ASATT National Certification Exam (NCE) Practice Exam

The most commonly supplied electrical current to operating room (OR) equipment in the United States is Alternating Current (AC) at a voltage of 120 volts and a frequency of 60 hertz. This standard is established due to the widespread infrastructure in hospitals and medical facilities, which is designed to reliably support equipment that operates efficiently and safely within this power specification.

Using 120 volts AC is advantageous for OR equipment as it allows for safer operation and compatibility with most medical devices that require such a voltage. The frequency of 60 Hz is typical in North America, and it ensures that devices that rely on AC power function correctly without issues related to timing and synchronization.

In contrast, other options listed do not reflect the common practice in U.S. medical facilities. For instance, 24 volts DC is typically used in low-voltage applications rather than standard OR equipment. Additionally, while 220 volts may be used in other parts of the world (often in Europe), it does not apply within the context of standard U.S. operating room electrical systems. Therefore, the choice of AC 120 volts at 60 hertz is the standard for ensuring compatibility and safety in the hospital environment.