517.160 (3) Iso Power Systems

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Steve V

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In the last sentence the word "anesthetizing" is used. Then refers you to 501.10.

This was pointed out to us this morning as we are preparing to wire some operating rooms.

His opinion is that if anesthesia is being used this qualifies it as hazardous. Thus ridgid conduit etc......

We have wired others and never had (that we were aware) of a hazardous classification.

Any ideas?
 
The actual wording is " Hazardous Anesthetizing Location" and in the US flammable anesthesia is not used any longer therefor not hazardous. The wording has remained in NFPA documents due to the fact they are used internationally even in third world countries.

As far as the NEC and NFPA 99, Isolated Power Systems are not required but are optional, many (if not most) areas allow GFCI protection in lieu of Isolated Power Systems.

Roger
 
UPDATE

UPDATE

The AHJ told us this morning that if the room has ANY gas piping into it or that a portable tank was to be used it will be considered Hazardous. This was based on his conversation with someone at our local hospital.

The Architect of record informed the GC this morning that this room was not Hazardous rated.

I have explained to the GC that the Architect, EE and AHJ need to have a discussion and make a clear and defined decision.

It is not our job as an EC to make this call.
 
Steve V said:
The AHJ told us this morning that if the room has ANY gas piping into it or that a portable tank was to be used it will be considered Hazardous. This was based on his conversation with someone at our local hospital.

The Architect of record informed the GC this morning that this room was not Hazardous rated.

I have explained to the GC that the Architect, EE and AHJ need to have a discussion and make a clear and defined decision.

It is not our job as an EC to make this call.
Click to expand...

You are a wise man. Let them fight it out. You prepare the change order.
 
Sounds like the AHJ doesn't want to admit a mistake. I agree with gadfly, write the CO.

Roger
 
Steve, just in case it might be of some help, here is NECH 517.60(A)(2) commentary

Some countries outside the United States still use flammableanesthetics and rely on these safety measures; and although
there are no known medical schools in the United States still
teaching the use of flammable anesthetics or health care facilities
in the United States using flammable anesthetics, use of these
precautions would be necessary should flammable anesthetics be
re-instituted.
Click to expand...

Roger
 
Steve V said:
Roger

What reference did you get the last post from?

We have a meeting with the AHJ tomorrow but as of right now he is still saying ridgid.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

That's the NEC handbook.
https://www.amazon.com/6961-NEC-Han...=1519158036&sr=8-1&keywords=nec+handbook+2017

I agree with Roger. Flammable anesthesia just isn't used in the US - there are much safer alternatives. I've never seen an OR treated as a hazardous location. And bottled and piped gases aren't flammable. Although oxygen can accelerate a fire, that doesn't require a space to be considered hazardous.

If every location in a hospital that had bottled or piped gasses was considered a hazardous location, then almost the entire facility would become a hazardous location.
 
steve66 said:
That's the NEC handbook.
https://www.amazon.com/6961-NEC-Han...=1519158036&sr=8-1&keywords=nec+handbook+2017

I agree with Roger. Flammable anesthesia just isn't used in the US - there are much safer alternatives. I've never seen an OR treated as a hazardous location. And bottled and piped gases aren't flammable. Although oxygen can accelerate a fire, that doesn't require a space to be considered hazardous.

If every location in a hospital that had bottled or piped gasses was considered a hazardous location, then almost the entire facility would become a hazardous location.
Click to expand...

Technically, pressurized gases themselves are a hazard, just not in the electrical sense. The AHJ is way off base on this one.
 
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