Interpretation #: CEB-2019-27-2009 IEC-517.13

Building or Fire Safety Law Interpreted

675 IAC 17-1.8 2009 Indiana Electrical Code; Article 517.13 Grounding of Receptacles and Fixed Electrical Equipment in Patient Care Areas

Issue

Do the requirements of this article apply to facilities in which only psychological treatment and services are provided.

Interpretation of the State Building Commissioner

The requirements of 2009 IEC Article 517.13 do not apply to facilities which provide only psychological treatment and services.

Rationale

The grounding provisions of Article 517.13 apply only to patient care areas, which by the IEC's own definition are found only in health care facilities as that term is also defined in the code. That definition is limited to facilities in which the following treatment and services are provided: medical, dental, psychiatric, nursing, obstetrical, or surgical care. Psychological care is distinct from psychiatric care in that psychological care is not administered by medical doctors. As such, it is neither psychiatric nor medical care. Therefore facilities offering only psychological care are not considered health care facilities under the 2009 IEC and by extension, their physical premises are not considered patient care areas for the purposes of applying the requirements of Article 517.