For a 30-ampere branch circuit serving a Category 2 patient care space, what is the minimum size required for an insulated copper equipment grounding conductor?

The minimum size required for an insulated copper equipment grounding conductor for a 30-ampere branch circuit serving a Category 2 patient care space is specified in the National Electrical Code (NEC). According to NEC requirements, the size of the grounding conductor is determined based on the size of the circuit conductors and the type of installation.

For a 30-ampere circuit, the minimum size of the equipment grounding conductor is 10 AWG copper. This size ensures that the grounding system is adequate to safely handle fault currents and provides proper protection to both the equipment and the patients in the care space. An appropriately sized grounding conductor is critical in minimizing the risk of electrical shock and ensuring system reliability.

Selecting a larger conductor, such as 6 AWG or 8 AWG, would exceed the minimum requirement but is not necessary for the protection needed in this specific application. Choosing a smaller size like 12 AWG would not provide sufficient protection and may lead to issues in grounding performance. Therefore, 10 AWG is the correct answer, ensuring both compliance with electrical safety standards and effective grounding in the patient care environment.