Do we spec too many emergency light fixtures?

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donw

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I guess a better way of asking my question is "do we spec emergency lighting fixtures for projects that do not really NEED them?" Particularly, I'm referring to small (1000ft to 2000ft) tenant improvements. Most of the cities around here have adopted the IBC/IFC, which allow for NOT having emergency fixtures when an occupancy does not require 2 exits. Yet, most plans I see (mine included) call out emergency fixtures any way. Is it over kill? Are there some other reasons for specifying emergency lighting, besides "better safe than sorry"? One area that I routinely do not specify em lighting for smaller occupancies is exterior egress when it would mar the look of the building facade or be difficult to install.
 
Do we spec too many emergency light fixtures?
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Is that another way of saying, "Are we making our installations too safe"?

I don't like putting in things that aren't legally required if I don't have to, but sometimes the better part of reason will prevail.
 
I typically see much more emergency illumination than is required, but I agree with Marc's comments about safety. The code allowance for emergency illumination is, in my opinion, very inadequate. 1 foot candle is all that is required, and you honestly can't see anything with that level of illumination.
 
Thanks, Marc. So "better safe than sorry" is the reason to have them in "less than 2 exit" projects.

Ryan, my subject title was misleading, please read my post again. I wasn't talking about levels.
 
donw said:
Thanks, Marc. So "better safe than sorry" is the reason to have them in "less than 2 exit" projects.
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I'm not sure if I'm being led down the garden path here or not, so I'll simply say this. Yes, that can be one reason.
 
Isn't its, which Code is that?

Isn't its, which Code is that?

Think Egress, and Local Building Codes, I believe most major Codes state a max. length as to gain Egress. Beside that most corridors and access length of corridor to an egress point is a limiting factor with in the type of building and even with-in a Class structure, I might be mistaken. What do their local code require to get the use of those corridors!

Not a standard means of appling exit signs:
Keep in Mind the 90? rule, the Egress point out to the Exit, if your down that second corridor what then?

Wasn't it Zane Grey, that said, to look back!
 
Marc, no, I'm trying to lead you into any trap;) . I'm just trying to find out if there could be any other code-related reasons, for example, ADA or another safety code that could be the reason. I checked a few city fire codes, but most are using the IFC. I have seen a small park rest room design that had emergency lighting inside and out, and I thought that was going a litte overboard.
 
cadpoint, I should have worded my title better. I'm talking about projects that, because they require less than 2 exits, per the IBC/IFC, do not require ANY emergency lighting.
 
donw said:
Marc, no, I'm trying to lead you into any trap;) . I'm just trying to find out if there could be any other code-related reasons, for example, ADA or another safety code that could be the reason. I checked a few city fire codes, but most are using the IFC. I have seen a small park rest room design that had emergency lighting inside and out, and I thought that was going a litte overboard.
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I agree, areas that don't require two means of egress don't require illumination or exit signage. I also agree with you that designers often specify emergency lighting in areas that only require one means of egress, such as bathrooms and equipment rooms.
 
Donw
I think what you are stating is a design issue. If the design meets minimum code standards and does not create a code violation, then I think you can think of your situation as a safety issue and cost issue.

Does the design become cost prohibitive? Thoughts something like that. If you are concerned with the occupants safety, that is good.
This train of thought could be applied to most of your design.
 
It's not here

It's not here

Its not that Clear to State anything, your local codes and requirements must be met.
It's not a Universal application, its frankly a mess! Building Code Wise!
To be short or long of local buildings Codes can not be stated here!
 
cadpoint, I agree about local codes being a mess and that there are no universal answers. I was just noticing a trend and thought that someone might have one of those duh! type of answers, like "it's XYZ Safety Code - duh!
Phoenix uses the following codes with it's own amendments to each. (I checked for amendments to the IBC & IFC that would require EM in <2 exit occupancies, but there were none.
2006 Int'l Building Code
2006 Int'l Residential Code
2006 Int'l Fire Code
2006 Int'l Plumbing Code
2006 Int'l Mechanical Code
2006 Int'l Fuel Gas Code
2006 Int'l Energy Cons. Code
2006 Int'l Private Sewage Code
2006 ICC Performance Code
2006 Intl Code Cncl Elec Admin
2006 Int'l Prop Maint Code
2006 Int'l Zoning Code
2006 Int'l Existing Bldg Code
2006 Int'l Wildland-Urban Code
 
& U listed those Cuz of What ?

What part of work did You miss? it's Your Story, U can't except a short story, My Flairs has been spent
 
cadpoint said:
& U listed those Cuz of What ?

What part of work did You miss? it's Your Story, U can't except a short story, My Flairs has been spent
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All Your Base Are Belong To Us.... :confused: Are you texting from a phone????
 
When paying top dollar for everything - Design, engineering, material, labor, management and mark-up on all - Why pay less?!?

Maybe this is why children in most states go to school in trailers????
 
JRCLEN, I somewhat agree on the public works projects. After all, the city can afford a couple of lights more than a law suit later. I'm thinking about the small TI's I do, though - often for small business owners on a shoestring.
 
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