Based on the 2020 NEC.

Question: Can batteries be used as the alternate power source for an essential electrical system in a health care facility?

 See answer below.

Answer: Yes

Explanation: New language was added to the 2020 NEC in Sec. 517.30(B)(3) that permits battery systems to be used as the alternate source for all or part of the essential electrical system.

Lupacchino is a senior design engineer with Gaylor Electric, Inc. in Noblesville, Ind. and serves as an alternate on NEC Code-Making Panel No. 3. He is currently licensed in more than 80 jurisdictions. He can be reached at [email protected].