Emergency Generator at a Hospital

[Jodonnell]

Good day to all. We are working in a hospital in a patient care area. The hospital electricians stopped by our job site today and questioned us on the use of EMT conduit. They want us to use hospital grade M/C cable in the walls for all the circuits. The hospitals specifications calls for the complete installation to be in EMT except with 6' whips for the lighting. I am very happy to change to HCF/MC. I have not completed much work in patient care areas and I was under the impression that M/C cable was un-acceptable for emergency circuits. I have looked into article 517.30 (3) and HCF/MC is in compliance with this, unless I am missing something.

Thanks

 

[tom baker]

Any cable wiring method must have two ground paths. Traditionally hospital grade AC was used, the traditional MC cable does not qualify. But the new MC-Smart with an insulated EGC would. And of course EMT with an EGC would as well.
Personally I would prefer EMT over MC. Allows for changes later.

 

[lakee911]

If the specs call for EMT and the electrician says to use something different, I would show him the specs and tell the engineer what the electrican said. Let them sort it out.

 

[raider1]

If this is wiring for the emergency system take a look at 517.30(C)(3) for mechanical protection of the emergency system.

This section does not permit HCF/AC type of wiring methods except as permitted in 517.30(C)(3)(3).

Chris

 

[Jodonnell]

Is there anything in the code that does not allow me to use HCF/MC cable for the circuits being feed by the generator.

the engineer has approved the change. But I want to make sure I can do it per the NEC.

 

[raider1]

Is there anything in the code that does not allow me to use HCF/MC cable for the circuits being feed by the generator.

the engineer has approved the change. But I want to make sure I can do it per the NEC.

Yes, 517.30(C)(3) except as permitted by 517.30(C)(3)(3) for specific applications.

Chris

 

[roger]

Good day to all. We are working in a hospital in a patient care area. The hospital electricians stopped by our job site today and questioned us on the use of EMT conduit. They want us to use hospital grade M/C cable in the walls for all the circuits. The hospitals specifications calls for the complete installation to be in EMT except with 6' whips for the lighting.

Follow the specs.

I am very happy to change to HCF/MC. I have not completed much work in patient care areas and I was under the impression that M/C cable was un-acceptable for emergency circuits. I have looked into article 517.30 (3) and HCF/MC is in compliance with this, unless I am missing something.

It is only in compliance if one of the conditions of 517.30(C)(3)(3) is met. Are you having to open up existing walls for this project?


Roger