Article 518 of the National Electrical Code is focused on which type of occupancy?

Article 518 of the National Electrical Code specifically addresses assembly occupancies, which include locations where people gather for purposes such as entertainment, education, and other forms of assembly. The rationale behind having a dedicated article for assembly occupancies lies in the unique electrical safety challenges these environments present. These facilities often have specific requirements for lighting, sound systems, and emergency power provisions to ensure the safety and comfort of large groups of people.

When compared to the other options, while theaters are indeed a subset of assembly occupancies, Article 518 encompasses a broader range of venues including arenas, auditoriums, and similar spaces. Health care facilities, mentioned in another article, have distinct electrical needs focused on patient safety and equipment reliability. Manufactured buildings are regulated under different standards, highlighting the diversity in how various types of occupancies are handled by the NEC. Understanding these distinctions helps ensure that appropriate electrical safety measures are implemented in contexts where large groups of people gather.