emergency exit and emergency back up lights
emergency exit and emergency back up lights
(OP)
I have an emergency exit and emergency back up lights that all have battery back up power. My boss is telling me that the circuit that feeds the back up lights and exit sign must be on its own circuit in its own conduit. I'm telling him that the battery is the "emergency circuit" and other source can be from a "normal supply". I want to tie the emergency exit and emergency back up lights on the source side of existing lights in the vicinity. Which way should I go? Please Help!






RE: emergency exit and emergency back up lights
RE: emergency exit and emergency back up lights
RE: emergency exit and emergency back up lights
RE: emergency exit and emergency back up lights
After the batteries go you have failed test, battery replacement, finding batteries that may or not be made any more, finding ballast that may or not be made any more etc. It may be the easy and cheap way out of a design but is it ethical to pass on the headache to the owner? It may save the owner some time and money in the future by using a dedicated conduit system today.
It's an easy way out of a design job to use battery powered fixtures but it's a "Wal-Mart" job.
RE: emergency exit and emergency back up lights
RE: emergency exit and emergency back up lights
RE: emergency exit and emergency back up lights
Ask the boss how the battery-powered emergency lights are supposed to come on and do their job if the branch circuit feeding normal lights in the room trips?
Have him read NEC 2008, 700.12(F). The only exception is if an open area is supplied by three or more normal branch circuits for lighting. Otherwise, connection to a circuit separate from the normal lighting branch circuit is not permitted.
Let us know how you do!
Good on ya,
Goober Dave
RE: emergency exit and emergency back up lights
Here's a quote from 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.
Have fun!
Goober Dave
RE: emergency exit and emergency back up lights
RE: emergency exit and emergency back up lights
I assume your boss has been doing this for a while, and obviously has had no problems with his plans getting approval from the local AHJ. If your boss is the one sealing the drawings, and the AHJ is approving plans, and you've got it on record that you disagree with the way in which the lights are circuited, let him stamp away.