Separation of emergency loads

[cppoly]

Is there a requirement that exit signs and lighting fixtures with emergency ballasts need to be separated from non emergency lighting? There is no emergency power here, just EM ballasts.

 

[jeremy.zinkofsky]

Is there a requirement that exit signs and lighting fixtures with emergency ballasts need to be separated from non emergency lighting? There is no emergency power here, just EM ballasts.

Refer to NEC 700, 701, and 702 and your states life-safety code for the specifics.

The exit signs and emergency lights need to stay illuminated during loss of power, code states a minimum of 90 minutes. In your case, the exit lights and light fixtures designated emergency will share the same circuit as normal fixtures because you have no emergency source. The only difference is that the emergency fixtures and exit lights will have battery packs to meet the 90 minute requirement. If your building had a emergency source i.e. generator then that wiring would be required to be kept separate per NEC 700 & 701.

 

[cppoly]

Thanks

 

[publicgood]

These battery packs and UL 924 switching devices require an un-switched hot from the same panel as the normal power lighting circuits.

 

[Hertz Hound]

Chances are that even if your building had a legally required (701) or optional stand by (702) system, the circuit wiring could occupy the same raceway. That is if the EM and exit fixtures have their own backup power supply. The only system that can't occupy the same raceway is emergency systems (700). Typically fixtures that have battery backup are classified as emergency systems by themselves, and fall under utilization equipment.

There are other restrictions for healthcare facilities, and separation between the Life safety, Critical care and emergency equipment.

[FONT=Arial !important]701.10 Wiring Legally Required Standby Systems.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial !important]The legally required standby system wiring shall be permitted to occupy the same raceways, cables, boxes, and cabinets with other general wiring.[/FONT]

 

[roger]

Is there a requirement that exit signs and lighting fixtures with emergency ballasts need to be separated from non emergency lighting? There is no emergency power here, just EM ballasts.

Read 700.12(F) closely and as previously stated note that the branch circuit that is feeding the unit equipment must be the same circuit that is feeding the normal lighting in the area.

Roger