switched generator fed emergency egress lighting ciruit

[DSN]

Is an NC electrically held contactor, GE CR460, Code acceptable for switching generator fed emergency egress lighting circuits or do you have to use a shunt bypass relay like the Wattsopper ELCU-100?

 

[luckylerado]

Often times it is hard to meet the requirements of NFPA 101 with generator backup alone. More detail would be required for a better answer but in short here is a snip from Section 9 of Chapter 7. NFPA 101 2012


"7.9.2.3* The emergency lighting system shall be arranged to provide the required illumination automatically in the event of any interruption of normal lighting due to any of the following:
(1) Failure of a public utility or other outside electrical power supply
(2) Opening of a circuit breaker or fuse
(3) Manual act(s), including accidental opening of a switch controlling normal lighting facilities"

 

[steve66]

700.5:

Transfer equipment, including automatic transfer switches, shall be automatic, identified for emergency use, and approved by the authority having jurisdiction...

So in short, you have to use something like the wattstopper which is "UL listed for use in emergency circuits".

 

[iwire]

So in short, you have to use something like the wattstopper which is "UL listed for use in emergency circuits".

I agree.