Different occupancy groups might require different wiring methods or installation practices from the electrician.

Be sure to know what type of occupancy you are working in or on.

Assembly groups must comply with NEC^® Article 518 which requires fixed wiring methods to be metal raceways, flexible metal raceways, nonmetallic raceways encased in not less than 2 inches of concrete, Type MI, MC, or AC cable, except for areas of the building that are not required by the IBC to be fire rated.

Factory and industrial groups are known to have areas where wiring methods will be installed in classified (hazardous) locations subject to the requirements in NEC Chapter 5.

Institutional group I-2 occupancies include buildings and structures used for medical care on a 24-hour basis for more than five persons who are incapable of self-preservation. I-2 groups can include hospitals where NEC^® Article 517 will apply.

Below are the many occupancy classification groups found in Chapter 3 of the International Building Code (IBC):

1. Assembly: Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4 and A-5.
2. Business: Group B.
3. Educational: Group E.
4. Factory and Industrial: Groups F-1 and F-2.
5. High Hazard: Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5.
6. Institutional: Groups I-1, I-2, I-3 and I-4.
7. Mercantile: Group M.
8. Residential: Groups R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4.
9. Storage: Groups S-1 and S-2.
10. Utility and Miscellaneous: Group U.