Exterior remote heads for emergency egress lighting

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bmcghee

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I posted previously regarding the use of single lamp remote heads and Article 700.16. I gave an example of using a single remote head in a restroom, but I really needed help with the use of a remote head with 1 lamp on the the exterior. I typically show a single lamp remote head (Surelite 6X9WWH) powered from a Surelite LPXH exit sign at the exterior side of each door marked as an exit. For the second time in literally 6 years of receiving plan review letters for hundreds of designs, I have had single lamp remote heads rejected because of 700.16 stating that any "space" can not be left dark if a lamp burns out. I'm not debating whether or not remote heads are required at the exterior sides of egress doors, I'm not a building official but they say they want them so we show them - everything's good there. NEC doesn't define "space" so I'm unable to determine if "space" refers to the area outside an exit door.
Am I (and many many other plan reviewers) incorrect or is this 1 plan reviewer from a certain city in which I've done 2 jobs in the past 6 years incorrect. Twin remote heads causes a big problem in designs because the high output battery packs in most exits will run (3) em lamps, which is normally the 2 on the exit fixture and the 1 outside the door. I'm aware I can add em lights with no heads, UL 924 listed emergency light fixtures, etc. but we design only retail which is very cost sensitive right now.
 
I think it just depends on the opinion of the person doing the review. But, most officials I have delt with seem to feel that two exterior emergency lights are required. I always provide 2 whenever requested, and I have had at least one project where the second light had to be added during the final.

I also don't think the cost of a single battery pack is justification to omit it. I am sure the store will spend much more on making the store look nice.
 
If there is no other EM lighting at the exterior side of the exit door then I agree with the plans examiner. A single remote head would not satisfy 700.16 because the failure of the lamp would leave the area (exterior landing for the exit discharge doorway for buildings required to have 2 or more exits see IBC 1006.3 5) in total darkness.

Another possible problem with using a remote head from an interior exit sign would be 700.12(F). This section requires that the unit equipment be fed from the same circuit that supplys the normal lighting in the area. What is the normal lighting for the exterior side of the exit door?

Chris
 
If they are cost sensitive, then a double outdoor unit would be way less than a law suit.

Plus they are small money, and can be installed on an outdoor lighting circuit.
 
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