Code Change Summary: Changes in the code language now allow isolated ground receptacles to be used in areas of a health care facility other than the patient care vicinity.

Part II of Article 517 applies to patient care spaces in all health care facilities. Within part II is section 517.16 which applies to the use of isolated ground type receptacles.

The idea behind an isolated ground receptacle is that it has a grounding terminal that has no contact with the receptacle mounting strap or yoke.

When installed against a grounded metal box, the receptacle mounting strap is grounded. The receptacle’s isolated ground terminal is then connected to an additional insulated grounding conductor that is installed as a separate grounding path for the reduction of electrical noise on the sensitive electronic equipment plugged into the receptacle. See 250.146(D).

Receptacles installed in the patient care vicinity of a health care facility are often used for life saving medical equipment that is connected to the patient. Equipment grounding becomes more and more important as electrical equipment is connected to the patient. Using an isolated grounding receptacle in these areas would defeat the purpose of what sections 517.13(A) and 517.13(B) are trying to accomplish.

This new code change makes it clear that isolated ground receptacles are NOT permitted within the “patient care vicinity”. This means that they can be used anywhere else such as nurse’s stations and certain corridors or other rooms. The previous code language was often interpreted to mean that the isolated ground receptacles could not be used anywhere at all inside a health care facility.

Below is a preview of the NEC^®.  See the actual NEC^® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on the “free access” tab and select the applicable year of NFPA 70 (National Electrical code).