700.3(F) - Temp Source of Power

[tom baker]

700.3(F), new to the 2017 NEC requires temp source of power if the emergency system is out of service

(F) Temporary Source of Power for Maintenance or Repair of the Alternate Source of Power. If the emergency system relies
on a single alternate source of power, which will be disabled for maintenance or repair, the emergency system shall include
permanent switching means to connect a portable or temporary alternate source of power, which shall be available for the
duration of the maintenance or repair. The permanent switching means to connect a portable or temporary alternate source
of power shall comply with the following:

Does this requirement apply to all 700 emergency systems, or just those installed after the 2017 NEC is in effect for the user?

 

[charlie b]

There is a similar new statement related to fire pumps. I believe it is not retroactive. But would I be considered a trouble maker, if I pointed out that that article does not, in fact, require a temporary source of power. It only requires provisions for connecting one. I am curious as to how this will play itself out.

 

[GoldDigger]

There is a similar new statement related to fire pumps. I believe it is not retroactive. But would I be considered a trouble maker, if I pointed out that that article does not, in fact, require a temporary source of power. It only requires provisions for connecting one. I am curious as to how this will play itself out.

A good point. In connection with that it is worth noting that in the event of a need for maintenance on the alternate power system, particularly if scheduled, it is possible to rent a power source on fairly short notice and connect it without interruption to the normal supply if the connection point is already installed.
But installing that connection point itself may not be possible without having to remove normal power and bring the facility down temporarily.

The provisions of the code should be sufficient to allow connection of the alternate supply without any need for hot work at that time and without disabling the normal alternate supply until after the temp source is connected.