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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 7
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Can someone help me out here. Had a buddy say AN Inspector says you cannot have switched receptacles in patient rooms. I cannot find it in the NEC or the NFPA 99.
I will admit I can understand the design preference for not doing it but to say it's a code violation is going overboard. BEFORE this guy is challenged on this issue I just wanted to hear from others.
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Joined: Jun 2004
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It is not a fire safety issue...
It's a medical safety issue...
And is almost certainly some sub-set of the building code -- for hospitals.
This is what you must drill into your brain:
Our craft is ruled by a composite of rule books.
The NEC is NOT the end all.
If building a bank... EXTRA rules.
If building a service station... EXTRA rules/ exemptions.
If building a hospital... EXTRA rules... unique to them.
And so it goes.
This is why electrical contractors specialize. Anyone entering these sectors gets BURNED/ blind-sided during their first jobs. They can count themselves lucky to even stay afloat.
BTW, even wiring up elevators is brutal for a 'virgin.'
I had to walk my boss through the procedure. He'd never done one in all his career -- yet he bid the work -- pretty much in the blind. He later admitted he was glad to get out of that job -- with his company intact.
His expertise was in underground/ trunk utilities. Just another area that has EXTRA rules above and beyond the NEC. Once he left that zone -- he was in trouble. He was, however, the king of that domain. It was his bread and butter.
Tesla
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Joined: Feb 2002
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You can always ask the inspector what rule he is citing. For any AHJ must be able to back up a statement with a code book and rule.
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,382 Likes: 7
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Harold: You got it! I would like to hear an NEC Article directly addressing that.
I'm not saying that it could be 'buried' somewhere in 517, but I have not come upon it.
John
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Joined: Jun 2004
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But it IS a Code issue: the Building Code -- NOT the NEC.
Can you imagine the confusion/ consequences if someone TURNS OFF a critical receptacle?
There is a LOT of portable electrica apparatus in hospitals these days.
Further, what's the purpose of a switched receptacle in a hospital? I can't imagine any. It's not as if they use floor lamps to light room space -- anywhere.
Just accept the logic and move on.
Tesla
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Joined: Jul 2007
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Still, an inspector should back it up with a reference. Makes things go much smoother. I do it when I wear my inspector hat. It helps me to stay in the book. With all the changes every three years, it's dangerous to shoot from the hip
"Live Awesome!" - Kevin Carosa
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 9,931 Likes: 34
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I am guessing California is like Florida. After the electrical inspector/plans examiner looks at the hospital, we have a hospital plan review and inspection by AHCA http://ahca.myflorida.com/ They have their own rules that go far beyond anything I can enforce via the NEC but it is still on the plan. I can enforce the plan.
Greg Fretwell
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Joined: Jun 2004
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Without context...
Who's to criticize?
The OP is fuzy on the particulars.
I read it that he's actually shocked that such is so.
As for myself, I would've thought..."could it be any other way?"
Switched receptacles in PATIENT ROOMS -- what's the purpose? Don't tell me he actually had some in mind!
The sole and only classic use for such items was ancient: the need to switch floor lamps. These are now archaic.
Tesla
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Joined: Apr 2002
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Most health care facilities here in NJ have Plan Review done by the State (DCA). The DCA approved plans are then forwarded to the respective municipality for fees and issuance of the permits.
Inspections are performed by the municipal inspectors, and upon completion and approvals of the municipal inspections, the State inspections are performed.
And lastly, as I said above, back up the 'violation' with a valid code article.
John
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Joined: Aug 2002
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The OP is not questioning the fact they should not be switched. He just wants a code reference for it.
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Posts: 57
Joined: August 2003
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