Code Change Summary: A new definition was added to Article 517.

When bidding, installing or inspecting, it is important to know which areas of a health care facility are considered patient care spaces. Section 517.13 requires branch circuits serving patient care spaces to be wired in a metal raceway or a cable having a metallic sheath that qualifies as an equipment grounding conductor in accordance with 250.118. In addition, 517.13(B) requires an insulated equipment grounding conductor to be provided for these branch circuits even if the raceway or cable already qualifies as an equipment grounding conductor. Of course, there are exceptions but the main point is to be aware of how specific areas in a health care facility are classified.

Many electricians are unaware that a dental office is a category 3 basic care space and simply adding a branch circuit triggers the strict redundant grounding branch circuit requirements in 517.13.

In the 2017 NEC^®, a Medical office (Dental Office) is a building or part of a building where the following occurs:

• Examinations and minor treatments or procedures are performed under the continuous supervision of a medical or dental professional
• Only sedation or local anesthesia is involved and treatment or procedures do not render the patient incapable of self-preservation under emergency conditions
• Overnight stays for patients or 24-hour operation are not provided

Being aware of the different definitions and understanding the designated patient care spaces is key when working in the health care industry.

Below is a preview of the NEC^®. See the actual NEC^® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2017 NEC^® edition of NFPA 70.