Factory installed outlet tubing on station inlets shall not be less than what NPS?

The correct answer is that the factory-installed outlet tubing on station inlets shall not be less than 3/8 inch nominal pipe size (NPS). This specification is in place to ensure that the medical gas systems have adequate flow capacity and pressure to deliver gases safely and efficiently to various medical equipment and devices.

Using a tubing size that is too small can lead to increased resistance, potential pressure drops, and inadequate supply to medical devices, which could compromise patient care. The designation of 3/8 inch NPS is often chosen to balance between minimizing pressure loss and ensuring the structural integrity of the delivery system, particularly in environments that require high standards for medical gas distribution and reliability.

This specification reflects industry standards designed to safeguard both patient safety and the effectiveness of medical gas delivery systems.