EM lighting test switches

[electrofelon]

I have 2x4 LED troffers that have built in battery back up. They have an MC/flex whip that has a test switch and charging indicator light. Although clearly not the best design, is there any prohibition on placing these test switches above a drop ceiling? I see 700.21 requires a "convenient" location. Does this section cover the test switch? It is not clear to me what this "switch" they are talking about in 700.20 and 21 is exactly.

 

[LarryFine]

I doubt they can be above the ceiling, but I have seen test switches inside, above the lens.

 

[hbiss]

It is not clear to me what this "switch" they are talking about in 700.20 and 21 is exactly.

700.20 and 21 is talking about switches that control manually operated emergency lighting, not automatic.

The test button and power indicator you are talking about is usually on a single gang plate? That would be located on a box cut into the ceiling next to the fixture so that the fire marshal or other inspection personnel can see it and operate the test button (with a stick). They are not going to be able to do that if it's up in the ceiling and they don't carry ladders.

There is nothing in the NEC that addresses where external test buttons should be located. I suspect that local code would have something to say about it though.

-Hal

 

[electrofelon]

700.20 and 21 is talking about switches that control manually operated emergency lighting, not automatic.

The test button and power indicator you are talking about is usually on a single gang plate? That would be located on a box cut into the ceiling next to the fixture so that the fire marshal or other inspection personnel can see it and operate the test button (with a stick). They are not going to be able to do that if it's up in the ceiling and they don't carry ladders.

There is nothing in the NEC that addresses where external test buttons should be located. I suspect that local code would have something to say about it though.

-Hal

Yes the switch and indicator is on a single gang plate. Makes sense not an NEC issue, but fire mashall could say something about it later.