700.8 Question (2014 NEC)

[sevis]

I am trying to find out what is classified as an emergency system in the following scenario:

Let's say I have a 400A, 120/208V panel which is strictly serving as a distribution panel for other panels in a building. Then, I have a 225A, 120/208V panel that is being served from this 400A panel. This panel has 20A circuits which are serving light fixtures. The light fixtures are a combination of regular LED fixtures, some of them having emergency battery packs where emergency egress fixtures are required.

In this scenario, which panels are designated as "emergency system" as mentioned in article 700.8? I'm trying to figure out which panels will require an SPD. I'm basically trying to determine if the 225A panel is the only emergency panel since it is serving the life safety fixtures, or if the 400A panel is as well since it is ultimately powering the 225A panel. Or, are neither of the panels considered part of the emergency system since there is no separate emergency electrical system with ATS and generator for the building.

I've included 700.8 below for reference:

700.8 Surge Protection

A listed SPD shall be installed in or on all emergency systems switchboards and panelboards.

 

[packersparky]

Neither panel is considered part of the emergency system.

 

[sevis]

Thank you for the reply.

If you wouldn't mind expanding on this I would really appreciate it, so I can make an argument.

When I look at the definition of an "emergency system" in 700.2, I see that it states "these systems are intended to automatically supply illumination, power or both, to designated areas and equipment in the event of failure of the normal supply...". Are the panels in this case not considered part of the emergency system because the battery packs in the fixtures are providing power rather than the panel when the supply has failed?

Article for reference:

700.2 Definitions

Emergency Systems. Those systems legally required and classed as emergency by municipal, state, federal, or other codes, or by any governmental agency having jurisdiction. These systems are intended to automatically supply illumination, power, or both, to designated areas and equipment in the event of failure of the normal supply or in the event of accident to elements of a system intended to supply, distribute, and control power and illumination essential for safety to human life.

 

[tortuga]

Thank you for the reply.

If you wouldn't mind expanding on this I would really appreciate it, so I can make an argument.

When I look at the definition of an "emergency system" in 700.2, I see that it states "these systems are intended to automatically supply illumination, power or both, to designated areas and equipment in the event of failure of the normal supply...". Are the panels in this case not considered part of the emergency system because the battery packs in the fixtures are providing power rather than the panel when the supply has failed?

In short yes. If the power fails those panels are dead.