The equipment grounding conductor connecting the normal and essential branch-circuit panelboards serving the same patient care vicinity must be not smaller than which gauge?

• A. 12 AWG
• B. 8 AWG
• C. 10 AWG
• D. 14 AWG

Answer: (C)

In hospital power systems, the bonding between the normal and essential power sources in the same patient care vicinity must be a robust connection so that all equipment shares a common ground and a low-impedance fault path. The minimum size for that equipment grounding conductor is 10 AWG copper. This size provides a low enough impedance to carry any fault current back to ground quickly, ensuring the protective devices trip promptly and reducing shock risk to patients and staff. Smaller conductors would raise impedance and could allow dangerous voltages to appear on equipment, while a larger conductor would be acceptable but is not required by this rule.