Automatic Lighting Control Devices Within Egress Paths

[steve holt]

NFPA101 (2018 edition) 14.12.1.2.2 provide conditions that must be met in order to automatically control egress lighting. Item (5) requires interfacing the controls with the Fire Alarm System if provided. Does that mean if you have a high rise with motion sensors, they have to be interfaced with the FA system? If true, you would have to provide a relay at every single fixture, and the fixture would have to be fitted to provide that interface with the FA relay. Seems like a whole lot of humbug and cost, just to attain "sustainability". You'd be better off leaving the lights on full time.

 

[ron]

Whenever someone wants me to comply with NFPA 101, first thing I do is check if it is an adopted code in the jurisdiction I am working in. Generally it is not, so they can kick rocks.

 

[steve holt]

Whenever someone wants me to comply with NFPA 101, first thing I do is check if it is an adopted code in the jurisdiction I am working in. Generally it is not, so they can kick rocks.

True. In this case however; that requirement has been there for quite some time. I am guessing no one is aware of it (or follows it).

 

[ron]

True. In this case however; that requirement has been there for quite some time. I am guessing no one is aware of it (or follows it).

If it is not an adopted code, it doesn't have to be followed.

 

[GoldDigger]

If it is not an adopted code, it doesn't have to be followed.

Just watch out that it has not been adopted by reference as part of another code. You may not see an ordinance which calls out the secondary code in such a situation.

 

[steve66]

Only 1 footcandle (10 FC for stairs) is needed for general illumination, so you still wouldn't have to do every light.