Nec requirements for dental offices The Plan Checker is saying that I have to install Hospital Grade Receptacles per a correction. 12 (5) There are a few new others places required as well. Formally a construction editor Aug 22, 2014 · A. The National Electrical Code (NEC) defines a patient care space as “any space of a health care facility wherein patients are intended to be examined or treated”. This includes the answers to the questions sent, so you can see how you did. (A) Applicability. Areas not covered are business offices , corridors and waiting rooms in dental offices. There are 9 dental rooms. I disagree with him, but I want Dental offices are considered "wet locations" under electrical code due to the presence of water/moisture from sinks and plumbing. My question is can I feed this chair from the circuit panel with EMT and a separate grounding conductor run in the emt with the branch citcuit Code Change Summary: Revised code language. Click to expand Jan 2, 2024 · Had to inform them to be code compliant NEC 2020 requires it. Has anyone wired one before, I'm thinking of putting a floor box under the chair. Keep in mind that the requirements in 406. This is a dental office with 5 exam rooms, along with pano xray area, waiting room, reception, bathroom, and Mike Holt Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www. Branch circuits serving patient care areas must have an effective ground-fault They aren't required in treatment rooms of clinics, medical and dental offices, or outpatient facilities because these facilities don't have a “patient bed location” as defined in 517. At least one 125-volt, single-phase, 15 or 20 ampere rated receptacle outlet shall be Jan 2, 2023 · would an office building require tamper proof receptacles for example a AAA office open to public with waiting room. Oct 16, 2009 · The 2014 NEC reads as follows: 210. That doesn’t necessarily mean a hospital, either. As most electrical contractors are aware, the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) included significant changes, including new requirements for electrical applications in health care facilities. [Sec. This code change adds the Among the types of healthcare facilities covered in NEC Article 517, _____ generally have the most stringent requirements, and clinics and medical and dental offices have the least stringent requirements. Jan 14, 2012 · I have to run a 120v 20a circuit to a dental exam chair. Many types of healthcare facilities are covered in NEC® Article 517. Mar 22, 2024 · Are you struggling to determine what NFPA Category your medical air/vacuum project falls under? Follow NFPA 99 2018 gas system requirements to determine by your facilities level of sedation. These distinctions are important but often cause confusion among code users. Finally, the areas and locations where TR receptacles are now required was expanded to include areas such as preschools and elementary education facilities, dormitories, business offices, corridors, waiting rooms, and the like, in clinics, medical and dental offices and outpatient facilities. Mar 14, 2021 · Take your time looking over the plans and make sure to read the specs. Part II shall not apply to the following: (1) Business offices, corridors, waiting rooms, and the like in clinics, medical and dental offices, and outpatient facilities (2) Areas of nursing homes and limited care Mar 24, 2012 · I'm bidding a dental office. Jan 12, 2016 · I am installing some receptacles in a dental office for some new IT equipment, TV monitors mainly. " Thanks, RC Code Change Summary: Revised code language. 3(E) requires that all nonlocking type 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles, that are controlled by an automatic control device, or that incorporate control features that remove power from the receptacle for the purpose of energy management or building automation, shall be permanently marked with the following symbol ( ) and the word Jun 8, 2013 · It appears, from reading 210. 18 (B). This means particular wiring methods must be used in certain areas per National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements. There is also a definition for Anesthetizing Location, if that applies. This is the reason the NEC exists: to create a system that should not harm anyone directly or indirectly, provided the system is being used as intended. 12 – Wiring Methods - Note that the rest of the NEC applies, except as modified. Basically each patient care area has a quad under the seat, 2 general use outlets on opposing walls, an xray, a In the 2017 NEC ®, the requirements for TR receptacles have been expanded to include 250-volt nonlocking-type receptacles. Apr 2, 2024 · Just did a quick search in NFPA Link and found some references to dental offices. Am I overlooking something ? I have another one of those questions, that I might have seen here, but I can't remember if I did. Apr 25, 2017 · Do we calculate for office lighting or hospital lighting if we are calculating a dentist office? Offhand I'd say a hospital's required unit load is lower because there is likely gong to be more area percentage wise with lighting turned off or with lower required illumination than a dentist's May 5, 2019 · Doing my first dental office. Part II shall not apply to the following: (1) Business offices, corridors, waiting rooms, and the like in clinics, medical and dental offices, and outpatient facilities. This code change adds the Jan 14, 2016 · Questions have been recently raised by some electrical contractors and designers in respect to electrical installations in dental offices per the CE Code. Also, several additional locations were added including receptacles located in specific schools, offices, waiting rooms and certain places of assembly. Health care facilities include clinics, dental offices, nursing homes, and Explore a searchable database of US construction and building code. Each code cycle, the use of tamper-resistant receptacles is expanded. I am thinking RMC or is there another Mar 9, 2009 · Copyright © Mike Holt Enterprises, Inc. Here's the follow-up to yesterday's newsletter. During the 2020 code cycle, there were 11 code change proposals (public inputs or PI’s) to make modifications to this section. Q. 2 to include places of waiting transportation, gymnasiums, skating rinks, and auditoriums Dormitories The only thing not addressed in the list above is receptacle replacements. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Aug 15, 2013 · Running a circuit to an xray machine which is located in the hallway of a dental office ,not in a patient care room. Learn the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 essential electrical systems and where each is required. When the NEC speaks of health care facilities, it means places where people are obtaining medical, dental, psychiatric, nursing, obstetrical, or surgical care [517. Does an Eye doctors office, in areas were eye exams are being performed,fall under this article when discussing what type of wiring method can be used (ie;) mc-cable versus mc-hp type of cable. 44(A) requires two independent Jan 19, 2024 · The National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 517 focuses on ensuring electrical safety in health care facilities. What are the requirements for GFI protection in dental patient care areas. This article focuses on revisions in chapter 5 of the 2020 nec, “special occupancies,” and it includes the requirements for equipment, systems, and wiring. That question you can put to your inspector: show me the non-NEC code that calls for emergency power in a dental office. My inspector told me that the receptacles in the exam rooms, and the dental chair rooms need to have hospital grade receptacles as per NEC 517. Keep in mind that the requirements in This Article focuses on revisions in Chapter 5 of the 2020 NEC , “Special Occupancies,” including the requirements for equipment, systems, and wiring in hazardous (classified) locations, healthcare facilities, temporary wiring installations and so forth. Question: Among the types of healthcare facilities covered in NEC® Article 517, generally have the most stringent requirements, and clinics and medical and dental offices have the least stringent requirements. Is there anything that I should be aware of, that would make this type of job have a hidden "pain in the A$$" element to it. Thank you in advance. 13 (B) is in addition to the raceway grounding conductor. Health Care Facilities. (B) Not Covered. 10 Applicability. 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. 2 to include places of awaiting transportation, gymnasiums, skating rinks, and auditoriums (7) Dormitory units (8) Assisted Oct 2, 2025 · Explore 2023 NEC updates on tamper-resistant receptacles for safety in dwellings. 16 – Isolated Ground Receptacles Located Outside of a Patient Care Vicinity 517. 13 requires effective grounding path for patient areas. ?! In medical offices sec. 26 Application of Other Articles. Code regulations are consolidated by state and city for easier navigation. 64 Electrical Service Areas. (a) psychiatric (b) nursing (c) obstetrical (d) any of these and more. 13. 18(A) do not apply to patient bed locations in clinics, medical and dental offices, outpatient facilities, psychiatric, substance abuse, rehabilitation hospitals, sleeping rooms of nursing homes, and limited care facilities (which meet the requirements of NEC Nec Requirements For Dental Offices. Since preventive dental care occurs in a dental office, a dental office is a health care facility that is specifically mentioned in Article 517. An area (of a building) used for medical, psychiatric, obstetrical, or surgical care on a 24-hr basis of four or more inpatients. Am I interpreting this correctly? And Sep 27, 2025 · The National Electrical Code (NEC) has introduced a new definition for dental offices in Article 517. I know HC MC. Hospital grade" receptacles aren't required in treatment rooms of clinics, medical and dental offices, or outpatient facilities because these locations don't have a "patient bed location" as defined in 517. 406. Dental office is a new definition in NEC 517. 2 (Figure at right). 16 Use of Isolated Ground Receptacles, I’m not sure we’re I stand with this? Can anybody share some light on this with me? Thank you! 2020 Code Language: Part II. Hospital. With the shift from traditional hospital settings to outpatient clinics and other medical facilities, nec 517 addresses the need for. I have been looking at Article 517 and we did provide a redundant ground MC to satisfy the 517. 517 of the 2002 NEC, requirements for essential electrical systems can be found in Chapter 4 of NFPA 99-2002, Standard for Health Care Facilities, and other applicable federal, state, and local requirements. I have not doubled checked the code, but I think the business office tr requirement is limited to clinics, medical facilities etc. It was recommended they could probably get the small conference rooms listed as 'offices' and not be required to have tr. Do floss. 13 (A) requires the metal conduit or cable armor to qualify as an equipment grounding conductor. Sep 25, 2009 · Emergency Lighting in Patient Care Area Emergency Lighting in Patient Care Area Take a look at 517. 17(D) – Ground-Fault Protection of Equipment Testing 517. So you may need to apply additional requirements from other standards in the work you’re doing. The 2023 NEC ® is no different. It doesn’t Regulatory Standards When installing electrical services into any dental office or health care facility we have to follow very specific regulatory standards including: NEC (National Electrical Code): Health care facilities must follow NEC Article 517, which outlines the specific electrical requirements for healthcare environments. 26 – Application of Other Articles 517. 1]. Jun 19, 2018 · The requirements apply even to portions of buildings [Sec. All rights reserved. During the 2023 code cycle, there were 9 code change proposals (public inputs or PI’s) to make modifications to this section. And any competent dentist will advise you on dental health: don't drink sodas, don't use mouthwash, don't eat sugary foods, and don't chew on ice cubes. 2]. Does the Code allow armored cable to terminate in a plastic box? Jul 18, 2019 · In a dental patient care room were the chair plug in to the receptacles, under the patient chair, dose that receptacles have to be hospital care receptacles? We are using 2014 NEC, and reading 517 Patient care space , Patient care vicinity, and 517. •Exception #2: The requirements of 517. This article is protected by United States copyright and other intellectual property laws and may not be Dec 28, 2018 · NFPA 70-2017: The National Electrical Code (NEC) has many requirements that apply to designing electrical systems for health care facilities. 1) Is redundant grounding required? 2) If the chair is Everyone seemed to know what a doctor’s office or dental office is, but we now have a clear statement in the NEC. Buildings or portions of buildings in which medical, dental, psychiatric, nursing, obstetrical, or surgical care are provided. The NEC is just one of many standards that apply to health care locations. u2029 The above definitions are in Article 517. The 2020 NEC ® is no different. 12 (5) (NEC 2017 if applicable). I know that this is a paitent care area as per code 517. Key differences in requirements for backup Feb 13, 2011 · Mostly Commercial lease space build outs, including Doctors offices high rise condos and plenty of residential remodel work. The requirements of Article 517 do not apply to business ofices or waiting rooms, or to Aug 13, 2018 · when applying article 517. In the 2023 NEC®, pharmacies not “contiguous” to health care facilities were added to the areas not included in the requirements in Part II of Article 517. Many types of healthcare facilities are covered in NEC Article 517. Health care facilities include, Jun 1, 2009 · My question is simple. nursing homesd. 12 Tamper-Resistant (TR) Receptacle Requirements Expanded Revision Change Summary The places where TR receptacles are required has been revised and expanded. a. Jul 2, 2024 · Patient Care Spaces Before diving into the requirements for wiring and devices, it is important to understand what makes a patient care space. ____ generally have the most stringent requirements, and clinics and medical and dental offices have the least stringent requirements. Does it need a dedicated circuit. Among the types of healthcare facilities covered in NEC® Article 517, ____ generally have the most stringent requirements, and clinics and medical and dental offices have the least stringent requirements. The NEC broadly defines “health care facility” to include more than hospitals. 2020 NEC Significant Code Changes Part 3 517 – Health Care Facilities 517. NEC 517. The National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code® (NEC), contains requirements that differ based on building type and occupancy classification. 2017 National Electrical Code® Change 2017 section 406. Business offices, corridors, waiting rooms and the like in clinics, medical and dental offices and outpatient facilities Subset of assembly occupancies described in 518. Oct 25, 2009 · I'm working on a proposal for a dental office working off dental equipment suppliers layout. Looking for useful advice from people who have experience in this specific application. and the x-ray has low volt controls. The wire type EGC required by 517. org Health care facilities include hospitals, nursing homes, limited-care facilities, supervisory care facilities, clinics, medical and dental offices, and ambulatory care facilities. Exception NO 2: Requirements of 517. (2) Areas of nursing homes and limited care facilities wired in accordance with Chapters 1 through 4 of this Code where these areas are used exclusively as patient sleeping rooms. 10 Applicability - is up to the AHJ's discretion. 2020 Code Language: Part II. hospitalsb. Health care facilities include but are not limited to hospitals, nursing homes, limited care facilities, clinics, medical and dental offices, and ambulatory care centers, whether permanent of movable. 2. Among the new areas are nursing homes, fitness centers, substance abuse/rehab, foster care, psych hospitals, and areas of agricultural buildings that are accessible to the general public. Am I required to use Hospital Grade MC cable ? Its going to a 20 amp 240 V wall receptacle. After reading 517, it appears to me that I need to use a wiring method with a redundant ground, in this case MC, because these monitors are in the exam rooms. 🧠 Sep 3, 2020 · Reading NEC Article 517. If your work involves sophisticated equipment, such as an MRI machine, then you’ll have to meet even more requirements. There will be no backup gen so I think I need emergency lights in all the patient rooms etc. Dec 29, 2020 · (4) Preschools and education facilities (5) Business offices, corridors, waiting rooms and the like in clinics, medical and dental offices, and outpatient facilities (6) Subset of assembly occupancies described in 518. Introduction to Article 517—Health Care Facilities This article covers electrical wiring in health care facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, limited care and supervisory care facilities, clinics, medical and dental ofices, and ambulatory care facilities that provide services to human beings. Wiring and Protection 517. 2, alongside an Anesthetizing Location definition, with applicability determined at the discretion of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). 25 and other sections I'm trying to determine if a backup generator is required. May 6, 2010 · Hi all, We just finished wiring a small medical clinic that has six doctor's exam rooms, and seven dental chairs. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. Will be be putting all most all Apr 4, 2025 · Medical office electrical wiring refers to the design, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems that power healthcare facilities such as clinics, dental offices, urgent care centers, and outpatient surgical suites. 8(B)(5) exception 2 and the definition of a Patient Care Area in Art 517, that GFCI protection is not required at a sink in a dental office patient area. psychiatric facilitiesc. For detailed information and specific requirements, consulting the NEC Handbook and additional resources provided by the NFPA is highly recommended. Code Change Summary: The 2023 NEC® has expanded and clarified the locations where tamper-resistant receptacles are required. At the first glance, a dental office is a space in a typical office building, and there should not be any specific concerns regarding electrical design and Oct 23, 2024 · Learning Objectives Understand the difference in NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements for hospital, outpatient and nursing home facilities. It’s vital to understand the changes in the 2017 edition in order to stay code-compliant. Dec 20, 2017 · Article 517 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) states that " (NEC 517) Part II applies to patient care space of all health care facilities. 10(B) – Areas Used Exclusively for Intramuscular Injections (Immunizations) 517. It’s any building (or portion of a building) or mobile enclosure for providing people with care such as dental, psychiatric, nursing, surgery, etc. Jul 4, 2010 · How would you guys install a circuit for a dental chair, this will require a floor box in the slab @ ground level. Are there any special considerations that are unique to dental offices. 12 "wiring methods" The requirements of Article 517 apply to buildings or portione c buildings, or mobile enclosures in which human medical, dental, or surgical care are provided. These […]. (Health Care Medical Office applies to facility space used to provide diagnosis and treatment for medical, dental, or psychiatric outpatient care where patients are not regularly kept as bed patients for twenty-four hours or more. Are we correct on this? Sep 21, 2018 · I am currently bidding a mixed use medical facility that also will house a dental office. The NEC generally does not require hospital-grade receptacles for exam rooms in medical buildings. Define the NEC requirements for various patient care spaces within health care facilities. 18(A) shall not apply to patient bed locations in clinics, medical and dental offices, and out patient facilities; psychiatric, substance abuse, and rehabilitation hospitals; sleeping rooms of nursing homes and limited care facilities meeting the requirements of 517. MikeHolt. ambulatory care centers Part II shall not apply to the following: (1) Business offices, corridors, waiting rooms, and the like in clinics, medical and dental offices, and outpatient facilities. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Informational Note: Examples of health care facilities include, but are not limited to, hospitals, nursing homes, limited care facilities, clinics, medical and dental offices, and ambulatory care centers, whether permanent or movable. Dec 28, 2010 · We are trying to get through plan check at a dental office in downtown Los Angeles. 1) Is redundant grounding required? 2) If the chair is NEC 517. The total gross floor area should include all supporting functions such as kitchens used by staff, laboratories, lobbies, atria, conference rooms and auditoria, fitness areas for Explore a searchable database of US construction and building code. Mar 7, 2020 · Can anyone tell me what the fire alarm/smoke detector requirements for a dental office are? The plans I'm working off for a bid just say "Smoke detectors as required by NFPA". ___ generally have the most stringent requirements, and clinics and medical and dental office have the least stringent requirements. ” This has long been the rule for medical facilities, doctors’ offices and such, for those parts of the building where patient care is provided. Among the types of healthcare facilities covered in NEC Article 517, ____ generally have the most stringent requirements, and clinics and medical and dental offices have the least stringent requirements. Falls under Basic Care - Category 3 type space 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. May 1, 2010 · What are the additional features and/or requirements of the normal and essential electrical system related to patient care areas? This article will address this question as well as examine which health care facilities are required to abide by such requirements. Would the dental chair receptacle count as 1 of these receptacles? It also says you must provide at least 2 branch circuits. As electricians and electrical inspectors, it's crucial to understand when NEC 517 is applicable to guarantee the safety of patients and staff. Buildings or portions of buildings I which medical, dental, psychiatric, nursing, obstetrical, or surgical care are provided. Any special things on grounding. Aug 11, 2008 · Do the receptacles at the dental chairs need to be hospital grade? We have a debate if this falls under "patient care areas. Waiting on the paper work for on the dental chairs. Mar 26, 2009 · Since we see that NEC article 517 does not require emergency power in a dental office, what is left is the question of whether any building code or local code does require emergency power in a dental office. More insights can be found on resources like Electrical License Renewal and Captain Code 2023. In other words, everything you need to know about wiring a Health Care Facility is not just found in 517. Feb 23, 2017 · Assuming you mean the 2017 NEC, TR receptacles are required in: Business offices, corridors, waiting rooms, and the like in clinics, medical & dental offices & outpatient facilities. One from the critical branch and one Article 517 - Health Care Facilities, based on the 2017 NEC ® Post a Comment View Comments Unsubscribe Share We specialize in electrical training: Aug 24, 2010 · Just got a job to wire a dental office in an old building that has been gutted and ready to wire. Mike Holt is the Feb 10, 2025 · Electrical codes and their applications within health care facilities can be difficult to navigate. The 2020 NEC® has expanded the locations where tamper-resistant receptacles are required. Just because something isn't required for a dental clinic per the NEC doesn't mean it won't be required by the specifications. In the 2017 NEC ®, a Medical office (Dental Office) is a building or part of a building where the following occurs: See full list on iaeimagazine. Never done one or worked as an electrician on one. 12 Tamper-Resistant Receptacles Revision and New Change Summary In addition to the areas requiring TR receptacle requirements brought forward from the 2017 NEC (with revisions), common areas of multifamily dwellings and common areas of guest rooms and guest suites of hotels and motels were also added and clarified as to TR receptacle In the 2017 NEC ®, the requirements for TR receptacles have been expanded to include 250-volt nonlocking-type receptacles. Keep in mind that owner or engineering specifications may be more restrictive than the NEC ’s minimum requirements; therefore, hospital-grade receptacles may be a specification or design requirement, which may exceed the minimum NEC rules. com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. Joe Sep 6, 2020 · NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code® (NEC®) contains installation requirements for electrical systems for the purpose of practical safeguarding of persons and property from the hazards arising from the use of electricity. . The building is on a concrete slab. Limited-care facility. Currently I'm contracted to do the electrical at a dental office which always seems to include most of the low volt. IMO all the desk areas would not require tamperproof but possibly waiting area would???? I have another one of those questions, that I might have seen here, but I can't remember if I did. 25, note it does mention clinics, medical and dental offices, etc. 18 to a dental exam room it says there must be a minimum of 8 receptacles located at patient bed locations. The question would be a dental chair. Unlike standard commercial wiring, healthcare electrical systems must meet stringent safety, redundancy, and compliance requirements to protect patients and staff. 10(B)(2) Aug 26, 2020 · Do rehabilitation rooms in medical buildings qualify for NEC 517? Start with the definition of Healthcare facilities. May 6, 2022 · Two wire type EGCs does not meet the requirements. Part II shall apply to patient care space of all health care facilities. Let’s elaborate on potential surprises in conjunction with such installations. 25 scope lists dental offices explicitly in requiring essential electrical system for health care facilities, and 517. To adapt to this ever-improving tech, code changes must be made for the consistency and safety of these high-traffic facilities. All of the special requirements should be listed in the plans or the specs. Part II shall not apply to the following: (1) Business offices, corridors, waiting rooms, and the like in clinics, medical and dental offices, and outpatient facilities (2) Areas of nursing homes and limited care In addition to appearing in Part III of Art. 517. Oct 16, 2009 · However, it does not apply to veterinary offices, animal hospitals, or in-home health care settings, which are governed by the general requirements of Chapters 1 through 4 of the NEC. Thanks for any and all replies. wtzs gro pmwgsnj snuf pkh gbiy igl gyccr ojjn msh tjtsyp epsyw feplo dzbhfp udhko