Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-In-One Guide for Exam Success!

The requirement for a 16 AWG grounding conductor according to NFPA 99-2015 is established based on the length of the power cord used in healthcare settings. Specifically, NFPA 99 indicates that for equipment connected to a branch circuit via a flexible cord, a 16 AWG grounding conductor must be utilized when the power cord exceeds 15 feet in length.

This regulation is in place to ensure proper grounding and electrical safety, especially in environments where sensitive medical equipment is operated. A thicker grounding conductor is necessary as the length of the power cord increases to minimize the potential for voltage drop and to ensure that the equipment can effectively discharge fault currents. Providing a sturdier grounding conductor increases the reliability of electrical safety measures, protecting both equipment and patients.

In summary, the choice of 15 feet aligns precisely with the NFPA 99-2015 standards, indicating that whenever the power cord surpasses that length, a 16 AWG grounding conductor is mandated.