Tapping an Exit Light Circuit

[A-1Sparky]

Is it permissible to tap off an exit light circuit to supply non-critical loads? My gut says no, but I can't find it in the NEC where it says that it's not allowable. This is battery back-up exit lighting supplied from a normal power panel, as there is no auxillary power source.

 

[ASG]

I are you saying circuiting fixtures to the same circuit as your exit signs that have battery backup?

 

[A-1Sparky]

Yes

 

[ASG]

700.12(F):

...The branch circuit feeding the unit equipment shall be the same branch circuit as that serving the normal lighting in the area and connected ahead of any local switches. ...

 

[eprice]

What type of occupancy is this?

 

[A-1Sparky]

This is an athletic complex at a university.

 

[eprice]

This is an athletic complex at a university.

In that case, I see no particular problem with adding additional loads to that circuit so long as the circuit will not be overloaded and as long as the requirement is met that ASG pointed out. When unit equipment is used to supply emergency lighting, the battery backup is the emergency source and the emergency wiring would be the wiring between the battery backup and the lighting elements. The circuit on the line side of the battery backup is not emergency wiring.