Article 700

[mshields]

A colleague of mine just challenged me on my assertion that it is not permissible to put receptacles downstream of an Article 700 (or for that matter 701) ATS. So I'm looking to prove that. THe only thing I find is 700.15 which states essentially that only the equipment listed herein may be on the Emergency system. And insofar as that is true, a receptacle represents a variable into which one can plug literally anything. And by that reasoning, you may not have receptacles on the Emergency branch.

Is there anything I'm missing that reinforces this requirement. i.e. a statement somewhere explicetly stating "there shall be no receptacles on the Emergency system"?

Thanks,

Mike

 

[iwire]

In my opinion it is mostly 700.10(B) in the 2011, I think it is 700.9(B) in earlier codes.


In part

Wiring from an emergency
source or emergency source distribution overcurrent protection
to emergency loads shall be kept entirely independent of
all other wiring and equipment,

Then there is also this

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.

There are few applications of a receptacle that fit the above definition.

I suspect the other person is using the 'we always do it that way' code.

 

[david luchini]

For certain Health Care Facilities, there are requirements for receptacles to be on an emergency system. But for general Art 700, I don't think there is any specific prohibition for receptacles, but they would have to supply required emergency equipment. For instance, I've seen plug in emergency lights. (Not sure why you would use them, but I've seen them.)

For Art 701, optional standby equipment is permitted to be on the same ATS as legally required, so I don't think there would be an issue there.

 

[iwire]

For Art 701, optional standby equipment is permitted to be on the same ATS as legally required, so I don't think there would be an issue there.

That is not how I see it done in this area, the wiring can share raceways and enclosures but IMO you can't connect anything to the 701 transfer switch that is not described here

701.2 Definition.
Legally Required Standby Systems. Those systems required
and so classed as legally required standby by municipal, state,
federal, or other codes or by any governmental agency having
jurisdiction. These systems are intended to automatically supply
power to selected loads (other than those classed as emergency
systems) in the event of failure of the normal source.

 

[david luchini]

That is not how I see it done in this area, the wiring can share raceways and enclosures but IMO you can't connect anything to the 701 transfer switch that is not described here

There is no specific prohibition for connecting optional standby equipment to a legally required standby ATS, such as there is with emergency systems. See 700.6 Transfer Equipment - (D) says that Transfer Equipment Shall Supply only emergency loads. If you look at 701.7 Transfer Equipment, you will see no such prohibition.

 

[GoldDigger]

A colleague of mine just challenged me on my assertion that it is not permissible to put receptacles downstream of an Article 700 (or for that matter 701) ATS. So I'm looking to prove that. THe only thing I find is 700.15 which states essentially that only the equipment listed herein may be on the Emergency system. And insofar as that is true, a receptacle represents a variable into which one can plug literally anything. And by that reasoning, you may not have receptacles on the Emergency branch.

Is there anything I'm missing that reinforces this requirement. i.e. a statement somewhere explicetly stating "there shall be no receptacles on the Emergency system"?

Thanks,

Mike

I can see the concern. I once worked in a lab where there were multiple experiments going on in their own rooms with a common (not legally required) generator backed power system going to outlets in each area. Each experimenter plugged his critical loads into the system (ones which had to keep operating for some time after power loss to prevent equipment damage.)
As a result, the main backup system breaker tripped, causing damage everywhere.

 

[iwire]

There is no specific prohibition for connecting optional standby equipment to a legally required standby ATS, such as there is with emergency systems. See 700.6 Transfer Equipment - (D) says that Transfer Equipment Shall Supply only emergency loads. If you look at 701.7 Transfer Equipment, you will see no such prohibition.

I am well aware of that.

None the less it is my opinion that 701 systems can only supply 701 loads.

If that was not the case Article 701 could be done away with and we could 702 for everything.

 

[david luchini]

If that was not the case Article 701 could be done away with and we could 702 for everything.

That would be true, except for the fact that 702 has specific provision that apply Optional Standby Systems which do not apply to Legaly Required Standby Systems. In other words, 701 has more stringent requirements than 702. 702 equipment on a 701 system would meet all the requirements of 702, but 701 equipment on a 702 system would not necessarily meet all the requirements of 701. So you can't do away with 701.