Health Care Facility Part 2

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wboz

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My question from yesterday was regarding the use of HCF type MC cable in a health care facility
for emergency type circuits.
More specifically this building is classified
an Ambulatory Surgical Center.
We have a backup generator that feeds designated
emergency outlets as well as emergency lighting.
We do not have any type un-interrupted power source.
Is it a requirement of the code to use non-flexable metal raceway???
The EE specified to use cable only.
 
Re: Health Care Facility Part 2

Take a look at 517.30(c)(3) and 517.13(A) Wiring Methods.
"All branch circuits serving patient care areas shall be provided with a ground path for fault current by installation in a metal raceway, or a cable having a metallic armor or sheath assembly. The metal raceway system, or metallic armor, or sheath assembly shall itself qualify as an equipment grounding return path in accordance with 250.118"

I am only an apprentice so lets see what others have to say.. I believe you are not restricted to just a rigid raceway as long as the cable armor or sheath is listed as an equipment ground.

Kevin

Edited to add code reff. 517.30(C)(3) 2005 NEC

[ January 17, 2006, 07:55 AM: Message edited by: kevinware ]
 
Re: Health Care Facility Part 2

I have not seen anywhere that relaxes the requirements of 517.30(C)(3)(3). Flex is only allowed for emergency circuit in four instances. In NFPA 99 (2002) ?14.3.4.1 Electrical Distribution System. For ambulatory health care centers, the electrical distribution system for patient care areas shall conform to the requirements in Chapter 4, Electrical Systems.? Then chapter 4 reads ?4.1.1 Wiring and installation requirements on equipment shall be in accordance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code.?

If there are code references out there that relax this requirement I would like to know. You can also call the AHJ before you start the installation?
 
Re: Health Care Facility Part 2

MEP_PM,
Like I said I am only an apprentice so please correct me if I am wrong. The way I read 517.30(C)(3) is that the only things that shall be complied with are 517.13(A) and 517.13(B). The wiring methods stated in 517.30(C)(3)(3) are methods that shall be permitted. I can comply with these methods if I want but they are not required, unless of course the AHJ steps in and tells me otherwise. I don't have a copy of NFPA 99 so if I am missing something because of my lack of information then I apologize.
 
Re: Health Care Facility Part 2

The sections you are referring to are addressing general requirements of the circuits. Then if you read starting with section 517.25 the code address ?Essential Electrical Systems? (Part III) there are additional requirements. This part of the code describes the requirements for emergency circuits and in this situation you refer to 517.45 which in turn refers you back to the requirements of 517.30-517.35 for life support and critical care areas. Then 517.30(C)(3)(3) describes the allowed uses of flex on emergency circuits. So there are times when you could use hospital grade flex on normal power and then be required to hard pipe the emergency circuits.
 
Re: Health Care Facility Part 2

517.30(C)(3) of the 2002 code:

Mechanical protection of the emergency system: The wiring of the emergency system of a hospital shall be protected by installation in nonflexible metal raceways, or shall be wired with type MI cable.

See the code for exceptions.

Also, since this may not be a hospital, see 517.45(B), (C), and (D) which tells you when other types of facilities need to meet these requirements.

Steve
 
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