two sources in one conduit

[shelco]

Is there any code preventing circuits from two seperate sources to be in the same conduit?

circuit from normal power panel and one from an emergency power panel feeding to seperate devices but in same conduit run.

 

[roger]

Re: two sources in one conduit

Yes, see 700.9 and 517.30(B)&(C)(1).

If the installation falls under 701 or 702, they can share the same raceway, see 701.10 and 702.9

Roger

[ February 19, 2006, 01:02 PM: Message edited by: roger ]

 

[charlie b]

Re: two sources in one conduit

Be careful with your use of the word "emergency." That word has limited applications, and Roger has given you the references. But many people will have a generator installed as a backup to their home or business, for the sake of convenience or in order to prevent a loss of income. These are not "emergency" applications, and the rules are different.

In general, you may put conductors from separate sources in the same conduit. You have to deal with possible de-rating factors, and the insulation systems of all conductors have to be the same.

What is your particular application?

 

[shelco]

Re: two sources in one conduit

This is a commercial application.

The one panel is feed normal power but tied into a back up generator 125KW. 1st double duplex 4 sq is feed with normal power conduit and a conduit from panel with back up power. one recp from one source and the other from the panel with back up power. Then from that box flex to the next and the next, so on and so on.

 

[iwire]

Re: two sources in one conduit

Shelco the real key is not if it is commercial or residential it is as Charlie was pointing out is the generator in question part of an Article 700 Emergency System.

If the generator supplies a system that fits this description;

Emergency systems are those systems legally required and classed as emergency by municipal, state, federal, or other codes, or by any governmental agency having jurisdiction. These systems are intended to automatically supply illumination, power, or both, to designated areas and equipment in the event of failure of the normal supply or in the event of accident to elements of a system intended to supply, distribute, and control power and illumination essential for safety to human life.

Then you can not run the circuits in the same raceway.

However the generator may be supplying a Article 701 Legally Required Standby Systems or a Article 702 Optional Standby Systems

In these cases you may run the circuits together.

If your not sure what you have look around, does the generator supply lighting and exit signs?

Are there emergency battery units in place for egress lighting?

Most likely if you do NOT see EBUs and the generator supplies egress lighting it is an emergency generator.

[ February 20, 2006, 08:01 AM: Message edited by: iwire ]

 

[shelco]

Re: two sources in one conduit

Thanks for the responses. This is not a system that supplies lighting just power to outlets in an area that they would want power to remain durring an outage. Nothing for a life safety issue.
Thanks

 

[sheldon_ace]

Re: two sources in one conduit

Emergency systems are those systems legally required and classed as emergency by municipal, state, federal, or other codes, or by any governmental agency having jurisdiction. These systems are intended to automatically supply illumination, power, or both, to designated areas and equipment in the event of failure of the normal supply or in the event of accident to elements of a system intended to supply, distribute, and control power and illumination essential for safety to human life.

I have a question that pertains to this. I am overseeing a 4 story project at NC State University. Instead of a backup generator, the engineers have figured on using an inverter to power all egress/emergency lighting in case of a power outage. My supervisor says it is not an emergency system, and I can run both the regular circuits with the inverter circuits in the same conduit. I think he may be inaccurate, but I didn't want to jump to conclusions without everyone's point of view.

Gerry

 

[infinity]

Re: two sources in one conduit

My supervisor says it is not an emergency system, and I can run both the regular circuits with the inverter circuits in the same conduit.

The source of the emergency power does not have to be from a generator. Inverter systems with batteries also could qualify as part of an Article 700 system, therefore the wiring would require two separate conduit systems.

 

[sheldon_ace]

Re: two sources in one conduit

Originally posted by infinity:

My supervisor says it is not an emergency system, and I can run both the regular circuits with the inverter circuits in the same conduit.

The source of the emergency power does not have to be from a generator. Inverter systems with batteries also could qualify as part of an Article 700 system, therefore the wiring would require two separate conduit systems.

That was my thoughts, that yes it would be an emergency system, since none of the lights have a battery backup. If the power goes out, then there are no lights in the stairwells and hallways. To me that classifies the inverter as an emergency system. Anymore input from others would be apprciated, because I need as much ammo as I can get to prove him wrong. (He is an old southern boy set in his ways if you know what I mean)

Gerry