NEC 2014 700.16 "Lighting Element" Definition

[Haleylane75]

Can anyone help me clarify what "lighting element" refers to in the NFPA 70 NEC 2014 section 700.16? The second paragraph in the 700.16 code states "Emergency lighting systems shall be designed and installed so that the failure of any individual lighting element, such as the burning out of a lamp, cannot leave in total darkness any space that requires emergency illumination."

I work at an engineering firm that has a debate going about what "lighting element" actually refers to in this section of code. These are the (2) sides of the debate:

Debate (1): Lighting element only refers to the lamps and a (2) lamp lighting fixture meets the intent of the code at exterior egress doors. Even the handbook notes state in the last paragraph of section 700.16 "For Unit Equipment, a second lamp ensures that the area is not left in total darkness. This section does not require redundant batteries or control circuitry."

Debate (2): Lighting element is too generic of a term and not defined in the NEC definitions so it could refer to lamps, ballasts, and battery packs, therefore (2) fixtures are required at exterior egress doors in order to legally meet the intent of the code.

Has anyone seen any NFPA blogs about this topic or have any other solid information that might help me settle this debate?

Thanks,
Haley

 

[mgookin]

Debate (1): Lighting element only refers to the lamps and a (2) lamp lighting fixture meets the intent of the code at exterior egress doors. Even the handbook notes state in the last paragraph of section 700.16 "For Unit Equipment, a second lamp ensures that the area is not left in total darkness. This section does not require redundant batteries or control circuitry."



Thanks,
Haley

It's that one.

And if you need "solid evidence" refer to chapter 10 of your building code and nfpa 101 means of egress illumination where you'll find that same language.