egress lighting requirements

[rob1kva]

We recently brought a new generator on line at the assisted living facility where I have been an electrician now for almost 4 yrs. About a yr ago we purchased new emergency lighting & began to upgrade the light packs from oiginal construction. A few administrators now think this is not necessary since the new gen-set is up.My belief is that in spite of a short switch over time {30 secs I belive} em lighting is still needed. This is especially true since the residents range in age from 70 to almost 100 yrs old, most with various physical limitations.Any help is greatly appreciated

 

[iwire]

The genset, if it is truly an emergency system, not optional, must pick up in ten seconds. No other lighting required.

However, before any battery units are removed you would have to verify that the generator and it's wiring compiles with all sections of article 700.

 

[iwire]

To go on a bit.

Not every generator is an 'Emergency' generator to the NEC. Sure we might call it that but unless the generator and wiring it supplies all the way to the fixture complies with Article 700 all you have is an optional standby system Article 702. The 'emergency' wiring can only supply the loads that are required to be supplied, typically egress lighting and exit signs. It can not be tapped off of to run additional convenience lighting or a receptacle for the coffee maker.

You can use one generator to supply both emergency loads and optional loads if you use an additional transfer switch to keep the loads separated. Your emergency wiring can not be in the same raceways or enclosures with 'normal' power wiring. The are few exceptions for that see 700.9(B).

 

[Karl H]

To go on a bit.

Not every generator is an 'Emergency' generator to the NEC. Sure we might call it that but unless the generator and wiring it supplies all the way to the fixture complies with Article 700 all you have is an optional standby system Article 702. The 'emergency' wiring can only supply the loads that are required to be supplied, typically egress lighting and exit signs. It can not be tapped off of to run additional convenience lighting or a receptacle for the coffee maker.

You can use one generator to supply both emergency loads and optional loads if you use an additional transfer switch to keep the loads separated. Your emergency wiring can not be in the same raceways or enclosures with 'normal' power wiring. The are few exceptions for that see 700.9(B).

That is a very good definition of "Emergency" and "Optional Standby"
systems. IMO.

 

[tonyou812]

that was a nice little class on gens and health care. we need more of that