MECKLENBURG COUNTY
Land Use & Environmental Services Agency
Code Enforcement
6/13/11 ELECTRICAL CONSISTENCY MEETING
1. An inspector has required that I not use “hurricane clips”, unless I can prove that that clip
is UL listed for Exactly the specific combination of the particular grid, and particular fixture.
When I have asked sales people, or reps for help with this, they tell me he is out in left field!
My understanding is that the clips must be listed, for instance, for use with medium duty
grid, and lights having a lip over so much width, etc. Who is right? If the inspector is, where
can I find this information?
Yes, the inspector is correct. If a listed clip is used it must be identified for the ceiling type and
fixture type.
Ref. 410-36(b). UL clarified that the types may be included on the clip carton i.e. 2X4 lay-in
fixtures on a medium duty grid.
2. What is the difference between hospital grade receptacles and other receptacles?
A Hospital Grade receptacle is intended for hospital use in other than hazardous locations in
accordance with Article 517 of the NEC. Hospital grade receptacles must comply with
additional construction and testing requirements that are designed to confirm that they will
maintain the integrity of the equipment grounding path when subjected to impacts, abrupt
removals of mated attachment plugs, and other electrical and mechanical stresses that it is
likely to see in hospital installations. Receptacles including Hospital grade types are Listed
under the category Receptacles for Attachment Plugs and Plugs (RTRT) located on page 349
in the White Book. Hospital grade receptacles are identified by the marking “Hospital Only” or
the marking “Hospital Grade” and a green dot on face of the receptacle.
3. Article 517 defines a wet location, in a patient care area as normally subject to wet
conditions. These may include standing fluids on the floor or drenching of the work area.
Who defines if the area will have standing fluids or drenching, such as in an OR room?
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MECKLENBURG COUNTY
Land Use & Environmental Services Agency
Code Enforcement
Page 2 of 3
The authority having jurisdiction in this case would probably be the hospital administrator. The
engineer for the project should define the area, in consultation with the hospital, and with the
agreement of the AHJ. OR Rooms are normally scrubbed down and washed, but are not
considered wet locations.
4. Is the disconnecting means required in Article 225 also required to have overcurrent
protection as part of the assembly?
No. See NEC 225.31, 225.36, 225.38
5. A generator is determined to be separately derived. Where should the grounding
electrode conductor be connected? At the generator, transfer switch or
disconnecting\overcurrent device for the generator? Should the grounding electrode
conductor be sized per NEC 250-66 or 250-122?
The connection may be made at any point from the generator to the first overcurrent device.
It probably could not be done at the transfer switch, since it probably would not contain
overcurrent devices. The grounding electrode conductor would be sized according to Article
250-66. See NEC 250-20(d), 250-30(a)(1), 250-30(a)(2)
6. Is wiring to equipment in attics and crawl spaces “Subject to Physical Damage”? What
guidelines are used to decide if wiring to a furnace or other equipment needs to be protected
from physical damage?
See NEC 320.23 and 300.4. Also see Interpretations Book “Cables in Accessible Attics” , page
2.8 for attics and 334.15(C) for crawl spaces. NOTE NEC Administrative Code.
PEOPLE ● PRIDE ● PROGRESS ● PARTNERSHIPS
700 North Tryon Street • Charlotte, North Carolina 28202 • Phone (704) 336-3545• Fax (704) 336-3839
www.meckpermit.com
MECKLENBURG COUNTY
Land Use & Environmental Services Agency
Code Enforcement
Page 3 of 3
7. When can SEU or Romex be used between a disconnect and a piece of equipment instead
of protecting the wire with flex.
In all cases when it’s installed where not subject to physical damage and for romex also not a
wet location
8. Can I install floor boxes in the garage at my house?
Yes, it’s not a wise installation, but there is no code section that prohibits floor boxes in
residential garages.
PEOPLE ● PRIDE ● PROGRESS ● PARTNERSHIPS
700 North Tryon Street • Charlotte, North Carolina 28202 • Phone (704) 336-3545• Fax (704) 336-3839
www.meckpermit.com