Interpretation #7661

Published October 16, 2015

Download Final PDF

Original Request

Code Version
2010
Code
BUILDING
Code Description
Building
Chapter
10
Section
1006.2.3.2
Topic
Generator and battery backup

Question

Is it the intent of of this section to require that all exit lighting fixtures connected to a legally required standby generator (operating and on line within 10 sec) be provided with battery backup if both the exit sign fixtures and egress lights are on the same circuit.

Answer Published 10/16/2015 at 2:48 PM

No. NEC 700.12 lists multiple sources of power as being
legitimate for use in this situation. The only qualification
being that the time required for activation is 10 seconds or
less. There is nothing in NEC 700 that prohibits the use of
circuit breakers in an emergency system.

Commentary

None