In healthcare facilities, to what do the GFPE protection requirements apply?

The GFPE, or Ground Fault Protection for Equipment, protection requirements specifically apply to essential electrical systems in healthcare facilities due to their critical role in maintaining safety and operational integrity. Essential electrical systems are designed to provide a reliable source of power for life-sustaining equipment, emergency lighting, and other critical functions that are vital to patient care. Ensuring that these systems have ground fault protection is essential to minimize the risk of electrical shock and equipment failure, which could endanger patient lives or disrupt essential operations.

In contrast, while the other options deal with different aspects of electrical systems, they do not necessarily require the same level of stringent GFPE protection. Residential electrical systems, exterior lighting, and temporary structures may have different regulations and are not typically subjected to the same critical safety standards as essential electrical systems in healthcare environments.