Low Level exit signs

[vicente]

We have a project that is done and ready for closeout but the inspector noticed that the low level exit sign is 277 V. Is there any height and voltage requirement for low level exit signs?

 

[petersonra]

Re: Low Level exit signs

I don't know if there are any NEC height/voltage requirements specifically for exit signs, but there are some minimum heights allowed for higher voltage lights. I don't recall the cutoff point.

[ May 24, 2005, 01:26 PM: Message edited by: petersonra ]

 

[kentirwin]

Re: Low Level exit signs

How low a level? 277V exit lights are extremely common. In this jurisdiction I believe the fire marshall's going to play more of a role in placement than the electrical inspector. I don't believe I've ever seen an exit light much lower than 6'. If it's directly over a door it'll be higher than that.

 

[benaround]

Re: Low Level exit signs

I've wired some hotels that had recessed exit lights 18" AFF and at 277vac.

frank

 

[ryan_618]

Re: Low Level exit signs

Low level exit signs are common in hotel/motel occupancies.

I was looking in 210.6, but I see nothing that applies there.

 

[steve66]

Re: Low Level exit signs

How do the covers remove? Do they require a screwdriver, or are they snap-off.

Maybe not a code requirement, but I would be a little concerned if small kids could get the cover off.

Steve

 

[mc5w]

Re: Low Level exit signs

There is such a thing as a 277 volt 15 amp duplex straight blade receptacle. There is no height limitation for it based on voltage.

Theoretically, houses can be wired with 277Y480 volts to run heavy appliances such as heating and air conditioning. If a house needs reverse osmosis desalination equipment to water a lawn or garden you could easily have a 7.5 HP 480 volt motor for it so that the utility can run it off peak. There is nothing in NEC that says that a cord and plug connected welder in a residence cannot be 480 volts single phase or 3-phase off of 277Y480 volts.

 

[mc5w]

Re: Low Level exit signs

Also, a lot of fluorescent ballasts have an open circuit voltage of 240 volts to 750 volts. Electronic ballasts generally have higher open circuit voltage than an equivalent electromagnetic ballast.

 

[bphgravity]

Re: Low Level exit signs

Building codes should probably not contain provisions for irresponsible parents that let their children run around opening exit lights.

During initial emergency egress, most persons can readily determine an exit and find a quick way to it. In some cases, the smoke becomes so thick and concentrated towards the ceiling, persons crwling around on the floor have almost no hope. A few low-level exits could save lives.

So what's priority? Do we make installations that could save a life or do we make them to prevent a loss of life. What do we do when these conflict as possible the case with 277V low level fixtures.

 

[steve66]

Re: Low Level exit signs

I'm quoting the catalog from a very popular brand of plastic exit signs:

"Innovative, snap-together design allows for installation in less than 3 minutes."

Will this exit sign fall apart if it gets hit with someone's suitcase?? If it does fall apart, how long will 277v connections be exposed at 18" AFF. If some kid reaches into an open exit sign and touches 277v, are the courts really going to blame the parents?

I guess my real concern lies with the "snap-together" construction of the signs.

Steve

 

[benaround]

Re: Low Level exit signs

The signs that I put in had a clear,super strong,cover that was lagged into studs left and right.These hotel people must have done this before.

frank