Em Lighting Key Switch

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masterinbama

Senior Member
I wired a local community center that turns out the EM lights when it is not occupied. Actually that switch controls a set of contactors for a 100 amp EM lighting panel and a 200 amp normal lighting panel.
 

480sparky

Senior Member
Location
Iowegia
I wired a local community center that turns out the EM lights when it is not occupied. Actually that switch controls a set of contactors for a 100 amp EM lighting panel and a 200 amp normal lighting panel.

EM lights or night lights? I would think the FD would have an issue with EM lights being shut off for any reason.
 

iwire

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Massachusetts
What reason would anyone have to turn off emergency lights?


When the EM lighting is provided with the same fixtures as the normal lighting it is common to want to shut them off but they must come during a power failure regardless of any switch positions. Sometimes for energy savings and sometimes because you just want the option to make the room dark.

I did a large department store where the last person out hit a key switch and at least 95% of all branch circuits would power down, lighting, exit signs, receptacles pretty much everything except the office area.
 

LarryFine

Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
Location
Henrico County, VA
Occupation
Electrical Contractor
I did a large department store where the last person out hit a key switch and at least 95% of all branch circuits would power down, lighting, exit signs, receptacles pretty much everything except the office area.
So, what happens if the power goes off while the burglars are inside? How do they see their way out? :cool:
 

iwire

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Massachusetts
So, what happens if the power goes off while the burglars are inside? How do they see their way out? :cool:

The EM lights would come on. Same if a the fire alarm trips, the lights will come on.

I can tell you it is pretty strange to walk around a large mall anchor store in total darkness, the mannequins are scary. :D
 

480sparky

Senior Member
Location
Iowegia
When the EM lighting is provided with the same fixtures as the normal lighting it is common to want to shut them off but they must come during a power failure regardless of any switch positions. Sometimes for energy savings and sometimes because you just want the option to make the room dark.

I did a large department store where the last person out hit a key switch and at least 95% of all branch circuits would power down, lighting, exit signs, receptacles pretty much everything except the office area.

So the switch doesn't turn off the EM lights......... just the night lights.
 
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