Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: George Stolz, Location: Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
Asked on: Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 8:00 am EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 2:52 am EDT
Question: Man, it's tough finding cutesy titles these days.I've been working in a medical office building with a dentist, another dentist, and a urologist in different TIs. I was puzzled by a very specific note on the prints in one of the dentist's offices.Essentially, it boils down to being required to comply with 517.13, but not 517.18. Since patients do not sleep onsite overnight and it's not a critical care area (per the definition of "patient bed location"), then hospital grade receptacles are not required - but since it is a patient care area, then hospital grade MC or EMT are required. Doesn't this seem odd? It seems natural to group hospital grade receptacles with the requirement for a better wiring method to them, doesn't it?I had previously worked in a hospital, and it was much easier to see where 517 took action over various aspects of the job. This is my first time working in an MOB and it seems that 517 is really hit or miss in this application.I guess I'm looking for confirmation that the engineer's read on this is correct, and your thoughts on these outlying installations that "sorta" abide by 517. Reading the scope of 517, it might as well say, "The installation shall comfort the installer's conscience, whatever that might entail." :grin:Thanks,
Engineer's Read is Correct
Yes, the engineer's interpretation of Article 517 is accurate. Hospital grade receptacles are not required in dental offices because they do not meet the definition of "patient bed locations" as per 517.18. However, since dental offices are considered patient care areas, hospital grade MC or EMT cables are required to connect receptacles per 517.
13.
Rationale
The purpose of hospital grade receptacles is to provide a reliable power source for critical care equipment in critical care areas. Dental offices do not have the same critical care needs as hospitals, so hospital grade receptacles are not necessary. However, the use of hospital grade MC or EMT cables ensures that the wiring method to the receptacles is robust and reliable.
Outlying Installations
It is not uncommon for outlying installations, such as MOBs, to have unique interpretations of Article 517. This is because MOBs often have a mix of patient care areas and non-patient care areas, which can lead to confusion about which requirements apply.
Comforting the Installer's Conscience
While it may seem that the scope of Article 517 is subjective, it is actually based on sound electrical safety principles. The requirements of 517 are intended to minimize the risk of electrical hazards in patient care areas. By following these requirements, installers can help to ensure the safety of patients and staff. Flag for review