Difference between 700 and 701

[ron]

I have always struggled with the application of Article 700 vs Article 701 (the difference of 702 is more obvious to me). Could someone give me an easier way of understanding when each of the two articles apply at different times?

 

[pierre]

Re: Difference between 700 and 701

Hello Ron
This has always confused me too. Here is a passage from the handbook that may help.

Legally required standby systems are intended to provide electric power to aid in fire fighting, rescue operations, control of health hazards, and similar operations. In comparison, emergency systems (see Article 700) are those systems essential for safety to life.
FPN # 3 in Art 700 may add to this.

Then of course is the different requirements for the two, which I am sure you probably understand.

Pierre

P.S. I say lets try to hash this over until it may make more sense

 

[ron]

Re: Difference between 700 and 701

The definition of emergency systems in 700.1 includes illumination, power or both when it is essential for safety to human life.
The definition of legally required systems in 701.2 says it includes legally required power to loads other than those classed as emergency systems. The FPN of 701.2 includes lighting and power items too.
So what is the application where 700 vs 701 or vice versa would be applied in leiu of the other.

 

[websparky]

Re: Difference between 700 and 701

Hi Ron,

It is difficult to figure wich one!

2002 NEC Handbook
Legally required standby systems are intended to provide electric power to aid in fire fighting, rescue operations, control of health hazards, and similar operations.
In comparison, emergency systems are those systems essential for safety to life.
Optional standby systems are those in which failure can cause physical discomfort, serious interruption of an industrial process, damage to process equipment, or disruption of business, for example.
The requirements for legally required standby systems are much the same as for emergency systems. There are, however, some differences. When normal power is lost, legally required systems must be able to supply standby power in 60 seconds or less, instead of the 10 seconds or less required of emergency systems. Wiring for legally required standby systems may occupy the same raceways, cables, boxes, and cabinets as other general wiring. Wiring for emergency systems must be kept entirely independent of other wiring. Legally required standby systems take second priority to emergency systems if they are involved in sharing an alternate supply and/or load shedding or peak shaving schemes.

In either case, the AHJ has to define the class.

 

[iwire]

Re: Difference between 700 and 701

I have never seen an installation under 701.

All the ones I have been involved with are either Article 700 Emergency Systems or Article 702 Optional Standby Systems.

No middle ground, on the emergency system will be anything the fire department wants, lights, smoke evac, energy management systems if they control vital building systems, fire alarm systems, security systems if they control doors.

Is this the norm in other areas?

What exactly you would use article 701 for?

I think the biggest difference between 700 and 701 is 700 wiring is independent from other wiring and 701 can be mixed with general wiring.

 

[pierre]

Re: Difference between 700 and 701

I would think that for small office buildings, supermarkets, and apartment buildings, that 701 and 702 would come into play. Larger office buildings because of the complexity and hospitals, would be under 700. What do you think?
The way people tend to cross the meaning of terms, these may easily be misunderstood. Bob do you think that some of the smaller 'Emergency' systems you worked on might have been 'legally Required' as opposed to emergency systems?

Pierre

 

[iwire]

Re: Difference between 700 and 701

Originally posted by pierre:
Bob do you think that some of the smaller 'Emergency' systems you worked on might have been 'legally Required' as opposed to emergency systems?Pierre

No I do not, they run the emergency egress lighting and as such are at least in this area are considered 700 systems, separate raceways, electric rooms etc. also we needed to meet the 10 second requirement, which is easy anyway.

It is funny you mention super markets as we do a lot of these.

Previously they would "sneak" non emergency loads onto the emergency generator and panels.

Then they got caught at this and started putting in two generators one for 700 and one for 702.

The latest version is one generator with two breakers on it, one for 700 and one for 702, separate transfer switches and distribution for these two different types of loads.

Bob

[ October 26, 2003, 08:09 AM: Message edited by: iwire ]

 

[pierre]

Re: Difference between 700 and 701

As I read Bob's response, it struck me how cool

Pierre

[ October 26, 2003, 08:17 AM: Message edited by: pierre ]

 

[iwire]

Re: Difference between 700 and 701

I will second that, there are forums where I regularly chat with people from Australia and the UK.

Something I would have never done before the Internet.

 

[Nick]

Re: Difference between 700 and 701

I can't say I have ever done a 701 system either. Most AHJ's I have asked have no idea what I am talking about anyway.

 

[websparky]

Re: Difference between 700 and 701

Hi Guys,
When reading through NFPA 99 Standard for Health Care Facilities, and, NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, the terminology refers to "essential" in regards to "emergency systems" of which there are 3 types listed in 99.

In NFPA 70, the term "essential" is only used in 700.

700.1 "essential for safety to human life."

701.2 "supply power to selected loads (other than those classed as emergency systems) in the event of failure of the normal source."