Code Q&A: Definition of a Health Care Facility

Aug. 22, 2014

NEC Art. 517 [Health Care Facilities] does not apply to veterinary clinics?

Q. Does Art. 517 [Health Care Facilities] apply to veterinary clinics? (Answer based on 2011 NEC.)

Find the Answer

A. Article 517 requirements apply to electrical wiring in health care facilities, such as hospitals, nursing homes, limited care and supervisory care facilities, clinics and medical and dental offices, and ambulatory care facilities that provide services to human beings [517.1].

About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.