Emergency Lighting and IEBC Performance Evaluation

[GEe]

This seems a little obscure, but here goes:

These two categories are part of 2018 IEBC 1301.6.15:

"Category b—Means of egress lighting and exit signs provided with emergency power in accordance with Section 2702 of the International Building Code."

"Category c—Emergency power provided to means of egress lighting and exit signs, which provides protection in the event of power failure to the site or building."

On the surface, it seems like both categories are satisfied by emergency lighting fixtures with battery power. But I doubt that is the intent. On the other hand, the ICC commentary seems to go too far the other way:

"Category c is applicable when emergency power is provided for means-of-egress lighting and exit signs in excess of the minimum requirements for new construction. The emergency power requirements for new construction assume a power failure occurs in the building or somewhere in the building site. It does not assume that the power failure occurs at the source of power to the site (in other words, from the provider). If the emergency power provides full protection to the site or building during power failure, Category c is applicable. Campus-type complexes or buildings that require extra security may have a power plant available to provide complete backup power for indefinite periods. This will qualify for the positive points of this category."

Complete, indefinite power is a lot more than the language of the code suggests. Thoughts?

 

[steveray]

As it would seem you are using performance, you are taking extra credit for something better than code so it should be....?

 

[GEe]

thank you and point taken. I suppose I just thought there would be an intermediate spot between 90 minutes of battery and 100% backup of everything indefinitely...

 

[mtlogcabin]

Category b: This can be any number of systems within a building and usually are required to provide power for a minimum of 2 hour and up to 24 hours

EMERGENCY POWER SYSTEM. A source of automatic electric power of a required capacity and duration to operate required life safety, fire alarm, detection and ventilation systems in the event of a failure of the primary power. Emergency power systems are required for electrical loads where interruption of the primary power could result in loss of human life or serious injuries.

Category c; only applies to the exit signage.
[F] 2702.2.6 Exit signs.
Emergency power shall be provided for exit signs as required in Section 1013.6.3. The system shall be capable of powering the required load for a duration of not less than 90 minutes.

 

[GEe]

Thanks @MT Florida - I'm not sure why you distinguish between the kind of loads in this case. I think both categories of IEBC 1301.6.15 pertain to emergency lighting and exit signs.

 

[mtlogcabin]

They do, however emergency illumination was not as stringent of a requirement in the legacy code (UBC) until sometime in the 1980's.
So if your older building does not have emergency illumination then it would be a Category c