Type MC Cable in Patient Care Areas - NEC 517

[Lon Culbertson]

Question

Is Type MC Cable in Patient Care Areas required to be "Hospital Grade?"

It is my opinion that Type MC cable must be specifically listed for this application, as all MC cable does not meet the requirements below:

NEC Refernence

Article 517 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) states that "(NEC 517) Part II applies to patient care space of all health care facilities.” This has long been the rule for medical facilities, doctors’ offices and such, for those parts of the building where patient care is provided.


NEC 517.13(A) requires that “the metal raceway system, or metallic cable armor, or sheath assembly shall itself qualify as an equipment grounding conductor in accordance with 250.118.” This is in addition to the required “Insulated Equipment Grounding Conductor” (NEC 517.13(B)).

 

[raider1]

MC Cable used in a patient care area of a health care facility must meet the requirements of 517.13(A) and (B).

HCF MCAP meets the requirements of 517.13(A) and (B)

Under the UL Product Category PJAZ for Metal-Clad cable the Guide information says in part;

Cable with interlocked armor that has been determined to be suitable for use as a grounding means has interlocked aluminum or steel armor in direct contact with a single, full-sized, bare aluminum grounding/bonding conductor. This cable is marked to indicate that the armor/grounding conductor combination is suitable for ground. The equipment grounding conductor required within all other cable with interlocked armor may be insulated or bare, may be sectioned, and is located in the cable core but not in contact with the armor. Any additional grounding conductors of either design have green insulation.

Cable with an interlocked armor that is intended as a ground path is marked "armor is grounding path component," and is provided with installation instructions.

Chris

 

[raider1]

By The Way welcome to the forum.

I should expand on my post a little bit.

Standard MC Cable does not meet the requirements of 517.13(A) as the sheath of the standard MC cable is not suitable as an equipment ground.

MC All Purpose Cable (MCAP) has an aluminum bond wire in contact with the sheath as mentioned in the guide information that I posted. In addition to the aluminum bond wire in contact with the sheath Health Care Facility (HCF) grade MCAP has an insulated green equipment grounding conductor run inside the sheath so it would meet 517.13(B).

Chris

 

[roger]

Another thing to consider is that HGFC or flexible wiring methods of any type are not allowed for circuits on the Critical or Life Safety branches unless one of the conditions of 517.30(C)(3)(3) is met.

Roger

 

[Strathead]

By The Way welcome to the forum.

I should expand on my post a little bit.

Standard MC Cable does not meet the requirements of 517.13(A) as the sheath of the standard MC cable is not suitable as an equipment ground.

MC All Purpose Cable (MCAP) has an aluminum bond wire in contact with the sheath as mentioned in the guide information that I posted. In addition to the aluminum bond wire in contact with the sheath Health Care Facility (HCF) grade MCAP has an insulated green equipment grounding conductor run inside the sheath so it would meet 517.13(B).

Chris

Further expansion. MCAP is a trade name for Southwire. HCF (health care facility) cable is a term that is carried across manufacturers.