Art. 517 - Switches & Lighting In Patient Care Areas

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north star

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I have an optometrist's space project [ in a mini-strip building ]
and the design professional has spec'd that the receptacle
circuits be wired according to Art. 517 in the 2008 NEC.

I am seeking to obtain some specific information regarding the
wall mounted snap switches and the overhead lighting,
...according to the 2008 NEC ( i.e. - installation heights,
wiring requs., etc. ).

FWIW, I have an electricain asking me for guidance on what
they need to install, ...per the 2008 NEC.

Can ya'll please direct me to the appropriate articles in the NEC?
Thanks !!

Also, feel free to provide any other input / experience on
these type of projects, ...I am always seeking to learn. :)

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If this installation qualifies as a health care facility, then take a look at 517.13 for some wiring method requirements for patient care areas.

Also read the Exception #2 to 517.13(B) very closely as this exception is quite often mis-applied.

Chris
 
I believe 517.13(B), especially Exception 2 would address your concerns.

(sorry Chris, stepped on your toes...I was having to search :) )
 

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Much thanks for ya'lls input! :)

I AM confused though! :-? 517.13(B) #2 seems to be saying
that because the lighting & switches are located outside
of the patient care area [ above the 7.5 ft. height ], then their
circuits will also be permitted to comply with Art. 517.13(A),
...an effective ground fault path. This "effective ground fault
path" applies to wiring WITHIN the patient care areas
doesn't it ?

Is it saying that because the switches and lighting are outside
of the patient care area(s), instead of running these circuits
like a home run, that they can be connected to the 'home runs'
for the receptacles and thereby, complying with the letter &
intent of the code ?:confused:

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now, I'm confused :) to me the exception is saying that IF the switches are outside of the patient care area and fixtures located above 7-1/2' AFF, can be connected by a means with an equipment ground return path meeting 517.13(A) meaning the path must be raceway or cable which is an approved ground means.
In layman's term, to me, this means an separate insulated equipment grounding conductor, such as required in 517.13(B), is not needed but the wiring method must be a grounding means so "standard" MC (vs MCAP), NM, flex longer than 6 ft. etc can not be used.

(a common mistake is to use "standard" MC on ceiling fixtures)
 

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Soooo, ...Type AC or MCAP or EMT for the lights above the
drop ceiling and switches within any patient care areas ?

P.S. I appreciate ya'lls input and patience. I don't delve
into the Art. 517 wiring methods enough, but I DO have a
current project that is requiring my understanding of the
wiring installation and of the language in the NEC. I will
also have to go inspect it after it is installed. :confused:

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Last edited:
north star said:
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Soooo, ...Type AC or MCAP or EMT for the lights above the
drop ceiling and switches within any pateint care areas ?
Click to expand...

That's my read....hiopefully Chis (or someone) will confirm
north star said:
P.S. I appreciate ya'lls input and patience. I don't delve
into the Art. 517 wiring methods enough, but I DO have a
current project that is requiring my understanding of the
wiring installation and of the language in the NEC. I will
also have to go inspect it after it is installed. :confused:
Click to expand...
I'm far from a 517 expert, but this is a concensus from earlier Holt posts.
 
Soooo, ...Type AC or MCAP or EMT for the lights above the
drop ceiling and switches within any patient care areas ?
Click to expand...

Correct. Exception #2 to 517.13(B) permits us to eliminate the insulated equipment grounding conductor for lights above 7 1/2 feet in patient care areas and for switches located outside the patient care vicinity.

This exception get mis-read sometimes to mean that you can use an insulated equipment grounding conductor in standard MC cable in lieu of the metallic sheath requirement in 517.13(A).

Chris
 

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Thanks augie47 & raider1 (chris) ! :)

I have snap switches located within the patient care
areas on this one particular project [ 1 in each exam
room ]. I'm guessing that these switches will be
required to be connected to the 'redundantly grounded'
circuits, huh ? :confused:

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