Exam Table’s Receptacle 6’ from Sink

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Markfsouthpok

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Does an exam room chair, plugged into a GFCI receptacle, in a Cat 3 healthcare location, having a manufacture installed receptacle that is fed by the chairs isolation auto transformer, creating line to ground 60 volt potential, and within 6’ of a sink a violation of 250.8(B)(5)? If the chairs receptacle is ground fault tested, it does not trip the GFCI the chair is plugged into.

It’s seems the only code provision we can apply is 250.8(B)(5). The chairs manufacturers outlet though technically safe does not seem to meet the requirement and should this receptacle be removed? In Cat 1 and Cat 2 locations GFCI protection can be eliminated due to a tripped GFCI could pose a greater danger to the patient than the shock hazard. So Isolation Power System with monitoring and alarming are utilized. 517.160. the Cat 1&2 provision of no GFCI protection 517.21 does not seem to apply in a Cat 3 location.

Is the exam chairs manufacture’s installed receptacle when within 6’ of a sink in Cat 3 healthcare location in violation, or am I missing something and this can be allowed?
 

roger

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In an area with Isolated Power Systems (the chair itself in this case) GFCI's are not necessary, The Isolated Power Source is doing the same thing as the GFCI, the LIM will alarm at the same level as GFI's are set to trip.

Even though you will read somewhere around 60 volts to ground from each leg the systems are not connected to ground and the EGC's are basically for equipotential.



After re-reading your question I see you are talking about a GFCI installed upstream of the Isolation Transformer, testing the chair on the secondary side of the transformer should not trip the upstream GFCI, as the name states, everything upstream is isolated from it's loads.

Roger
 
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Markfsouthpok

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Location
New York
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Electrician
Agree. The chair internal receptacle, however is line power isolated (Within the chair) and is 6’ from the sink not protected by a GFCI as per 250.8(B)(5). By code can we allow ones to utilize this chair receptacle when not part of a Category 1 or 2 location with a Power Isolation System? Thanks
 

roger

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Yes you can, there is no reason for the onboard receptacle to be GFCI protected, the ISO power is already protecting it. Go into an OR or triage room with ISO power and note there are no GFCI protected devices no mater how close to a sink or how wet the area is.

Roger
 
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