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NEC 700.16 Emergency Illumination : Verifying for C of O

jar546

jar546

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First, let's look at some of the primary verbiage of this section below. I think the most important part is where it says "Emergency lighting systems shall be designed and installed so that the failure of any individual lighting element, such as the burning out of a lamp, cannot leave in total darkness any space that requires emergency illumination."

So, if during final inspection, I go to the breaker box and shut down the circuit, emergency lights should come one, correct?
What happens when you find no emergency lights and the contractor tells you that they have an emergency generator. Would that meet the requirements of NEC 700.16?

700.16 Emergency Illumination.
Emergency illumination shall include means of egress lighting, illuminated exit signs, and all other luminaires specified as necessary to provide required illumination.
Emergency lighting systems shall be designed and installed so that the failure of any individual lighting element, such as the burning out of a lamp, cannot leave in total darkness any space that requires emergency illumination.
Where high-intensity discharge lighting such as high- and low-pressure sodium, mercury vapor, and metal halide is used as the sole source of normal illumination, the emergency lighting system shall be required to operate until normal illumination has been restored.
Where an emergency system is installed, emergency illumination shall be provided in the area of the disconnecting means required by 225.31 and 230.70, as applicable, where the disconnecting means are installed indoors.
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No.
Yes if the generator start is triggered by all of the lighting breakers, so if any one loses power the generator comes on.
 
I specified a lot of emergency lighting for theatres. A standard design used UL1008 relays that transfered the lighting circuits from normal power - usually through a dimmer - to emergency power - usually a generator. The system included a sensing circuit that monitored the (usually 3 pole) panel for normal power such that any leg dropped out all the circuits transferred. The transfer panel also could signal generator to start, and could actuate on a signal from fire alarm.

It did not monitor individual branch breakers but since there were typically 20 to 30, didn't worry about a single failure.

More recent systems expanded the use of UL924 systems, more suitable for LED than the UL1008 systems, and a fraction of the cost, with more features.
 
bill1952 said:
I specified a lot of emergency lighting for theatres. A standard design used UL1008 relays that transfered the lighting circuits from normal power - usually through a dimmer - to emergency power - usually a generator. The system included a sensing circuit that monitored the (usually 3 pole) panel for normal power such that any leg dropped out all the circuits transferred. The transfer panel also could signal generator to start, and could actuate on a signal from fire alarm.

It did not monitor individual branch breakers but since there were typically 20 to 30, didn't worry about a single failure.

More recent systems expanded the use of UL924 systems, more suitable for LED than the UL1008 systems, and a fraction of the cost, with more features.
Click to expand...
We did that in a school district. If the normal lighting circuit breaker tripped, the relay in the classroom would swap the lights to the emergency power panel. If there was a loss of POCO power, the generator would kick on in 10 seconds.

If 1, 2 or 3 classrooms are on a single circuit breaker and it trips, the emergency lighting must be provided in those areas or you are not compliant with the NEC.
 
Check this out.... being that the NEC is a reference standard from a real code, you have to start in the building code:

1008.3.6 Activation​


The emergency means of egress illumination system shall be arranged to provide the required illumination automatically in the event of any interruption of normal lighting due to any of the following:
  1. Failure of a public utility or other outside electrical power supply.
  2. Opening of a circuit breaker or fuse.
  3. Manual acts, including accidental opening of a switch controlling normal lighting facilities.
I do like that they are finally figure out a way to eliminate the old "lamp" stuff putting LEDs and drivers into play...
 
jar546 said:
What happens when you find no emergency lights and the contractor tells you that they have an emergency generator.
Click to expand...
The contractor needs to prove it is an "Emergency Generator."

Unless that generator will start and provide power within 10 seconds it is not an Emergency Power System it is a Standby Power System. I bet it will not provide power within 10 seconds.

2018 IBC & IFC

[F] 2702.1.4 Load transfer.
Emergency power systems shall automatically provide secondary power within 10 seconds after primary power is lost, unless specified otherwise in this code. Standby power systems shall automatically provide secondary power within 60 seconds after primary power is lost, unless specified otherwise in this code.

[F] 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.

[F] STANDBY POWER SYSTEM. A source of automatic electric power of a required capacity and duration to operate required building, hazardous materials or ventilation systems in the event of a failure of the primary power. Standby power systems are required for electrical loads where interruption of the primary power could create hazards or hamper rescue or fire-fighting operations.

[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.

[F] 2702.2.13 Means of egress illumination.
Emergency power shall be provided for means of egress illumination as required in Section 1008.3. The system shall be capable of powering the required load for a duration of not less than 90 minutes.
 
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