Emergency Power Strategies for Fort Myers Medical & Dental Offices

Anyone who’s lived in Fort Myers for more than one storm season knows how unpredictable Florida weather can be. One minute it’s sunny, the next a thunderstorm’s rolling through — and in hurricane season, the power grid can go dark without warning.

For most businesses, that’s inconvenient. For medical and dental offices, it’s dangerous. A loss of power can shut down critical systems, delay patient care, or even put lives and expensive equipment at risk.

We’ve worked with clinics and dental practices all over Lee County to design electrical systems that stay reliable when the utility lines don’t. Here’s how we help practices prepare — and what every healthcare facility in Southwest Florida should have in place before the next outage.

Why Reliable Power Matters So Much

Patient safety.
Everything from suction pumps to sterilizers and vaccine refrigerators depends on steady power. Even a few minutes offline can spoil medication or halt procedures mid-step.

Regulations.
Florida’s AHCA and the NFPA codes require healthcare facilities to maintain emergency lighting, life-safety circuits, and backup power for key systems. Falling short can mean failed inspections or fines.

Financial impact.
Every hour without power means canceled appointments and lost revenue — not to mention the stress of rebooking patients and replacing spoiled supplies.

Storm season.
Between June and November, Fort Myers can see days-long outages after major storms. Offices that plan ahead keep treating patients while everyone else waits for the lights to come back on.

Outages disrupt clinics and Florida homes alike—plan for both.
Get answers for your Fort Myers rental in our Commercial Services FAQ.

Step 1 – List What Must Stay On

Every practice is different, but most can’t lose:

• Lighting and outlets in exam and treatment rooms

• Sterilization and sanitation equipment

• Dental chairs, compressors, and suction pumps

• Refrigeration for vaccines or medication

• Computer systems, servers, and imaging equipment

• HVAC for comfort and humidity control

• Emergency and exit lighting

Knowing which circuits are essential helps design the right backup system.

Step 2 – Pick the Right Backup Power

Portable Generators – best for very small offices or temporary setups.
They’ll run a few key circuits, but they require manual start-up and constant refueling. Always use a transfer switch — never plug a generator into a wall outlet.

Standby Generators – the gold standard for most medical and dental offices.
These are permanently installed outside, start automatically within seconds of an outage, and can power either the entire facility or only the critical loads. They run on natural gas or propane, so there’s no refueling line during a storm.

Battery Backup / UPS Systems – great for bridging short outages or keeping computers and lab equipment online until the generator kicks in. Many practices use both for seamless protection.

Top questions from Florida families in our Generator FAQ.

Step 3 – Check the Load Before You Buy

Before any generator is installed, we run a detailed load calculation. That tells us exactly how much power the office draws and how long it needs to stay running. It’s not guesswork — it’s math.

We look at:

• Total amperage for lights, HVAC, and equipment

• Startup draw from motors and compressors

• Voltage and phase requirements

• Runtime goals (hours vs. days)

Sizing the system correctly keeps it efficient and code-compliant.

Full upgrade story for Fort Myers in our Panel Upgrade with Generator Interlock.

Step 4 – Stay Within Code

Healthcare facilities have to follow NFPA 99 and 110, along with AHCA rules and city permitting. That means:

• Automatic transfer switches

• Proper exhaust and ventilation

• Routine testing and written maintenance logs

• Emergency lighting along exit routes

We handle the paperwork, permits, and inspections so you stay compliant and pass the first time.

Safe options for Florida homes in our Transfer Switch vs Interlock.

Step 5 – Maintain It

A generator that never gets tested is a generator that won’t start when you need it. We recommend:

• Monthly test runs under load

• Checking oil, coolant, and fuel quality

• Inspecting batteries and connections

• Annual professional servicing with load-bank testing

In coastal areas, salt air is brutal on metal parts and wiring, so regular cleaning and anti-corrosion treatment are musts.

Step 6 – Train the Staff

Even the best backup setup can fail if nobody knows what to do. Every team should know:

• How to respond during a power loss

• What equipment should be shut down or left running

• Where the generator and transfer switch are

• Who to call for service

When we finish an installation, we usually walk the staff through the whole system so they’re comfortable operating it.

Real Example: Dental Office off Summerlin Road

A Fort Myers dental clinic called us after a summer storm knocked out power for three hours. Their suction pumps, compressors, and imaging systems all went down, forcing them to cancel an entire day’s patients.

We installed a 20 kW standby generator with an automatic transfer switch tied into their main panel. Now, when the grid drops, the lights stay on and the office runs like nothing happened. They haven’t lost a single appointment since.

Why Clinics Choose Coharbor Electric

We’re local, licensed, and familiar with every inspection office in Lee County. More importantly, we understand how critical reliable power is for patient care.

Our services include:

• Turnkey generator design and installation

• Load calculations and system sizing

• AHCA and NFPA code compliance

• Ongoing preventive maintenance

• 24/7 emergency response for medical clients

Don’t Wait for the Next Storm

If your medical or dental office doesn’t have a backup power plan yet, now’s the time. One strong storm can set your practice back days — or cost thousands in damaged equipment.

Let’s build a system that keeps your lights, your patients, and your reputation protected.

📞 Call Coharbor Electric to schedule an on-site consultation.
We’ll design a custom emergency power solution that fits your office, your budget, and Florida’s unpredictable weather.