NFPA 101 7.8.1.2.2 (5)

[dannyboy]

I have read the current threads related and still have issues.
1. If the lights come on during occupancy, even with ASHRAE 90.1 50% max level settings, why does the FA have anything to do with power outage to lighting.
Just do not use Vacancy manual ON feature for pathways.
2. Why are they reducing the possible light output if power is available by tripping the power branch circuit to the lights. Most EM drivers are only placed to meet the minimum egress levels upon power outage. If you still have power then the higher level possible is puposely reduced for no reason.
3. In some buildings the Fire Alarm testing takes more than 90 minutes, thus the EM drivers will be spent and not be available if needed shortly after.
4. Add daylight sensors and digital dimming on fixtures. If not then schedule building OFF will not have the devices to force the lights ON without going to each room and bypassing the manual switches. These devices are one more point of failure and adds to the Fire Alarm costs.
5. For DoD projects ASHRAE 90-1 is LAW. NFPA is the safety Codes, ICC is only building classifications.
Question: I cannot get NFPA to respond to this. I cannot find American made products (requirement for most DoD projects). Does anybody have this backup justification from NFPA? Especially since there is a much simpler way of doing this and meet the requirements before this line was added.

 

[ron]

I don't have any official NFPA interpretation info, but the code section makes sense to me.
7.8.1.2.2 allows you to temporarily shut off the egress lighting with an automatic lighting control devices unless you comply with (1) - (7).
In the event there is a fire alarm activation without power loss, making it slightly smoky / darker, (5) says that you need to turn on the egress lighting in the event it was off from automatic control (which might not function properly with a smoky environment or is time clock control type). Turning on the egress lighting supplements egress markings and also gives any photoluminescent egress lighting a chance to charge in the event it has been dark for lonf periods of time.
Most fire alarm testing is done in a test mode (except when particular functions are tested), which could disable the module that activates the egress lighting control, allowing the batteries to be ok.
This is a special case and challenging to comply with in a large building with local unit equipment, but still considered an issue in NFPA's opinion.

In reality, NFPA 101 is not an adopted code / standard in most jurisdictions. Only compliance with the adopted building code is needed.

 

[dannyboy]

Sorry, you do not seam to understand how this actually reduces safety and adds costs for no reason.

1. If the occupant is in a space like this they need to get to the exterior egress door to use the pull station in order to override the lighting. Too late to benefit, thus the lighting has to work before that point to be worth it.
2. Smoke has no effect on the light occupancy sensors, they are all dual technology type now.
3. For Government work NFPA 101 is required.
4. For Government work ASHRAE 90.1 is required.
5. FA testing: To test the FA system this would be part of the testing requirements to keep that certification.
6. Fire Alarm rated wiring, in conduit (required by DoD) to each room with EM lighting is a large cost factor for that type of system.
7. Automatic lighting with local EM drivers has a hot conductor to those lights from the room lighting branch circuit. If automatic sensors are used for a space, the sensor will turn on the room LED lights on upon occupancy immediately. Fire alarm or just power outage. Power outage is the reason for the related NFPA 101 portions on EM lighting. Not fire alarm.