Are metal faceplates on switches and receptacles in patient care locations required to connect to two grounding paths?

In patient care locations, the critical focus is on ensuring patient safety and minimizing electrical hazards. Metal faceplates on switches and receptacles contribute to grounding and help in safeguarding against electrical faults. However, the requirements for grounding these faceplates center on the standards set forth in regulations such as the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Metal faceplates are not universally required to connect to two grounding paths. In most standard applications, connecting to a single reliable grounding path that complies with electrical codes is sufficient for proper safety measures in patient care environments. This approach allows adequate protection without unnecessarily complicating wiring or installation practices. While additional grounding paths can enhance safety in very specific scenarios, they are not a blanket requirement for all metal faceplates in patient care settings.

Thus, the accurate understanding of this requirement is that metal faceplates do not need to connect to two grounding paths, which aligns with standard safety protocols and electrical standards.