National Electrical Installation Standards

Standards as High as Your Own

 
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Thursday, March 24, 2022

Question:

Thanks for all the responses to the questions.

Our question is about emergency systems wiring. The Code seems to require separation between normal power and emergency circuits. Are the two branch circuits permitted in the same 2 X 4 layin troffer fixtures? An inspector is flagging this on a project indicating a violation of 700.10(B). The inspector is saying that the fixture has to be listed as an emergency fixture.

Your insight may be helpful.

Allan Frost

A

Answer:

Allan,

Section 700.10(B) does provide the separation requirements and the allowances for normal and emergency circuits to enter the same enclosure. Section 700.10(B)(2) is the language you are seeking that provides the allowance. We don't find a specific requirement that the luminaire is listed as suitable for use on emergency systems or branch circuits. Transfer equipment used on emergency systems has to be listed. Section 700.10(A) indicates that components of emergency systems shall be readily identifiable as a component of the emergency system.

Hope this is helpful. 

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