Each patient location in a health care facility shall be supplied by at least __________ branch circuits.

In a health care facility, each patient location is required to be supplied by at least two branch circuits to ensure reliability and safety in providing power to essential equipment. This dual supply helps maintain power to critical medical devices, which might include life support systems, monitoring equipment, and other necessary devices. The redundancy of having two separate branch circuits enhances operational reliability. If one circuit fails, the other can continue to supply power, thereby safeguarding patient care.

This requirement is part of the standards set forth in the National Electrical Code (NEC) and ensures that health care facilities have a robust electrical infrastructure capable of sustaining operations even during technical issues or maintenance events. Having only one branch circuit would not provide the necessary redundancy needed in these settings, potentially jeopardizing patient safety and care quality.