Overview

Within healthcare facilities, a large number of receptacles are required in Category 1 and Category 2 patient care spaces. A demand factor task group was assigned to determine what, if any, demand factor(s) would be applied to these receptacles. The task group determined that demand factors could indeed be applied, and aided in the development of two new demand factor tables. These tables were placed in a new section – section 220.110 in the 2023 NEC. This new set of demand factors will lessen the feeder/service demand load for areas that supply receptacles in not only Category 1 and Category 2 patient care spaces, but also in Category 3 and Category 4 spaces as well.

Applying the 2023 Code

Two new tables, Table 220.110(1) and Table 220.110(2) have been put in section 220.110 (which is also new). These two tables provide demand factor information for receptacles located in Category 1 and Category 2 patient care spaces, and Category 3 and Category 4 patient care spaces respectively. 220.110 clarifies that any receptacles installed in accordance with 220.14(H) and 220.14(I), and supplied by a branch circuit not exceeding 150 volts to ground may be subjected to these new demand factors. These new demand factors will dramatically help reduce feeder/service load calculations for healthcare facilities with a large number of patient care areas. The electrical professional will need to be aware of these new changes, and implement them where necessary in order to take full advantage of the cost-savings that will result from its use.

What’s New for the 2023 NEC?

2020 NEC

In the 2020 NEC Section 220.110 did not exist.

2023 NEC

In the 2023 NEC Section 220.110 read as follows (excluding informational notes, and tables):

220.110 Receptacle Loads.

Receptacle loads calculated in accordance with 220.14(H) and (I) and supplied by branch circuits not exceeding 150 volts to ground shall be permitted to be subjected to the demand factors provided in Table 220.110(1) and Table 220.110(2) for health care facilities.