation or the use of cell phone lighting. In other cases, injuries have been caused by poorly insulated electrocauteries or failure of sensitive equipment due to voltage spikes. These incidents demonstrate the importance of safe and modern facilities.
Investing in a high-quality hospital electrical installation brings measurable benefits:
- Increased patient safety: life support and critical equipment operating without interruption.
- Operational continuity: no data loss, no cancelled surgeries, no unplanned interruptions.
- Regulatory compliance: avoids penalties, failed inspections and enhances the reputation of the facility.
- Long-term cost reduction: an efficient and monitored system reduces consumption and carbon footprint.
- Improved image and confidence: patients and professionals feel safe in a technologically prepared environment.
Sustainable and energy-efficient hospitals
Many hospitals are now turning to sustainable systems. The integration of solar photovoltaics, battery storage, intelligent LED lighting and automated climate control has been shown to reduce electricity consumption by up to 20 %. These improvements not only save money, but also significantly reduce the building’s environmental impact.
Technological evolution is leading hospitals into a new era: that of smart hospitals. In these hospitals, all systems (electrical, medical, IT and logistics) are interconnected, enabling more efficient, secure and sustainable real-time management. The electrical installation is no longer a passive network, but a dynamic system capable of adapting to the needs of the hospital, anticipating faults and responding autonomously to emergency situations.
Electricity in a hospital is an essential pillar of life. Without power, no diagnosis, treatment or recovery is possible. A proper electrical installation ensures that professionals can work with peace of mind, that patients receive the best possible care, and that the healthcare facility fulfills its social and medical function efficiently and responsibly.