2008 Handbook intrepretation

[BAMiller2408]

I have issue with an intrepetation in the 2008 NEC Handbook, which is also carried over into the 2011 NEC handbook. 517.13 An explaination on the wiring method in a patient care room states that "Metal-sheathed cable assemblies are not permitted as a general wiring method for emergency circuits in the patient vicinity becasue 517.30(C)(3) requires such wiring to be protected by installation in metal raceways" I have studied this becasue I am working on a Nursing Home. I came to the conclusion that patient care area in Hospitals, or in which patients are sustained by electrical life support equipment or sub-acute or critical care, must have the emergency circuits in Non-flexible conduit, but in other patient care areas it is not necessary. My understanding is that a Nursing Facility that does not fall into the catagories above do not have to abide by 517.30 through 517.35 and that the intrepretion in 517.13 A in the handbook is not correct. Please help,

 

[eesac]

I do not have the handbook, but my interpertation would be 517.13 applies to 517.30-35 hospitals and 517.40-44 nursing homes, and that 517.30(C)(3) only applies to hospitals and it is stated as such "The wiring of emergency systems in hospitals shall be..." So I think I am in agreement with you?

 

[eesac]

I have to qualify what I just wrote, should have read 517.40 further. 517.40(B) indicates to follow 517.30 thru 517.35 if nursing homes admit patients who need life support, essential elec systems, ..." So 517.30(C)(3) would apply to nursing homes if you have conditions per 517.40(B). 517.40(C) may also apply.

 

[RB1]

517.13 applies to wiring methods and grounding in all patient care areas. Generally speaking, only metal cable asemblies with cable armor itself that qualifies as an equipment grounding conductor are permitted to be used in patient care areas. This has nothing to do with the mechanical protection of the essential wiring system because the requirement applies equally to the normal power system. On the other hand, sleeping rooms of nursing homes are not required to comply with Part 2 of Artlcle 517 if they are not used for patient care.

 

[roger]

To take RB1's post a little further, this is one of only a few FI's I know of.

Formal Interpretation 99-1
Reference: Article 517, Part II

Question: Does Part II of Article 517 of the NEC apply to patient sleeping rooms of nursing homes or limited care facilities where patient care activities do not involve the use of electrical or electronic life support systems; or invasive procedures where patients are electrically connected to line connected electromedical devices?

Answer: No
Issue Edition: 1999
Reference: Article 517
Issue Date: August 1, 2000
Effective Date: August 21, 2000

Roger

 

[BAMiller2408]

Formal Interpretation 99-1

Formal Interpretation 99-1

Roger, can you tell me where to find the Formal Inerpretation 99-1?

Thank you,

 

[roger]

Roger, can you tell me where to find the Formal Inerpretation 99-1?

Thank you,

You can get them on the NFPA web site but in this case, it is posted in your hand book just before 517.10


Roger