Emergency Lighting
30/01/18
| UNAPPROVED FIELD CONDITIONS | OBC & NEC REQUIREMENTS |
| Emergency lights do not operate upon failure of egress lights. | Egress lighting shall be connected to an emergency electrical system. OBC 2702.2.11, 1008.3.1, 1008.3.2, 1008.3.3 NEC 700.12(F) |
| Emergency lights installed, no egress lights installed. | Provide egress lighting in accordance with OBC 1008.2, 1008.3.1, 1008.3.2, 1008.3.3, NEC 700.16 |
| Egress lights can be switched to “Off” by unauthorized persons while the building is occupied. | Egress lighting shall provide the required illumination at all times that the area is occupied.
(NOTE: “At all times” can be accomplished by using key switches, 24 hr. circuits, locating egress lighting switches in areas inaccessible to unauthorized persons or other approved means. Where panelboards are accessible to unauthorized persons, egress lighting shall be locked on and identified as “Emergency Lighting”.) OBC 1008.2, NEC Art. 110.22, 700.16, 700.20, 700.21 |
| Explanation of terms | Installers and designers frequently refer to “Egress Lights” and “Emergency Lights” as if the two terms are interchangeable. They are not.
Under normal conditions the power source for “Egress Lights” is the normal power supply. The power source for “Emergency Lights” is by battery or generator. Emergency lighting provides no illumination until failure of the egress light circuit. Egress Lights and Emergency Lights form the Emergency Lighting System. NEC 700.16 |
