Emergency exit light

[Sajid khan]

I have a case where the self contained emergency exit light is without a built-in test switch.. The contractor already installed the fixtures and we need exit light with test switch for testing purpose as per the specification.
The contractor is giving the solution to install a conventional light switch in the exit light circuit as an alternate to built-in test switch.
My question is, is it prohibited by the NEC code and what can be the implications
Thanx

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[just the cowboy]

Replace them

Replace them

I have a case where the self contained emergency exit light is without a built-in test switch.. The contractor already installed the fixtures and we need exit light with test switch for testing purpose as per the specification.
The contractor is giving the solution to install a conventional light switch in the exit light circuit as an alternate to built-in test switch.
My question is, is it prohibited by the NEC code and what can be the implications
Thanx

Sent from my GT-I9300I using Tapatalk

If It was me I would replace them. DO NOT use a standard switch codes say unswitched, and the standard switch can be left off. If you want to use them install a NC pushbutton, it will test them but can't be left off.

 

[Sajid khan]

Sorry the proposal is pushbutton( bell switch) not 0rdinary switch.

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[gadfly56]

I have a case where the self contained emergency exit light is without a built-in test switch.. The contractor already installed the fixtures and we need exit light with test switch for testing purpose as per the specification.
The contractor is giving the solution to install a conventional light switch in the exit light circuit as an alternate to built-in test switch.
My question is, is it prohibited by the NEC code and what can be the implications
Thanx

Sent from my GT-I9300I using Tapatalk

The emergency exit lights shouldn't be on their own dedicated circuit. They should be on the same circuit as the general lighting for the area(s) they serve.

After a quick look, I couldn't find anything to prohibit this arrangement, pending approval by the AHJ. I can't imagine how the contractor found e-lights that don't have a test button. I suspect they may not be UL listed, in which case they would have to be replaced anyway.

 

[gadfly56]

If It was me I would replace them. DO NOT use a standard switch codes say unswitched, and the standard switch can be left off. If you want to use them install a NC pushbutton, it will test them but can't be left off.

I could not find anything that says this, notwithstanding that I think it's a good idea. Can you provide a reference?

 

[luckylerado]

Can you provide a reference?

The circuit can be switched see section V of Art 700. The rub is 700.12(F)(2)(3)

 

[gadfly56]

The circuit can be switched see section V of Art 700. The rub is 700.12(F)(2)(3)

I think I made this point myself, but what in that section prevents you from putting a switch on the line side of the e-lights to test them? That would turn off all the regular lights on that circuit as well, essentially simulating a power outage.

 

[chris1971]

I have a case where the self contained emergency exit light is without a built-in test switch.. The contractor already installed the fixtures and we need exit light with test switch for testing purpose as per the specification.
The contractor is giving the solution to install a conventional light switch in the exit light circuit as an alternate to built-in test switch.
My question is, is it prohibited by the NEC code and what can be the implications
Thanx

Sent from my GT-I9300I using Tapatalk

Wouldn't it be cheaper to replace the existing exit/emergency lights than adding a remote switch to test them? I'd get them to replace them if possible.

 

[luckylerado]

what in that section prevents you from putting a switch on the line side of the e-lights to test them?

Nothing. Just needs to accessible only by authorized personnel. There may be a UL requirement for a self contained test switch and indicator but I do not think there is an NEC requirement.

 

[Sajid khan]

Wouldn't it be cheaper to replace the existing exit/emergency lights than adding a remote switch to test them? I'd get them to replace them if possible.

The installtion is new installation and there are around 25 pieces. So replacing cannot ba the option.

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[chris1971]

The installtion is new installation and there are around 25 pieces. So replacing cannot ba the option.

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Still seems like it would be cheaper to replace the 25 lights unless you can add only one switch to test all of them at once?

 

[GoldDigger]

I think I made this point myself, but what in that section prevents you from putting a switch on the line side of the e-lights to test them? That would turn off all the regular lights on that circuit as well, essentially simulating a power outage.

It needs to be located such that nobody can turn off the switch when they just want to kill the normal lights, letting the e-light batteries run down to zero.

 

[gadfly56]

It needs to be located such that nobody can turn off the switch when they just want to kill the normal lights, letting the e-light batteries run down to zero.

That would certainly make sense.

 

[steve66]

It needs to be located such that nobody can turn off the switch when they just want to kill the normal lights, letting the e-light batteries run down to zero.

He did say it was a momentary pushbutton.

But there will always be that one guy: "The switch must be broke. I had to duct tape it to get the lights to go off."

But I guess that wouldn't work either, because of the battery.

 

[GoldDigger]

He did say it was a momentary pushbutton.

But there will always be that one guy: "The switch must be broke. I had to duct tape it to get the lights to go off."

But I guess that wouldn't work either, because of the battery.

Unlike the OP who described using a push button (and I sincerely hope not a "doorbell button"), it seemed that gadfly was asking a more general question about any switch.

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[Sajid khan]

The emergency exit lights shouldn't be on their own dedicated circuit. They should be on the same circuit as the general lighting for the area(s) they serve.

After a quick look, I couldn't find anything to prohibit this arrangement, pending approval by the AHJ. I can't imagine how the contractor found e-lights that don't have a test button. I suspect they may not be UL listed, in which case they would have to be replaced anyway.

This exit light is from Menvier cooper lighting and compliant with EN 1838. Actually they have both version available but contractor mistakenly bring the pieces without self-test switch.

 

[Abdel Rahman Mohamed]

I think it is good idea if you can locate it in a well protected place which only authorized person could reach.

 

[roger]

Use a spring wound timer set for a specific time to open the circuit through a relay. This would eliminate the possibility of it being left off and running down the batteries.


Roger

 

[dkidd]

This exit light is from Menvier cooper lighting and compliant with EN 1838. Actually they have both version available but contractor mistakenly bring the pieces without self-test switch.

Self-test raises a red flag. Did the specification call for a test switch, or self-test?

 

[gadfly56]

Self-test raises a red flag. Did the specification call for a test switch, or self-test?

Ahhh, you make a good point. So my question for the OP is:

By self-test, did you mean a button that momentarily interrupts the AC, causing the unit to switch to battery for as long as you hold down the button, or did you mean self-test in that when you press and immediately release the button it goes into a 90 minute test cycle where it cuts off the AC via an internal relay and timer?