Hospital Grade (Type AC) Cable

[Delcobob]

There is a discussion in our office about where/when Type AC cable would need to be used in place of Type MC cable for a particular clinic we are involved with. I have read Art. 517.13, and also the definition of Patient Care Areas, and the clinic in question will not have any of the equipment listed as defining the General Care Area for patients. However, there are still those that insist we need the Type AC cable for rooms designated "exam rooms", and "treatment rooms". I have contacted the AHJ, and he has not responded yet. What is a good guidline to use here?

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

There is a discussion in our office about where/when Type AC cable would need to be used in place of Type MC cable for a particular clinic we are involved with. I have read Art. 517.13, and also the definition of Patient Care Areas, and the clinic in question will not have any of the equipment listed as defining the General Care Area for patients. However, there are still those that insist we need the Type AC cable for rooms designated "exam rooms", and "treatment rooms". I have contacted the AHJ, and he has not responded yet. What is a good guidline to use here?

I would say it needs it because exam rooms change as to equipment in them. Get the inspectors opinion his counts mine does not.

 

[augie47]

perhaps I am over-simplifying..but 517.2 defines "patient carea areas". It may break them down into other criteria, but 517,.13(A) says wiring serving patient care araes will "have an effectiev ground fault current path...........".
To that would covr any area under the definition of patient care including exam roooms

 

[steve66]

I also think you have a patient care area.

 

[chicar]

I think it's better to be safe than sorry.I would say that exam and treatment rooms would fall under health care.

 

[raider1]

However, there are still those that insist we need the Type AC cable for rooms designated "exam rooms", and "treatment rooms".

I would agree with them. 517.13 has specific wiring requirements for "Patient care areas".

Here is the definition of Paitent care area from 517.2:

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.

I added to bold to show the part of the definition that really applys here.

Chris

 

[wbalsam1]

The wiring method must have a redundant grounding path. Where invasive procedures are performed, such as a doctor administering a procedure with an electro-medical tool in someone's mouth, about the last thing anybody wants is some sort of static charge jolting the patient causing him to move and be seriously hurt. :smile:

 

[BryanMD]

Go even farther. Upsell them to wire the offices to 517 standards as well so the (almost inevitable) need for more exam & treatment space will be a less expensive remodel later.

 

[Mr.Sparkle]

Go even farther. Upsell them to wire the offices to 517 standards as well so the (almost inevitable) need for more exam & treatment space will be a less expensive remodel later.

Well said.

 

[roger]

However, there are still those that insist we need the Type AC cable for rooms designated "exam rooms", and "treatment rooms".

They are correct and to be more precise, the AC would actually have to be HCFC.

Roger

 

[KevinVost]

Check your drawings for the project that were approved by the AHJ. If the drawings list any rooms as "exam rooms" or "treatment rooms" or if the AHJ has made any comments on the plans regarding compliance with Art 517 in specific rooms on your plans, then you have your answer. If not, I would agree with the notion of waiting for a response from your AHJ.

 

[quogueelectric]

There is a discussion in our office about where/when Type AC cable would need to be used in place of Type MC cable for a particular clinic we are involved with. I have read Art. 517.13, and also the definition of Patient Care Areas, and the clinic in question will not have any of the equipment listed as defining the General Care Area for patients. However, there are still those that insist we need the Type AC cable for rooms designated "exam rooms", and "treatment rooms". I have contacted the AHJ, and he has not responded yet. What is a good guidline to use here?

Are you building a hospital without an architect??? aaaaand then asking online what to do on your own???? Firing squad for you !!!!!!! Hanging if it is allowed in your state!!! I will kick you myself on the Jerry Springer show next week!