When Zip Ties Won’t Cut It: Meeting Joint Commission Requirements for IV Pole Power Strips

When our South Texas rep, Devin Daniels, was called into one of his customer’s hospitals, the request at first seemed routine—helping them prepare for their upcoming Joint Commission  inspection. But the issue the team raised wasn’t about beds or carts. It was about something much smaller: the clamps securing their IV pole power strips.

It turns out, according to Joint Commission requirements, power strips on IV poles (also called Relocatable Power Taps (RPTs)) must be permanently secured to the pole.

What the Joint Commission Requires

The use of RPTs in patient care areas is addressed by EC.02.05.01 EP 23, which states:

• RPTs in the patient care vicinity may only be used on movable patient care medical equipment.
• They must be permanently attached to the equipment.
• They must meet UL 1363A or UL 60601-1

On top of that, CMS and NFPA code requirements reinforce that the RPT must be permanently secured and compliant.

In short, hospitals can’t simply hang a power strip off an IV pole with tape, clips, or a quick fix. They need a solution that meets both compliance and safety standards.

The “Solutions” That Don’t Work

When faced with this challenge, many hospitals get creative. Some drill holes directly into IV poles. Others use screws or zip ties. And while those might work “in a pinch,” they create more problems than they solve.

• Drilling or screwing compromises the pole’s integrity and can lead to rust or weakening over time.
• Zip ties are far from permanent (Joint Commission surveyors are quick to call them out).
• Homemade fixes leave staff frustrated and add risk during inspections.

As Devin saw firsthand, these “solutions” weren’t just temporary, they were a liability.

An example of zip ties being used to secure power strip on an IV pole.

Here, screws have been drilled to the clamp of the portable power strip.

From Problem to Innovation

Devin spent over two hours swapping out more than 30 IV pole clamps for one client. That experience sparked a question: Could Pedigo create something permanent, compliant, and easy for staff to use?

With input from Devin and our engineering team, the answer became clear: yes.

Introducing Pedigo’s Joint Commission-Compliant IV Clamp

Pedigo is proud to introduce the P-3401-TR IV Pole Power Strip Accessory, designed specifically to meet Joint Commission requirements while making life easier for hospital staff.

Here’s what makes it different:

·      Permanent security: The clamp comes with a security sleeve that ensures the power strip is permanently attached. ·      Adjustability: Staff can still adjust the strip as needed, without compromising compliance. ·      Durability: Built to Pedigo’s high standards, it’s designed to withstand daily hospital use. ·      Peace of mind: No more makeshift fixes or compliance headaches.

As an industry leader in innovation, Pedigo is proud to offer a product that not only solves a regulatory challenge but also supports safer, more efficient patient care.

Why It Matters

For hospitals, compliance isn’t optional—it’s essential. Failing to meet Joint Commission standards can put accreditation at risk, not to mention the extra stress it adds to staff preparing for inspections.

By offering a simple, reliable, and compliant solution, Pedigo helps:

• Facilities avoid inspection setbacks.
• Staff save time and frustration.
• Patients receive care in a safer, more reliable environment.

Partnering with You for Compliance

At Pedigo, we don’t just sell products, we solve problems. Devin’s story is just one example of how listening to our customers leads to better solutions for the entire healthcare community.

If your facility is still relying on zip ties or “Frankenstein fixes” to secure your IV pole power strips, it may be time for an upgrade. Our Joint Commission-compliant clamp is built to take the guesswork out of inspections and the headaches out of daily use.

Reach out to your local Pedigo representative today to learn more about the P-3401-TR IV Pole Accessory and how it can simplify compliance for your facility.