Ecmweb 3308 612ecmcqfig1
Ecmweb 3308 612ecmcqfig1
Ecmweb 3308 612ecmcqfig1
Ecmweb 3308 612ecmcqfig1
Ecmweb 3308 612ecmcqfig1

Stumped by the Code?

Dec. 1, 2006
Do I need to use hospital-grade receptacles in a chiropractor's or medical examining room?

All questions and answers are based on the 2005 NEC.

Q. Do I need to use hospital-grade receptacles in a chiropractor's or medical examining room?

A. No. Only receptacles for inpatient sleeping beds or procedure table beds used in a critical patient care area (patient bed location) must be listed as “hospital-grade” [517.18(B) and 517.19(B)(2)] (Fig. 1).

Q. Can I use low-voltage cable for 24V lighting supplied by a 1.5kVA transformer?

A. No. All wiring must be in accordance with Chapter 3 of the NEC, unless Chapters 5 through 8 modifies the general requirements [90.3]. Since there are no rules in Chapter 5 through 8 that modify the wiring method requirements for low-voltage lighting (over 100VA), you'll need to use a traditional wiring method, such as Type MC cable, EMT and wire, or where permitted, Type NM cable.

Q. Does the NEC require a building owner to have spare light bulbs and batteries for emergency lighting and exit signs?

A. No.

Q. What are the rules on mixing emergency circuits in the same raceway or enclosure with nonemergency circuits?

A. To ensure that a fault on the normal wiring circuits will not affect the performance of emergency wiring or equipment, all wiring from an emergency source, or emergency source distribution overcurrent protection device, to emergency loads must be kept entirely independent of all other wiring and equipment, except as permitted for [700.9(B)]: (1) wiring in transfer equipment enclosures (Fig. 2); (2) wiring supplied from two sources in exit or emergency luminaires; or (3) wiring from two sources in a common junction box, attached to exit or emergency luminaires.

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.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Fiberglass Electrical Conduit Chemical Resistance Chart

This information is provided solely as a guide since it is impossible to anticipate all individual site conditions. For specific applications which are not covered in this guide...

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.