NEC Article 518 states the guidelines for electronic equipment in “Assembly Places”. Learn more about the electrical protection requirements in these locations.

National Electrical Code Article (NEC) 518 outlines the electrical safety measures for large places of assembly, defined as buildings or structures designed to accommodate 100 or more people at a time. The list in this Article’s general classification names 20 specific types of locations, including: auditoriums, gymnasiums, restaurants, and more (while excluding theaters & television studios, which have their own dedicated sections in the NEC - Article 520 and Article 530). Subsection 518.3 details the ground fault protection measures (as well as temporary wiring) in this article.

According to NEC Article 518.3, all cord/plug connected appliances on a branch circuit must be protected by a Listed Class A (5 mA +/-1) portable ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), provided either as a factory-installed feature or as a field-wired solution.

There is a new note in the 2023 Code adaptation, which expresses that all temporary wiring involved in exhibition booths (in a tradeshow hall) need to follow NEC 590 (meaning, it needs to meet more rugged portable use standards). However, you are excused from the ground fault protection guidelines of 590.6. Instead, the Code suggests that you follow the standards outlined in 518.3 (Listed Class A protection, similar to NEC 210.8(B)).

NEC Article 518 establishes the electrical safety requirements for large assembly occupancies, helping to protect hundreds, if not thousands or people at a time. This Code states that when portable electrical equipment is involved in a large gathering space it is required to have Class A GFCI protection and be in a rugged enclosure to ensure a safe environment. This is especially crucial since not just working personnel, but pedestrians can come into contact with electrical equipment in these types of environments.