As with every National Electrical Code (NEC) edition, there are a significant amount of changes that are either a clarification or a new provision. In this brief article, we will highlight a new provision to Article 700 – Emergency Systems, namely 700.3(F).
For quick reference; the scope of NEC Article 700 – Emergency Systems applies to the electrical safety of the installation, operation, and maintenance of emergency systems consisting of circuits and equipment intended to supply, distribute and control electricity for illumination and power to required facilities when the normal electrical supply or system is interrupted.
Emergency systems are designed and installed to maintain a specific degree of illumination for means of egress or to provide power to essential equipment such as fire alarm systems, fire pumps and automatic doors if the normal power supply fails.
The new provision added at 700.3(F) requires emergency systems relying on a single alternate source of power (e.g. standby generator) to include permanent switching means to connect to a portable or temporary alternate source of power whenever the single alternate source of power is disabled for maintenance or repair. This permanent switching means must be available for the duration of the maintenance or repair.
Stevens & Wilkinson has experience applying this provision and looks forward to discussing your current installation or new project with details and strategies on how to comply with this new provision.
About the Author:
Ken Daenecke, PE, RCDD, LEED AP, Principal – Director of Engineering (SWGA): Ken provides project leadership and design expertise from project inception through completion. He is an expert in creating electrical engineering design for telecommunications systems, security systems including CCTV and access control, as well as fire alarm, power, grounding, lighting and lightning protection. In addition, Ken’s unique registration as a RCDD allows him to provide engineering design for voice/data cabling. As a LEED AP, Ken embeds energy conscious principles and practices into every system he designs. Ken received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University.
