Egress or Emergency

[gregorsc]

An electrical inspector said we needed a light with two lamps for egress lighting. The code has a requirement similar to that for emergency lighting.We have an exit sign /emergency combo light above the door the inspector wants a non-switched two lamp fixture serving that area for egress. Unfortunately now the ceiling in not accessible we might be able to cut in a can light but according to the inspector we would have to cut in two can lights. Does this seem right ?

 

[bphgravity]

Re: Egress or Emergency

It sounds like the inspector may be refering to a common rule that basically states the required illumination for the means of egress have to be arranged so that no single light/lamp failure will result in a reduction of some specified illumination level.

This is found in Section 1006.1.4 of the FBC and should be somewhere around there in the IBC.

 

[bdarnell]

Re: Egress or Emergency

NEC 700.16

 

[steve66]

Re: Egress or Emergency

Does your exit/emergency combo have 2 lights? I don't think i have ever seen one that doesn't. (Unless you meant an exit light with a remote head.)

If that is the case, I can't imagine what your inspector is thinking.

Steve

 

[bdarnell]

Re: Egress or Emergency

In New Jersey (at least in the areas we have worked) egress fixtures are required on the exterior by the paths of egress and they do have to have 2 lamps.

We are finding this to be more and more common in different areas of the country.

 

[H.L.]

Re: Egress or Emergency

You can use a can that has 2 PL type lamps.

 

[mpd]

Re: Egress or Emergency

do your plans show egress lighting at that door?

 

[gregorsc]

Re: Egress or Emergency

Yes our exit sign has two heads mounted to the exit sign. Our inspector basically wants a night light but he is using the term egress and is requiring it to have at least two lamps. It seems to me a night light has nothing to do with emergency lighting.