Stairwell emerg./egress lights -Switching

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Designer69

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I have a stairwell that goes up 3 floors. All lights in stairwell are on emerg. power.

You cannot have emerg./egress lights on 3 or 4 way switches. What's the right way to control the stairwell lighting (where do you put the switch)?

Thank You
 
Designer69 said:
Neither of these options because the GC just wants very basic manual switching in this building.
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Lighting at each landing is likely to be a single fixture. Since that fixture will also be the emergency light (assuming you are using a battery backup ballast), it just stays on all the time. Only shuts off at the CB.
 
The IBC requires egress pathways to be illuminated when every the building is occupied. Assuming this is a egress stair, giving the occupants easy control of the stairwell, may violate that. I'd say depending on the building type these may need to be on 24/7.
 
IMFOTP said:
The IBC requires egress pathways to be illuminated when every the building is occupied. Assuming this is a egress stair, giving the occupants easy control of the stairwell, may violate that. I'd say depending on the building type these may need to be on 24/7.
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yes it is an egress stair. So just to make sure, you are implying no switching needed right?

I am fine with that, no switches. Just wanted to make sure this is typical convention for stairwells.

Thank you
 
Designer69 said:
yes it is an egress stair. So just to make sure, you are implying no switching needed right?

I am fine with that, no switches. Just wanted to make sure this is typical convention for stairwells.

Thank you
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That isn't what he was implying though. As stated the path must be lit any time the building is occupied. If it is known that the building will not be occupied during certain hours the lights don't need to be on. Regarding the emergency part, you merely bring a switch leg and a constant hot to the fixture. Constant hot to the inverter. Power goes out, fixture comes on regardless of the state of the switch leg.
 
Designer69 said:
yes it is an egress stair. So just to make sure, you are implying no switching needed right?

I am fine with that, no switches. Just wanted to make sure this is typical convention for stairwells.

Thank you
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All egress stairwells we design are on 24/7 like others have mentioned as well. Then they are either equipped with a backup battery ballast to meet IBC chapter 10, or connected to a backup battery inverter system like a Philips Bodine.
 
the philips bodine look pretty good, seems like you basically can eliminate ALCR's etc. since they have unswitched/switched inputs.

Are there any special/extra testing needs needed by using these vs. an emerg. generator?

The GC did mention that they hate testing.
 
Was doing some research and it seems battery powered emerg. equipment have more stringent testing requirements. Also, the cost for one of those philips bodine 400W units is like 2.5k. I'm not sure it would be any cheaper than extra ATS extra Plbd. This could be the kicker.
 
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