Nursing Home Design Guide
2006
the most current version of the National
comply with detailed provisions made by
Standard Plumbing Code.
local authorities having plan check and
inspection jurisdiction.
Kitchen waste, where applicable, should
be provided with a grease removal
4. Electrical System Characteristics
system.
Contact the local electric utility company
for the type and availability of service.
When possible, multiple utility feeders
5. Medical Gas and Vacuum Systems
Medical compressed air, oxygen and
from separate utility substations should
medical vacuum systems should be
be provided for service redundancy.
provided in accordance with the most
Three phase, 480/277 volt or 208/120
current versions of NFPA 50 and 99 and
volt secondary systems are acceptable.
the Compressed Gas Association
A utility owned, pad mounted
Standards. Air, oxygen and vacuum
transformer is preferred for these
services. Service entrance equipment
requirements may range from 10 to
100% of the beds. Coordinate project
should comply with the VA Electrical
specific requirements with the VA.
Design Manual.
6. Seismic Requirements
5. Emergency Power
Where applicable, earthquake resistive
An emergency generator should be
design should comply with the most
provided as an electrical source for
current version of VA Handbook H-18-8,
power and lighting during an interruption
Seismic Design Requirements and the
of the normal electric supply. Where
IBC. Seismic design also should
stored fuel is required, storage capacity
conform to the most current versions of
should permit continuous operation for
SMACNA and NUSIG guidelines.
at least 24 hours. The specific loads
and branch circuit arrangement should
comply with NEC Article 517 as well as
2.4.3 Electrical
the VA Electrical Design Manual
Chapter 4.
1. Electrical Closets
Provide separate electrical closets with
6. Lighting
clearances in accordance with the
Comply with the Illuminating
requirements of the National Electrical
Engineering Society (IES)
Code (NEC). In buildings having
recommended lighting levels. Resident
multiple floors, stack closets.
rooms should utilize natural light as
much as possible. In addition, general
2. Public Utility Requirements
lighting and night lighting are required.
Contact servicing agencies and comply
A reading light should be provided for
with their requirements for electric
each resident. Reading light controls
services. Make necessary submittals to
should be readily accessible to
utility companies for approval of
residents. At least one night light fixture
equipment to be installed.
in each resident room should be
controlled at the room entrance. All light
3. Seismic Restraints
controls in resident areas should be
Requirements should be as specified by
local codes and ordinances. Work shall
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