What is the minimum number of equipment grounding conductor paths required for a feeder supplying branch circuits serving a patient care space?

In a healthcare setting, particularly in patient care spaces, the safety and reliability of electrical systems are paramount. The minimum requirement for equipment grounding conductors is designed to ensure that there is at least one reliable path for grounding that aids in protecting patients and medical equipment from electrical faults.

Choosing a single equipment grounding conductor path establishes a fundamental grounding framework. This allows for a safe return path for fault currents, preventing potential electrical shock hazards to patients and staff. The requirement of one grounding path does not imply that additional paths are not beneficial, but it establishes a baseline that ensures some level of protection is always present.

In the context of patient care spaces, the necessity for a robust and reliable grounding system is emphasized, but regulatory standards often establish that one grounding conductor can suffice if it meets the safety, performance, and reliability needs of the situation. Therefore, while more than one path can be advantageous for redundancy, the minimum requirement remains a single, effective grounding path for ensuring safety in these sensitive environments.