Hospital grade or not

[flatlander1982]

Currently working on a bid for a rehabilitation office, (Physical and speach therapy) question was raised today about hospital grade devices and MC. There are no "procedures" being performed in the office and no life saving equipment. The office is going into a strip mall, but the architect believes that since since the practice is owned by local hospital that it needs to be covered by hospital grade. Looking for insight or personal experience..

 

[augie47]

For the receptacles to be required to be "Hospiotal Grade" they need to be located in one of the areas described by 517.19(B)(1) {Patient Bed Location}. It doesn't sound like yours would fit this requirement.

 

[BryanMD]

The devices are overkill but the 517 wiring is not unreasonable. I've seen it required in optomotrist exam suites with no greater risk to a 'patient' but they are still considered a patient getting care.

 

[raider1]

For devices I would say you probably would not need them.

But as far as the health care facility grade AC cable. This is required in patient care areas of health care facilitys.

Here is the definition of health care facility:

Health Care Facilities. Buildings or portions of buildings in which medical, dental, psychiatric, nursing, obstetrical, or surgical care are provided. Health care facilities include, but are not limited to, hospitals, nursing homes, limited care facilities, clinics, medical and dental offices, and ambulatory care centers, whether permanent or movable.

It is my opinion that physical therapy would be medical care.

Also here is the definition of patient care area:

Patient Care Area. Any portion of a health care facility wherein patients are intended to be examined or treated. Areas of a health care facility in which patient care is administered are classified as general care areas or critical care areas. The governing body of the facility designates these areas in accordance with the type of patient care anticipated and with the following definitions of the area classification.
FPN: Business offices, corridors, lounges, day rooms, dining rooms, or similar areas typically are not classified as patient care areas.

Chris

 

[wbalsam1]

Currently working on a bid for a rehabilitation office, (Physical and speach therapy) question was raised today about hospital grade devices and MC. There are no "procedures" being performed in the office and no life saving equipment. The office is going into a strip mall, but the architect believes that since since the practice is owned by local hospital that it needs to be covered by hospital grade. Looking for insight or personal experience..

Just wondering, since it's in a strip mall, if it is deemed to be "health care" and the service for the building is over 1000 amperes and requires ground-fault protection, then a second level of GFP may be required for the feeder for your occupancy (and very likely all the rest of the occupancies) if patients are subjected to invasive procedures and connected to electromedical devices. See 230.95 for Services and 215.10 for feeders.:smile:

 

[augie47]

failure to use an approved wiring method in patient care areas, especially areas limited to exams, is a common violation in this area. The assumption that "standard" MC cable provides the required grounding is also a commonplace mistake.