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exit sign question

C

cda

Sawhorse 123
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Say you have a building that does not require a generator

one is installed

lighting circuits are run off of the generator, so that if the BUILDING loses power we have lights.

So do you all require or think there should be or is there some way to set it up,,,,, if say half your building lost power for whatever reason the generator comes on, or something else???

Or do you just leave them in the dark???
 
Re: exit sign question

Why wouldn't the existing exit lights be sufficient?

Besides most generators are not classified as emergency generators.

A standby or backup wouldn't kick on quickly enough to meet code for exit lighting.
 
Re: exit sign question

sorry I meant to say/ mean emergency lights

generator in lieu of battery back up emergency lights
 
Re: exit sign question

Is the generator an emergency generator (NEC Article 700) or a standby generator (NEC Article 701)?

An emergency generator can power exit signs upon loss of power; generator is assumed to power the exit signs within 10 seconds of main power loss.

A standby generator can power exit signs with batteries upon loss of power; generator powers the exit signs to keep batteries charged. Exit signs would need built-in battery back-up to power them between loss of power and generator pick-up.
 
Re: exit sign question

From your clarification, an emergency generator (NEC 700) would be required in your scenario to qualify as emergency lighting.
 
Re: exit sign question

cda,

You can connect a generator to any of the circuits that you want to, however, emergency lighting

must be provided in all required areas of the building. Are you looing for a ' battery on some

E. lights ' and the ' generator on the others ' type of set-up ?

Also, what TJacobs said!

 
Re: exit sign question

they are proposing to use the generator to power lights, with no battery back up, in case of power lose.

not a generator person, but sounds like it would have to be an emergency generator

they want to use the building for besides the normal use "A" , as an emergency shelter also, hence they decided on installing a generator, because we lose power occasionally
 
Re: exit sign question

cda said:
they are proposing to use the generator to power lights, with no battery back up, in case of power lose.not a generator person, but sounds like it would have to be an emergency generator

they want to use the building for besides the normal use "A" , as an emergency shelter also, hence they decided on installing a generator, because we lose power occasionally
Click to expand...
In my opinion, it's probably not worth the trouble and cost to set the generator up as an emergency unit.

A shelter needs a backup generator to provide power over the long term, adding the maintenance issues associated with emergency use is probably more money than it's worth...wall packs are cheap.
 
Re: exit sign question

agree with brudgers....

their choice but battery back-up would seem to make the most sense..

also...ensure whatever method they chose does in fact meet the pick-up time that your code requires for e-lighting....
 
Re: exit sign question

anyone have and emergency generator plan review check list??
 
Re: exit sign question

cda said:
anyone have and emergency generator plan review check list??
Click to expand...
Look at NFPA 110 and 111; much info there.

edit: CDA, also look at 700.4, 2005 NEC.
 
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