Article 517, Part II

[boogiesdad2000]

Does Part II of Article 517 of the NEC apply to Medical Office Buildings, Doctors' Offices or Dentists' Offices 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?

 

[steve66]

Re: Article 517, Part II

In my opinion, the answer is yes for exam or treatment rooms.

Your question is phrased almost identical to the Formal Interpretation 99-1:

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
 Issure Date: August 1, 2000
 Effective Date: August 21, 2000

However, the key difference is that the formal interpertation is refering to "sleeping rooms" where it is not intended that patients will be treated or examined. You cannot claim patients will not be treated or examined in a doctors or dentists office.

 

[nvcape]

Re: Article 517, Part II

Yes. 517.10(A) "Part II shall apply to patient care areas..." 517.2 Patient Care Area: Any portion of a health care facility where patients are examined or treated. Where "patient will come in contact with oridinary appliances such as a nurse call, electrical beds, lamps, telephone, and entertainment devices." For medical offices, as stated, it does not include the business processing areas.