517.30(c)

[mshields]

This code reference requires solid conduit (typically EMT) for emergency circuits in hospitals. Listed as exceptions where you may use flexible cable (Hospital grade MC or AC cable) is the the following:


* Where necessary for flexible connection to equipment


Would lighting fixtures be considered something for which a flexible connection is necessary?

And if a flexible connection is allowed to fixtures, what is the length restriction?

thanks,

Mike

 

[chris kennedy]

* Where necessary for flexible connection to equipment


Would lighting fixtures be considered something for which a flexible connection is necessary?

If installed in a drop ceiling, for sure. The tile may have to be moved to access other mechanical equipment.

I use this wiring method and have not been tagged.

 

[netaguy]

This code reference requires solid conduit (typically EMT) for emergency circuits in hospitals. Listed as exceptions where you may use flexible cable (Hospital grade MC or AC cable) is the the following:


* Where necessary for flexible connection to equipment


Would lighting fixtures be considered something for which a flexible connection is necessary?

And if a flexible connection is allowed to fixtures, what is the length restriction?

thanks,

Mike

I have done much hospital work in Boston and for emergency systems you are allowed to use flexible metal conduit (not MC or AC) to patient areas to snake down to headwalls and such.

You are allowed to use up to 6' to light fixtures or follow 348.30 for securing and supporting FMC.





headboards.

 

[iwire]

I have done much hospital work in Boston and for emergency systems you are allowed to use flexible metal conduit (not MC or AC) to patient areas to snake down to headwalls and such.

You are allowed to use up to 6' to light fixtures or follow 348.30 for securing and supporting FMC.





headboards.

Is this recently or a couple of code cycles back?

Looking at the 2005 MEC the only amendment to 517 makes it tougher not easer.

 

[cadpoint]

I have done much hospital work in Boston and for emergency systems you are allowed to use flexible metal conduit (not MC or AC) to patient areas to snake down to headwalls and such.

You are allowed to use up to 6' to light fixtures or follow 348.30 for securing and supporting FMC.

headboards.

The metal flex has to have a copper strand woven into the curl of the coil,
The fitting also have to be "rated" to continue this bond.
This is no different than the hospital grade that I have installed before, MC, as I recall it was not for the headboard services.

I frankly saw the FMC reference earlier in another thread, and learned something.

But you might also fresh'n up on State or Hospital spec's and or some other spec's that (might) call for this Flex of 6' to still be drilled within 6" of it's attachment point to the light and supported at other end as well.

 

[steve66]

Is this recently or a couple of code cycles back?

Looking at the 2005 MEC the only amendment to 517 makes it tougher not easer.

From the 2005 Handbook: "New in the 2005 Code is permission to fish flexible metal raceways and metal sheathed cables in existing installations. This provision facilitates installations in renovated areas where the existing walls or ceilings remain intact."

Steve

 

[anbm]

This code reference requires solid conduit (typically EMT) for emergency circuits in hospitals. Listed as exceptions where you may use flexible cable (Hospital grade MC or AC cable) is the the following:


* Where necessary for flexible connection to equipment


Would lighting fixtures be considered something for which a flexible connection is necessary?

And if a flexible connection is allowed to fixtures, what is the length restriction?

thanks,

Mike

I would say yes as long as FMC is less than 6'.

 

[iwire]

From the 2005 Handbook: "New in the 2005 Code is permission to fish flexible metal raceways and metal sheathed cables in existing installations. This provision facilitates installations in renovated areas where the existing walls or ceilings remain intact."

Steve

Steve I may be wrong but I think the OP is asking about a new installation. :smile:

 

[steve66]

Steve I may be wrong but I think the OP is asking about a new installation. :smile:

I think you are right about that. I thought the quote from netaguy was talking about fishing in an existing installation. But after a second look, I'm not sure the reply from "netaguy" was refering to an existing installation. If not, I'm not sure that should of been allowed.

Steve

 

[netaguy]

I was refering to old work. The majority of the hospital work I did was back 10years ago and was mostly renovations. Almost all head walls were kept intact. All existing steel columns were previously spray fireproofed with high levels of asbestos so abatement was concentrated mostly on floors and ceilings.

Tough tasks for the plumbing trades for the gas systems.

Of course all critical systems on new headwalls was done in EMT. We were were able to use FMC only when fishing.

We were allowed to use 6' of FMC for the life safety fixtures in suspended ceilings. It was the most practical method to use.