Over the years we have performed various services for hospitals and other health care facilities. During those years we have observed various NFPA code violations. We feel it would be helpful to publish the top 10 code violations that we frequently see.  (Code References are to NFPA 99 Health Care Facilities Code 2018 Edition Electrical Systems and to NFPA 70 National Electric Code 2017 Edition)

1) Violation: Placing carts or Equipment in front of the circuit breaker panels. This is the most common violation and understandable since space is very valuable inside the hospital. Hospitals are increasing the amount of equipment to provide services that are needed.

Code: NFPA 70 110.26 (A) Working Space. Working space to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized shall comply with dimensions of Table 110.26 (A)(1) says working space is 3 ft. around the circuit breaker panel

Solution: Inform supervisors of that area that 3’ space needs to be maintain, place a sign that says “No Objects can be placed within 3 ft. of Panel” and / or mark the Floor “Do Not Place Any Objects Here”  

2) Violation: Circuit breaker panel board schedule is not filled out corresponding to what the breakers are controlling or is incorrectly filled out. 

Code: NFPA 70 408.4 Field Identification Required says: (A) Circuit Directory or Circuit Identification. Every circuit and circuit modification shall be legibly identified as to its clear, evident, and specific purpose or use, located on the face, or placed inside of the panel door.   

Solution: Schedule maintenance to verify which breaker is controlling what and start a new circuit breaker panel board schedule instead of using the same scratched up directory. 

3) Violation: Receptacles are not labeled with which breaker controls it. This goes along usually with the second most code violation. Sometimes the labeling has fallen off or faded away by use of cleaning solvents. 

Code: NFPA 70 408.4 Field Identification Required says: (A) Circuit Directory or Circuit Identification. Every circuit and circuit modification shall be legibly identified as to its clear, evident, and specific purpose or use, located on the face, or placed inside of the panel door.   

Solution: Use a more permanent labeling and keep current to changes in remodeling.