Emergency Illumination

[bdktoys]

Gents,
To start, Section 700.16 uses the term lighting element, by defination, is that referring to the lamp element or in this case meant as a componet of the light fixture. Because the next sentence states ' such as the burning out of a lamp'.

This leads into my second question. If I have fluroescent fixtures outside an egress door, does this section mean that an emergency light source need two lamps or is two lamps and two ballast requred?

If it only means 2 lamps are required, can I assume that using a LED fixture with multiple LED lamps and one driver would be acceptable as a means of egress emergency fixture?

If I were to use a battery pack inside the door with a remote head outside. Do I need two remote heads or will I need a second battery pack with a second head outside?

Summary: Does this section refer to 2 lamps required or 2 lamps and power source (ballast, battery, driver)

Thank you for your help.

 

[steve66]

Gents,
To start, Section 700.16 uses the term lighting element, by defination, is that referring to the lamp element or in this case meant as a componet of the light fixture. Because the next sentence states ' such as the burning out of a lamp'.

This leads into my second question. If I have fluroescent fixtures outside an egress door, does this section mean that an emergency light source need two lamps or is two lamps and two ballast requred?

If it only means 2 lamps are required, can I assume that using a LED fixture with multiple LED lamps and one driver would be acceptable as a means of egress emergency fixture?

If I were to use a battery pack inside the door with a remote head outside. Do I need two remote heads or will I need a second battery pack with a second head outside?

Summary: Does this section refer to 2 lamps required or 2 lamps and power source (ballast, battery, driver)

Thank you for your help.

I think different AHJ's interpert this differently.

I don't think anyone reasonable requires two batteries. One battery or one emergency generator together with the required testing should meet the requirements for the emergency source.

Personally, I feel like this is a throwback requirment from back when emergency lighting was all incandescent lamps. Incandescent lamps frequently burn out. Fluorescent, not so much. And LED - almost not at all. Ballasts and LED drivers are also very reliable.

So, personally, I provide two lamps, and I assume any LED source will have multiple LEDS that meet the requirement. I would also provide 2 of anything I didn't consider reliable (fuses, for example - althought I never specd these in em. fixtures). But unless someone requires it, I won't provide 2 ballasts or 2 of anything like that. I think the required routine testing should uncover any of those failures before it's needed in an actual emergency.

However, Lithonia does make some exterior lights with a 2LED option. I believe that has 2 LED modules, and 2 drivers. I assume they make this for AHJ's that want two of everything. (They also make a 1LED option, which I assume is a single LED module and driver).

 

[cowboyjwc]

Look at 1006.3 of the building code, it simply says that "The power supply for means of egress illumination shall normally be provided by the premises' electrical supply. In the event of powe supply failure, an emergency electrical system shall automatically illuminate all of the following areas:.....The emergency power system shall provide power for a duration of not less than 90 minutes and shall consist of storage batteries, unit equipment or an on site generator."

So you could use a bug eye, a remote head from an exit sign, a fixture with an emergency ballast, a fixture with both regular and battery backup lights, a UPS system or a generator.

 

[bdktoys]

John,
Are you telling me that a single remote light (connected to an emergency source) can be installed over a door and would meet this requirement...?
I know some inspectors are looking for 2 lights over that door (connected to an emergency source)
Thus the confusion..
Thank you.

 

[davidaengelhart]

Look at 1006.3 of the building code, it simply says that "The power supply for means of egress illumination shall normally be provided by the premises' electrical supply. In the event of powe supply failure, an emergency electrical system shall automatically illuminate all of the following areas:.....The emergency power system shall provide power for a duration of not less than 90 minutes and shall consist of storage batteries, unit equipment or an on site generator."

So you could use a bug eye, a remote head from an exit sign, a fixture with an emergency ballast, a fixture with both regular and battery backup lights, a UPS system or a generator.

Which "Building Code"? ICC? I am '07FBC w/09 suppliment (Florida Building Code) which is based on the ICC w/Florida suppliment. You are in California (I think I remember seeing that; I can not be sure at this point). Isn't there a California Building Code? I think I saw that there was one for sale by Construction Book.com. I just so happen to have the 08IBC and that is the reference. Just saying though, not everyone follows the same Building Code. FBC 1006.3 is exit signs, 1006.1 is means of egress illumination, and 1006.2 is emergerncy lighting and standby power. I, for one, have to be very specific to which code I am quoting, otherwise, missunderstandings occur and don't solve much anytime too quickly. I hope you understand my making this point, and don't take it the wrong way.

 

[cowboyjwc]

John,
Are you telling me that a single remote light (connected to an emergency source) can be installed over a door and would meet this requirement...?
I know some inspectors are looking for 2 lights over that door (connected to an emergency source)
Thus the confusion..
Thank you.

Egress illumination is only required to be 1 foot candle at the floor level. When it's dark most people are surprised at how much light that is.

 

[cowboyjwc]

Which "Building Code"? ICC? I am '07FBC w/09 suppliment (Florida Building Code) which is based on the ICC w/Florida suppliment. You are in California (I think I remember seeing that; I can not be sure at this point). Isn't there a California Building Code? I think I saw that there was one for sale by Construction Book.com. I just so happen to have the 08IBC and that is the reference. Just saying though, not everyone follows the same Building Code. FBC 1006.3 is exit signs, 1006.1 is means of egress illumination, and 1006.2 is emergerncy lighting and standby power. I, for one, have to be very specific to which code I am quoting, otherwise, missunderstandings occur and don't solve much anytime too quickly. I hope you understand my making this point, and don't take it the wrong way.

Nope not the wrong way at all. I do some times forget that we are all spread out.

It does come out of the 2010 California Building Code which is based on the 2009 IBC. This is not a California ammendment though. The only things that are really ammended in the CBC are accessibility issues, mostly.

In the IBC 1006.1 is Illumination required, 1006.2 is illunination level and 1006.3 is illumination emergency power. What I quoted is the wording of the section, I did not include the areas where it's required.