In patient care areas, what surfaces of fixed electric equipment operating at over 600V must be grounded?

In patient care areas, it is essential to ensure that all non-current-carrying conductive surfaces of fixed electric equipment operating at over 600V are grounded. This requirement exists to minimize the risk of electric shock to patients and medical staff, creating a safer environment in critical settings. Non-current-carrying surfaces can become energized due to insulation failure or other faults, making grounding these surfaces vital in protecting individuals from unintended electrical exposure. Grounding provides a path for any stray electrical current to safely dissipate into the ground, significantly reducing the hazardous potential.

By focusing specifically on non-current-carrying conductive surfaces, this grounding strategy addresses surfaces that could inadvertently carry voltage without being part of the normal operating current path. This precaution is particularly pertinent in healthcare environments where safety is paramount and any electrical failure could have severe consequences.