Emergency/Egress Illumination Levels

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Misha322

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I am having a hard time understanding to what lighting level should path of egress (corridors, parking garage isles, etc.) need to be lit to. In IBC section 1006.2 it states "not less than 1 footcandle) and in section 1006.4 "at least an average of 1 footcandle". NFPA 101, Life Safety Code has the same verbiage, 7.8.1.3 "at least 1 ft-candle" and 7.9.2.1 "an average of 1 ft-candle".

Which is it, a minimum or an average of 1 footcandle?
 
Misha322 said:
IBC section 1006.2 it states "not less than 1 footcandle) [1]
in section 1006.4 "at least an average of 1 footcandle". [2]
NFPA 101, Life Safety Code has the same verbiage, 7.8.1.3 "at least 1 ft-candle" [3]
7.9.2.1 "an average of 1 ft-candle". [4]

Which is it, a minimum or an average of 1 footcandle?
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1 and 3 are equivalent and they mean at least 1 fc.
4 contradicts 1 half the time, by the definition of average.
2 contradicts 1 less than or equal to half the time, by the definition of average.

You're not forbidden to go over 1 fc all the time so that's what I'd do. Try 2 or 3 fc.
It's easier than getting someone to clarify this issue. The thing decision makers do not want to do is make a decision. In fact a Dilbert cartoon said you shouldn't even be in the same room where and when a decision is made.
 
G._S._Ohm said:
1 and 3 are equivalent and they mean at least 1 fc.
4 contradicts 1 half the time, by the definition of average.
2 contradicts 1 less than or equal to half the time, by the definition of average.

You're not forbidden to go over 1 fc all the time so that's what I'd do. Try 2 or 3 fc.
It's easier than getting someone to clarify this issue. The thing decision makers do not want to do is make a decision. In fact a Dilbert cartoon said you shouldn't even be in the same room where and when a decision is made.
Click to expand...

GS .......... if you have no clue at all why even answer?
 
Looking at 101, the way I read it, 7.8 is "Illumination for Means of Egress". So that would cover the normal lighting.

7.9 is for emergency illumination. So that would apply to unit equipment, or the lighting levels that are required when the power goes out.

But there is a good chance I'm in the same boat as G.S., and I don't have a clue:)
 
Misha322 said:
I am having a hard time understanding to what lighting level should path of egress (corridors, parking garage isles, etc.) need to be lit to. In IBC section 1006.2 it states "not less than 1 footcandle) and in section 1006.4 "at least an average of 1 footcandle". NFPA 101, Life Safety Code has the same verbiage, 7.8.1.3 "at least 1 ft-candle" and 7.9.2.1 "an average of 1 ft-candle".

Which is it, a minimum or an average of 1 footcandle?
Click to expand...

IBC section 1006.2 is for general illumination for the means of egress. So during normal operation the means of egress illumination needs to illuminate the walking surface at not less than 1 foot candle.

IBC section 1006.4 is dealing with the performance of the emergency lighting system. This section requires that during emergency lighting the initial lighting level shall be at least an average of 1 foot candle and a minimum of .1 foot candle measure along the path of egress at floor level.

What that means is that for emergency lighting the entire floor level does not need to be illuminated to 1 foot candle only the average needs to be at that level. This permits a farther distance between emergency lighting units then the normal lighting units for the path of egress.

Chris
 
raider1 said:
IBC section 1006.2 is for general illumination for the means of egress. So during normal operation the means of egress illumination needs to illuminate the walking surface at not less than 1 foot candle.

IBC section 1006.4 is dealing with the performance of the emergency lighting system. This section requires that during emergency lighting the initial lighting level shall be at least an average of 1 foot candle and a minimum of .1 foot candle measure along the path of egress at floor level.

What that means is that for emergency lighting the entire floor level does not need to be illuminated to 1 foot candle only the average needs to be at that level. This permits a farther distance between emergency lighting units then the normal lighting units for the path of egress.

Chris
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This is the way I've always understood it and the way it is typically enforced here in SC.
 
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