Which components should be directly connected to the insulated copper equipment grounding conductor for branch circuits serving patient care spaces?

The correct answer is all of the above because the National Electrical Code (NEC) emphasizes the importance of grounding in patient care spaces to ensure safety and reduce the risk of electrical shock. In these environments, both receptacles and fixed equipment must be grounded to provide a safe path for fault currents and to minimize the risk of electric shock to patients and medical staff.

Receptacles are commonly used to supply power to various portable medical equipment, while fixed equipment is often permanently connected and also critical for patient care. Additionally, emergency equipment needs to be grounded to ensure proper functionality during power outages or emergencies. Since all these components play a vital role in maintaining safety and compliance in patient care settings, it is necessary for them to be directly connected to the insulated copper equipment grounding conductor. This connection helps ensure that fault currents can safely return to ground, functioning as a protective measure against electrical hazards.