Journeyman Electrician Exam (NEC)Special Occupancies, Equipment, and ConditionsMedium
A health care facility requires the installation of a new receptacle in a patient care area where patients are subject to involuntary movement. According to NEC Article 517, what type of receptacle is specifically required for this application?
- ATamper-resistant receptacle
- BWeather-resistant receptacle
- CIsolated ground receptacle
- DHospital grade receptacle
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Hospital grade receptacle
NEC Section 517.18(B) mandates that all receptacles in patient care areas of health care facilities, where patients are subject to involuntary movement, shall be listed as 'hospital grade' and so identified. These receptacles are designed for increased durability and reliable grounding.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While often required in other areas, tamper-resistant receptacles are not the specific requirement for patient care areas with involuntary movement.
- B. Weather-resistant receptacles are for outdoor or damp locations, not specifically for patient care areas.
- C. Isolated ground receptacles are used to minimize electrical noise but are not the primary requirement for patient safety in this context.
Hospital Grade Receptacle Requirement
A specific type of receptacle, identified by a green dot, mandated by the NEC for use in patient care areas where patients are subject to involuntary movement due to their enhanced durability and grounding reliability.
- Required in patient care areas (NEC 517).
- Specifically for areas with involuntary patient movement.
- Identified by a green dot on the face.
Memory trick: Green dot for the patient's spot, especially when they cannot stop.