NEC 517 Security

[bgs1362]

Does the code require the power feeding security doors be on emergency?

I have been asked to provide 120 volt power to a few doors for security (card reader control box) and can't find in the code weather it is required to be on the emergency system.

The building is used for outpatient surgical procedures.

 

[raider1]

The requirements for what systems are required to be supplied by emergency power and legally required standby power come from the building codes not the NEC.

I would recommend contacting your local building department and checking with them.

Chris

 

[ceb58]

Does the code require the power feeding security doors be on emergency?

I have been asked to provide 120 volt power to a few doors for security (card reader control box) and can't find in the code weather it is required to be on the emergency system.

The building is used for outpatient surgical procedures.

I would say yes 517.25 and 517.30 B 2 & 3. especially for doors that were means of egress.

 

[charlie b]

Keep in mind that under the rules of 517, the emergency system consists of two separate branches. My reading of Section 517.32 tells me that you can't put security card readers on the life safety branch. My reading of 517.33(A)(9) tells me you might be allowed to put security card readers on the critical branch. They might be construed as being necessary for "effective hospital operation." However, looking at the definition of "critical branch," in 517.2, makes me doubt that possibility. I don't think that a card reader has anything to do with "patient care." I think they should go on the "equipment branch."

 

[ron]

Will the doors be set up for them to unlocked in the path of egress and the locking is only to prevent re-entry?
If so, then it is not related to patient care.
If they are there to keep people from stealing babies, etc, then I can see the need to back them up with a battery and possibly a non-critical gen equip branch circuit.

 

[steve66]

If the doors are used for egress, then I think it may get complicated. Are they automatic doors, or do they have magnetic locks, or what.

In Illinois, we have one State Dept. that says automatic egress doors go on the critical branch, and another that says they go on the Critical Branch.

I also remember recently finding something that said all automatic doors for buiding egress have to be on emergency power (I think it was NFPA 99). Something about the general public not being familiar with the emergency "push to exit" feature of automatic doors.

Steve