NEC code question?
NEC code question?
(OP)
I have two questions hope some of you can clear for me:
1. I heard some where in NEC or building code indicates when you have a high rise office building, we have
a. Provide an emeregncy generator
b. Separate egress lighting + fire alarm load on a separate ATS from other load.
Do you what particular section of NEC or building code talk about this rule? And how long (hour) should generator require to serve the emergency load in case of loosing normal utility?
2. I know the TVSS using with switchboard rated at 320kA, 240kA, 180kA, etc. Are these standard number? How do we decide what rate of TVSS should we use?
Thank you!
TX-man
1. I heard some where in NEC or building code indicates when you have a high rise office building, we have
a. Provide an emeregncy generator
b. Separate egress lighting + fire alarm load on a separate ATS from other load.
Do you what particular section of NEC or building code talk about this rule? And how long (hour) should generator require to serve the emergency load in case of loosing normal utility?
2. I know the TVSS using with switchboard rated at 320kA, 240kA, 180kA, etc. Are these standard number? How do we decide what rate of TVSS should we use?
Thank you!
TX-man






RE: NEC code question?
Don Phillips
http://worthingtonengineering.com
RE: NEC code question?
RE: NEC code question?
would you be more specific which article?
RE: NEC code question?
Thanks!
RE: NEC code question?
http
NFPA 70[NEC] article 701
NFPA 110 Standard for Emergency and Standby Power System
http://www.generac.com/PublicPDFs/0173220SBY.pdf
But :
NFPA 110 does not address what facilities or loads within a building require an EPSS, nor does it prescribe required classifications for an EPSS. Ultimately, this responsibility lies with the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) for the site of the construction project, such as the local building inspection or fire marshal's office. Requirements for NFPA 110 compliance may be included in local laws, ordinances or regulations. Local authorities should always be consulted to determine
requirements for specifying NFPA 110 compliance on any project.
Regards
RE: NEC code question?
These are things such as emergency lighting, fire pumps, elevators, fire alarm and other life safety related systems.
NEC Article 701 is for "Legally required standby systems"
These are non-life-safety systems that are otherwise required to have backup power. These might be things like HVAC, smoke removal and water supplies.
The terms are defined in the respective articles. Determination of the category for each system is largely up the specific building code and local building authority.
RE: NEC code question?
RE: NEC code question?
What DonPhillips said..you begin there. There are more than one Code that apply, depending upon what your state legislation has adopted (state where the project is located). But they all include NEC, a Buidling Code ( IBC or UBC), a Fire satety code and many others. All those codes may refer to many standards so they end up being requirements as well. On top of that local building officials and big cities have their own requirements, especially for high rise building.
So if you are looking for an aswer on platter, that is unreasonable expectations. It appears that you are new to the consulting world. You need to take time and read some codes for your benefit and direction.
IBC, NEC and NFPA 101 are just a good place to begin. Also look up previous high rise building projects designed by your firm.
NFPA 110 does not tell where a emergency power system (generally a generator system) is required, but it spell out what needs to be incorporated if it is required by other applicable codes.
RE: NEC code question?
For high rise non-healthcare buidling, I heard somewhere in buidling code requires us to provide an emergency generator for emergency load needed (egress lighting, fire alarm, etc) plus other load if required by owner. I couldn't locate this information anywhere, it can be UBC not NEC.
But the generator in this application doesn't need to have big tank to run for 24 hours continuously after loosing normal utility power. And in this case, we have to put egress lighting + fire alarm load on a separate ATS from other (for example: elevator or AC unit if owner wants). Sound likes no codes address this issue. If it does, this can save some bucks to specify generator with smaller belly tank size that can support 8 or 12 hours rather than 24 hours of gasoline. Again, I couldn't find the information about separate ATS anywhere in NEC.
Of course if we use battery ballast for egress lighting, the ballast need to support 90-min in emergency mode as we all knew. If we have generator, the egress lights can be fed from generator through ATS. Thanks!
Tx-Man
RE: NEC code question?
RE: NEC code question?
Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: NEC code question?
Also look up NFPA 99. I do not recall any specific code saying requiring a specific runtime for health care, but I have not worked on health care project lately.
Separate ATSs are required by NEC 517 and NFPA 99.
Waross is right about the daytank and main tank. The daytank need not be sized for total fuel requirement. The maintank needs to be.
RE: NEC code question?
anbm
RE: NEC code question?
RE: NEC code question?