14E-7-700 Emergency systems.

   The provisions of Article 700 of NFPA 70 are not adopted. The following language is adopted as Article 700:

   “700 Emergency Systems

Part I. General

   700.1.Scope. The purpose of this article is to provide details for installation of required exit and emergency illumination systems in all buildings, new and existing.

   The provisions of Article 700 are intended to provide a reasonably reliable alternate source of electrical power upon the failure of the normal source of supply. It is impossible to list all of the various means of accomplishing the desired results. Article 700 is intended to set a minimum standard for such installations.

   Informational Note No. 1: For further information regarding wiring and installation of emergency systems in health care facilities, see Article 517.

   Informational Note No. 2: For further information regarding performance and maintenance of emergency systems in health care facilities, see NFPA 99-2015, Health Care Facilities Code.

   Informational Note No. 3: For specification of locations where emergency lighting is considered essential to life safety, see NFPA 101-2015, Life Safety Code.

   Informational Note No. 4: For further information regarding performance of emergency and standby power systems, see NFPA 110-2013, Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems.

   700.2. Definitions.

   Auxiliary Source of Current Supply. The auxiliary source of current supply shall be another independent source of current supply, isolated from the normal source, either from the utility, an on-site generator, an inverter, or unit batteries where allowed in this article.

   Emergency Lighting (Illumination) Systems. Emergency lighting systems shall be lighting systems required by this chapter which supplement the general lighting system.

   Exit Lighting Systems. Exit lighting systems shall be those electrical systems which supply electricity to required exit, directional, stairway and fire escape signs.

   Informational Note: See Sections 13-160-700 through 13-160-820 of the Chicago Building Code for location and type.

   Emergency Systems. Emergency systems are intended to automatically supply illumination, power, or both, to designated areas and equipment in the event of failure of the normal supply or in the event of accident to elements of a system intended to supply, distribute, and control power and illumination essential for safety to human life.

   Final Reserve Source of Current Supply. The final reserve source of current supply shall be an approved battery source, on-site generator installed in accordance with Article 701, or an approved on-site inverter system.

   Normal Source of Current Supply. The normal source of current supply is that supply which furnishes electrical energy for general illumination and power purposes.

   Relay, Automatic Load Control. A device used to set normally dimmed or normally-off switched emergency lighting equipment to full power illumination levels in the event of a loss of the normal supply by bypassing the dimming/switching controls, and to return the emergency lighting equipment to normal status when the device senses the normal supply has been restored.

   Informational Note: See ANSI/UL 924, Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment, for the requirements covering automatic load control relays.

   700.3General. The provisions of this article shall be in addition to or amendatory of those set forth in Chapters 1 through 4 of this Code. Emergency and exit lighting systems shall not be intermingled with any other wiring system in the building except as otherwise allowed in this article.

   700.4Plan Submittal Procedure. No work shall start on the exit and emergency lighting systems before approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

   In addition to any other information required by the authority having jurisdiction, the plans shall indicate:

   (a)   The location of all exit and emergency lights on scaled floor plans of a scale not less than 1/8 in. = 1 ft.

   (b)   The location of all normal lights in areas with exit and emergency lights.

   (c)   A single line drawing of the emergency service and distribution showing sizes of conduit, conductors, switches, and overcurrent devices.

   (d)   Connected load of all branch circuit panels.

   (e)   Information relative to generators as required in Section 701.9.

   Exception No. 1: In new buildings, when the first tenant is entering a space, it shall not be necessary to submit the information required in (c) through (e) above, provided each plan indicates the reviewed plan number on which the information was previously submitted.

   Exception No. 2: It shall be the responsibility of the plan applicant to determine the adequacy of an existing emergency service and distribution. The details of this service and distribution, in (c) above, need not be shown when it is stated by the submitter that the existing emergency system is in conformance with this chapter. However, the drawings shall indicate the measured connected load for the affected emergency branch circuit panels, and the connected load for all additional circuits being altered or installed.

Part II. Emergency System Requirements

   700.5Type of Emergency Systems Required. The type of emergency system (I, II, or III) provided in buildings shall be as indicated in Table 700.5, except an existing occupancy with a type III or better system permitted under an earlier version of this Code may continue to use that system. All required emergency lights, exit, directional, stairway and fire escape signs in these buildings shall be supplied from the emergency system as required in this Article.

Table 700.5. Emergency System Type Required – By Use9, 10

Building Use / Type			Occupancy Class*	Application Provisions (Capacity, Height, Area)	System Type
					I	II	III
Residential	Hotels / Motels		A	Two floor or more, or more than 20 persons		X
	Non-transient Residential		A	5 or more dwelling units – see Articles 560 and 570			X
	Non-transient Residential		A	dormitories, group homes, fraternity and sorority houses – two floors or more, or more than 20 persons			X
	Non-transient Residential 1		A	Over 80 feet but less than 300 feet in height		X 1, 6
	Non-transient Residential 1		A	300 feet or more in height		X 6
	Single Room Occupancy		A	See Chapter 13-206 **		X
	Transient Residential		A	Two floors or more, or more than 20 persons		X
Institutional	Ambulatory Health Care Facilities		B, E	See Article 517.		X5
	Day Care or Child Care Center	Institutional or 24 Hr.	B, C-3	2 floors or more, or more than 20 persons, or day care centers that operate between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.		X
		Type III School	C-3	See Chapter 13-56 **			X
	Homes for the Aged or Children		B	Two floors or more or more than 20 persons		X
	Hospitals		B	Containing operating, delivery, or emergency rooms	X
	Hospitals		B	Other than above		X5
	Jails		B	Two floors or more, or more than 20 persons		X
	Nursing Homes, Convalescent Homes, Infirmaries, etc.		B	Two floors or more, or more than 20 persons		X
Assembly	Places of Assembly 2, 4, 8		C-2	50 to 99 persons			X
	Places of Assembly 2, 4, 8		C-2	100 to 300 persons		X
	Places of Assembly 2, 4, 8		C-1	More than 300 persons	X
	Schools up to 100 students		C-3				X
	Schools more than 100 students		C-3			X
	School Auditoriums		C	Without fixed seats		X
	School Auditoriums 8		C	With fixed seats	See Theaters
	Theaters 8		C	300 or fewer persons		X
	Theaters 8		C	More than 300 persons	X
Non- Residential	Office / Retail / Factory 3		E, F, G, H, I	10,000 square feet or more			X
	Office / Retail / Factory 3		E, F, G, H, I	Two or more stories / levels		X
	Police Stations		J	Two floors or more, or more than 20 persons		X
	Parking Facilities		H-3, J	See Chapter 13-96**			X
	Restaurants, Bars, Taverns		C-1, C-2, F		See Retail
High Rise	High Rise Buildings		any	Over 80 feet but less than 300 feet above grade		X 6
	High Rise Buildings		any	300 feet or more in height		X 7

 

* See Chapter 13-56 of the Chicago Building Code

** Chapters of the Chicago Building Code

Notes to Table 700.5

1 All existing and newly constructed buildings having dwelling units, more than 80 feet above grade shall provide an approved, on-site auxiliary source of current supply for the egress lighting and exit signs.

2 For the purposes of this Table, Places of Assembly (except as indicated for schools) shall include, but shall not be limited to, locations such as:

 

Airport Terminals Auditoriums Assembly Hall Banquet Halls

Churches / Chapels Club Houses Dance Halls Exhibition Halls

Gymnasiums Libraries Lodge Halls Museums

Parish Halls Swimming Pools

 

3 For the purposes of this table, Office / Retail / Factory shall include, but shall not be limited to, locations such as:

 

Automobile Agencies Bakeries Banks Barber Shops Beauty Parlors Billiard Parlors

Bookstores Bowling Alleys Broadcasting Studios Factories Frozen Food Lockers Laboratories

Lumber Yards Meat Packing or Processing Motor Freight Docks Office Buildings Pet Shops

Plants Retail Stores Vaults Warehouses

 

4 For the purposes of this Table use of any room or space for assembly purposes by less than 50 persons in a building having other uses, and incidental to such other use, shall be classed as part of the other use and subject to the provisions applicable thereto.

5 The second source of current supply shall be an on-site generator or a battery system.

6 See 700.30.

7 The auxiliary source of current supply shall be from an on-site diesel generator. This shall apply to all buildings 91 m (300 ft) and over unless the building requires a System I under other uses.

8 Any building or space in this category where fixed seating is provided for the public or the occupants of the building during any performance or meeting shall be provided with a System I emergency system where having capacity for more than 300 persons and shall be provided with aisle lighting where having capacity for more than 150 persons. In buildings with multiple spaces containing fixed seats, the classification of the Emergency system shall be based on the total number of seats in the building. The aisle lighting requirement shall be based on the number of seats in each space.

9 Where System III is required, a System I or II may be installed. Where System II is required, a System I may be installed.

10 It is impossible to list each specific type of use and therefore some of the classifications are general. If there is any doubt concerning a particular building or use, consult the authority having jurisdiction.

   700.6 Illumination Required.

   (A)   General. In general, every portion of a building devoted to the use or accommodation of occupants, including all assembly rooms, all means of egress leading to the streets, open courts, corridors, stairways, exits, emergency exit stairways, or any other part of the building used by occupants, shall be well illuminated in accordance with requirements for general illumination.

   (B)   Emergency. In addition, there shall be emergency illumination as required by 700.11 to enable occupants to evacuate the building without difficulty upon failure of the general illumination system. The emergency illumination shall be available within the time required for the application but not to exceed 10 seconds.

      The required emergency lighting and exit lighting systems shall be functional whenever the building is occupied.

      Emergency lighting systems shall be designed and installed so that the failure of any individual lighting element, such as the burning out of a light bulb, cannot leave in total darkness any space that requires emergency illumination.

      Exception: Except as allowed in 700.66(C)(6).

      Where high-intensity discharge lighting such as high- and low-pressure sodium, mercury vapor, and metal halide is used as the sole source of normal illumination, the emergency lighting system shall be required to operate until normal illumination has been restored.

      Exception No. 1: In residential buildings, emergency fixtures which illuminate areas of a building with unobstructed natural illumination shall be permitted to be controlled by photocell(s). The photocell shall be permitted to control multiple fixtures as long as the photocell and the fixtures are located in the area with the natural illumination insuring that the illumination required in 700.11 is present in the space at all times.

      Exception No. 2: In buildings with not more than 12 dwelling units and not greater than 4 stories above grade, with open exterior means of egress, emergency illumination shall not be required on the exterior portion of the means of egress, where sufficient general illumination is present. Similar buildings with more than 12 dwelling units or greater than four stories above grade may only omit exterior emergency illumination with special permission.

   (C)   Source. All buildings requiring emergency illumination as stated in 700.5 shall not rely solely upon electric utility power as a source.

      Such buildings shall have an emergency system as called for in Table 700.5. In addition, if the auxiliary source is one of the sources listed in 700.33(A) through (G), an additional on-site source of power for the emergency lighting and exit lighting systems shall be required. This source of power shall be permitted to be:

      (1)   A generator in conformance with 700.33(H)

      (2)   An inverter system installed in accordance with 700.33(I)

      (3)   Unit batteries conforming to 700.30(C), 700.43, and 700.44

      All unit battery equipment shall comply with 700.66.

   700.7 Expositions Halls, Schools, and Theaters.

   (A)   General. In the auditorium of a theater, school, or exposition building there shall be a sufficient number of emergency lighting outlets properly distributed to provide one foot-candle of illumination at all points on the floor area. In all parts of the building used by the occupants, alternate emergency lighting outlets shall be supplied through separate circuits.

   (B)   Aisle Lighting. Additional lighting outlets of an approved type on the emergency lighting system shall be placed in the aisles of an auditorium with fixed seats, as follows:

      (1)   Where the aisles are smooth running ramps, aisle lighting outlets shall be placed at a minimum of every third row of seats.

      (2)   In aisles in which there are steps, aisle lighting outlets shall be placed so as to illuminate each step.

      (3)   Aisle lighting outlets on the opposite sides of an aisle shall be supplied through separate branch circuits.

      (4)   Where aisle lighting outlets are only on one side of the aisle, alternate lights shall be on separate branch circuits.

      (5)   Other listed systems which provide equivalent illumination shall be permitted. Such systems shall be supplied by more than one circuit so that the loss of a circuit would not leave the aisle or steps completely without illumination.

      Exception No.1: Auditoriums with a capacity for 150 or fewer persons shall not be required to have additional aisle lighting outlets where there is an unobstructed direct line of sight to identified exits or exit corridors and all other required emergency illumination is present.

      Exception No. 2: Where the fixed seating is of the type that can be reassembled for various layouts and the theater intends to change the layout for various performances, a flexible wiring method for aisle lighting shall be permitted where:

      (1)   The aisle lighting system complies with 700.7(B)

      (2)   All associated aisle lighting cords are listed as “extra-hard usage”

      (3)   All associated aisle lighting cord plug and receptacle connections are twist lock

      (4)   All associated aisle lighting cords are of the minimum length needed for flexibility

      (5)   Additional strain relief is provided around all associated aisle lighting cord and receptacle connections

      (6)   The point of connection to the permanent emergency system is visibly identified and of the type that will not accept standard straight blade plugs

      A permit and inspection are required for all reconfiguration of seating prior to use.

      Informational Note: This flexible allowance for aisle lighting is not intended and shall not be permitted as a permanent wiring method.

   (C)   Additional Locations. In addition to requirements of 700.7(A), emergency lighting shall be provided:

      (1)   In the projection booth

      (2)   At the lighting service equipment

      (3)   At the stage lighting control equipment

      (4)   In the room that contains the emergency lighting generator or the batteries

   700.8Hospitals. Where a System I is required, permanently connected emergency lights and the ungrounded electrical system (if installed) shall be supplied from the final reserve source of current supply in addition to the general lighting in all critical and special care areas. The final reserve source of current supply shall be a diesel generator in conformance with 700.33(H).

   The emergency lights shall be adequate to illuminate these rooms for their normal use, and shall be completely separate from the general wiring systems. Switches to turn emergency lights “OFF” when a room is not in use shall be permitted to be installed for each individual room.

   Informational Note: See Article 517 – Health Care Facilities.

   700.9Tenant Spaces in Multi-Use or Multi-Space Buildings. Emergency lighting shall be provided within a tenant space, other than a dwelling unit, exceeding 93 m2 (1,000 ft2) in any building in which emergency lighting is required.

   700.10Emergency Lighting for Passenger Elevators. Unit batteries shall be provided for standby emergency illumination in the elevator car. Immediately after normal car lighting power fails, emergency lighting shall be provided in all elevators in accordance with the Chicago Building Code.

   Informational Note: See the Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, ASME A17.1 § 2.14.7.1 for further information.

   700.11Intensity of Emergency Illumination. In general the required emergency illumination shall provide not less than one foot-candle of illumination on all points of all required areas.

   Exception No. 1: As allowed by 13-160-670 or 13-160-680. Upon failure of the normal lighting system the emergency lighting shall be restored to full brilliance.

   Exception No. 2: Where dimming of the emergency lighting below one foot-candle is required, the following shall apply:

      (1)   Special permission shall be required.

      (2)   Upon failure of the normal lighting system the emergency lighting shall be restored to full brilliance.

      (3)   The emergency lighting shall not be dimmed below 1/2 foot-candle.

   700.12Capacity of Emergency System. The exit and emergency system, service and feeders shall have a minimum capacity of 0.1 watts per square foot, based on the total square foot area of the building.

   700.20System I.

   (A)   Sources of Supply. System I shall consist of three sources of electrical energy supply as follows:

      (1)   The normal source of current supply

      (2)   An auxiliary source of current supply totally separate from the normal source

      (3)   A final reserve source of current supply from batteries, from an on-site generator(s) in conformance with Article 701, or from an on-site inverter

   (B)   Sequence. System I shall have the following sequence of current supply to the emergency lights and exit signs:

      (1)   The normal source of current supply

      (2)   The auxiliary source of current supply upon failure of the normal source of current supply

      (3)   The final reserve source of current supply upon failure of both the normal and the auxiliary sources of current supply

      Informational Note: See Parts III and IV of this Article.

Figure 700.20 Typical System I Emergency System

   700.21System II.

   (A)   Sources of Supply. System II shall consist of two sources of electrical energy supply as follows:

      (1)   The normal source of current supply

      (2)   The auxiliary source of current supply

   (B)    Sequence. System II shall have the following sequence of current supply to the emergency lights and exit signs:

      (1)   The normal source of current supply

      (2)   The auxiliary or final reserve source of current supply upon failure of the normal current supply.

      (3)   For emergency illumination and exit sign purposes, if the auxiliary source of current supply is not one of the sources listed in 700.33(H), 700.33(I), 700.30(C), or 700.43 an additional source which complies with 700.6(C) shall be provided.

      Informational Note: See Figure 700.21.

Figure 700.21 Typical of Either System II or System III Emergency Systems.

   700.22System III. System III shall consist of two sources of current supply as follows:

   (1)   The normal source of current supply to the structure which shall provide for the general illumination

   (2)   The second source of current supply shall provide electrical current supply for the emergency lighting and exit lighting systems and shall be either an auxiliary source in accordance with 700.33(H) or 700.33(I), or approved unit battery equipment in accordance with 700.43

   (3)   A transfer switch shall not be required.

   Informational Note: See Figure 700.21.

   700.23 Transfer Equipment.

   (A)   General. Transfer equipment, including automatic transfer switches, shall be automatic, identified for emergency use, and approved by the authority having jurisdiction. Transfer equipment shall be designed and installed to prevent the inadvertent interconnection of normal and emergency sources of supply in any operation of the transfer equipment. Transfer equipment and electric power production systems installed to permit operation in parallel with the normal source shall meet the requirements of Article 705.

   (B)   Bypass Isolation Switches. Means shall be permitted to bypass and isolate the transfer equipment. Where bypass isolation switches are used, inadvertent parallel operation shall be avoided.

   (C)   Automatic Transfer Switches. Automatic transfer switches shall be electrically operated and mechanically held. Automatic transfer switches, rated 1,000 VAC and below, shall be listed for emergency system use.

   (D)   Use. Transfer equipment for emergency illumination and exit signs shall supply only those loads.

   (E)   Documentation. The short-circuit current rating of the transfer equipment, based upon the specific overcurrent protection device type and settings protecting the transfer equipment, shall be field marked on the exterior of the transfer equipment.

   700.24.Signals. Audible and visual signal devices shall be provided, where practicable, for the purpose described in 700.24(A) through (F).

   (A)   Malfunction. To indicate malfunction of the emergency source.

   (B)   Carrying Load. To indicate that the battery is carrying load.

   (C)   Not Functioning. To indicate that the battery charger is not functioning.

   (D)   Ground Fault. To indicate a ground fault in solidly grounded wye emergency systems of more than 150 volts to ground and circuit-protective devices rated 1,000 amperes or more. The sensor for the ground-fault signal devices shall be located at, or ahead of, the main system disconnecting means for the emergency source, and the maximum setting of the signal devices shall be for a ground-fault current of 1200 amperes. Instructions on the course of action to be taken in event of indicated ground fault shall be located at or near the sensor location.

   (E)   Bypass Isolation. To indicate that the bypass isolation is in the bypass position.

   (F)   Remote Annunciation. Remote audible and visual annunciation of the transfer switch(es) at a common central manned location shall be installed where the transfer switches are not installed in a location that is manned at all times when the building is open.

   Informational Note: For signals for generator sets, see NFPA 110-2013, Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems.

   700.25 Signs.

   (A)   Emergency Sources. A sign shall be placed at the service-entrance equipment, indicating type and location of each on-site emergency power source.

      Exception: A sign shall not be required for individual unit equipment as specified in 700.43.

   (B)   Grounding. Where removal of a grounding or bonding connection in normal power source equipment interrupts the grounding electrode conductor connection to the alternate power source(s) grounded conductor, a warning sign shall be installed at the normal power source equipment stating:

WARNING
SHOCK HAZARD EXISTS IF GROUNDING ELECTRODE CONDUCTOR OR BONDING JUMPER CONNECTION IN THIS EQUIPMENT IS REMOVED WHILE ALTERNATE SOURCE(S) IS ENERGIZED.

      The warning sign(s) or label(s) shall comply with 110.21(B).

   700.26Surge Protection. A listed SPD shall be installed in or on all emergency systems switchboard and panelboards.

   700.28Selective Coordination. Emergency system(s) overcurrent devices shall be selectively coordinated with all supply-side overcurrent protective devices.

   Selective coordination shall be selected by a licensed professional engineer or other qualified persons engaged primarily in the design, installation, or maintenance of electrical systems. The selection shall be documented and made available to those authorized to design, install, inspect, maintain, and operate the system.

   700.30 High Rise Buildings.

   (A)   Under 300 Feet In Height. In high rise buildings under 91 m (300 ft) in height, the auxiliary source of current supply to the emergency lighting and exit lighting systems shall be one of the following:

      (1)   An on-site generator

      (2)   A battery inverter system in conformance with 700.33(I)

      (3)   A completely independent utility company primary and either or both:

         (a)   An on-site generator in conformance with Article 701

         (b)   A battery inverter system in conformance with 700.33(I)

      Exception: Existing high rise buildings containing dwelling units may use unit battery equipment in conformance with the exception to 700.30(C) or an approved battery inverter system with a minimum capacity of 90 minutes.

   (B)   300 Feet in Height and Over. In buildings 300 feet in height or greater, the auxiliary source of current supply to the emergency lighting and exit lighting systems shall be from an on-site diesel generator in conformance with Article 701.

   (C)   Dwelling Type Uses. New and existing high rise buildings that contain dwelling units shall have an on-site source of supply, independent from the utility source, for the emergency lighting and exit lighting systems. The on-site source of supply shall be a generator in conformance with 700.33(H) or an inverter system in conformance with 700.33(I).

      Generators shall conform to the following:

      (1)   High rise buildings under 91 m (300 ft) shall be permitted to have natural gas or diesel fuel as supply and shall comply with Article 701.

      (2)   High rise buildings 91 m (300 ft) and over shall be required to have diesel fuel as the supply and shall comply with Article 701.

      Exception No.1: Approved unit battery equipment shall be permitted to supply the emergency lighting and exit lighting systems in existing buildings under 91 m (300 ft) that contain dwelling units, provided they comply with 700.43 and 700.66(C). Buildings undergoing 60% or more renovation of interior spaces or the electrical system shall not be included in this exception.

      Exception No. 2: Approved unit battery equipment shall be permitted for the emergency illumination and exit signs in existing buildings 91 m (300 ft) and over that contain dwelling units provided that such equipment was installed prior to February 7, 2000.

      Informational Note No. 1: The above exceptions do not relieve other Code requirements regarding elevators, sump pumps, fire alarms systems, etc.

      Informational Note No. 2: See Section 13-76-080 of the Chicago Building Code.

      All paths of egress that serve the dwelling units, or are common to both the dwelling units and other spaces in mixed occupancy buildings, shall meet the emergency illumination requirements of this subsection.

Part III. Approved Auxiliary Sources

   700.33Approved Auxiliary Sources. The auxiliary source of current supply for all emergency system installations shall comply with any one of the following conditions:

   (A)   Isolated Plant. When the normal source of current supply is an isolated plant, the auxiliary source of current supply shall be from an approved overhead or underground service from a utility company.

   (B)   Overhead Service. The auxiliary source of current supply shall be permitted to be from the same source of current supply as the normal source of current supply provided:

      (1)   The normal source of current supply is an overhead service from the utility company and no other utility source is available.

      (2)   The auxiliary source of current supply is from a different pole and is by separate drop, service conduit, and equipment as widely separated from the normal source of current supply as physical conditions permit.

   (C)   Separate Transformers. When the normal lighting and power supply is alternating current from separate transformers:

      (1)   The auxiliary source of current supply shall be permitted to be from an approved transformer or transformers within the building and supplied from the power service.

      (2)   The current supply to the transfer switch shall be taken from the first distribution point on the load side of the light and power service switches.

   (D)   Underground Network System. Where the source of current supply is common to both light and power and is a utility-supplied underground, 3 phase, network system fed from two or more generating or substations, the auxiliary source of current supply shall be permitted to be a separate service from the utility supplied underground network system. A transfer switch shall not be required.

   (E)   Spot Network. The auxiliary source of current supply shall be permitted to be a separate service where the source of current supply is common to both light and power, and is what is known as a “spot network” having:

      (1)   Two separate primaries

      (2)   Two utility company transformers

      (3)   Utility switchgear necessary to accomplish fully automatic switching in both directions. A transfer switch shall not be required.

   (F)   Common Source. Where the source of current supply is common to both light and power and consists of a single utility company primary supplying one or more transformers located on a pole structure or on a pad outside of the building being served, the auxiliary source of current supply shall be taken from the secondary side of the transformer or transformers through a separate set of service entrance conductors, a separate service conduit, a service switch and a ground. A transfer switch shall be required.

   (G)   Building Vault. Where the source of current supply is in a vault located inside of the building being served and the secondary leads are as short as possible, the emergency auxiliary source of current supply shall be permitted to be a separate service from the vault. A transfer switch shall not be required.

   (H)   Approved Generator. Where the normal source of current supply is an approved utility company service, the auxiliary source of current supply shall be permitted to be an on-site generator installed in accordance with Article 701.

   (I)   Inverter System. Where the normal source of current supply is an approved utility company service, the auxiliary source of current supply shall be permitted to be an approved on-site inverter complying with the following:

      (1)   The inverter system shall be listed for emergency system use and have battery capacity to power the entire emergency lighting and exit sign system as follows:

         (a)   In high rise buildings as required by Section 700.30 for a period of four hours

         (b)   In places of assembly with an occupancy greater than 1,000 persons for a period of four hours

         (c)   In all other occupancies for a period of ninety minutes.

      (2)   The inverter system shall be tested at full load for the rated time at least once per year.

      (3)   This annual test shall be witnessed by the authority having jurisdiction, and the required inspection fee for this test shall be paid.

   Informational Note: Note that utility supplied auxiliary sources as listed in 700.33(A) through (G) above shall not solely satisfy the emergency illumination requirements of this article. See 700.6(C).

   700.43 Approved Unit Battery Equipment.

   (A)   Approved Unit Battery Equipment. Approved unit battery equipment shall be permitted as the auxiliary source of current supply as follows:

      (1)   The required emergency lighting and exit lighting systems in any building or space where a System III is required

      (2)   The required emergency lighting and exit lighting systems in any building where a System II is required, other than a high rise building which shall comply with 700.30, provided that:

         (a)   There is sufficient general and, or emergency illumination that is on at all times the building is occupied

         (b)   The installation, control and maintenance of the emergency system complies with Part V of this article

      (3)   The required emergency lighting and exit lighting systems in existing high rise residential buildings not over 91 m (300 ft) in height, provided that:

         (a)   There is sufficient general and, or emergency illumination that is on at all times the building is occupied

         (b)   The installation, control and maintenance of the emergency system complies with Part V of this article

      (4)   The final reserve source for places of assembly in existing buildings where a System I is required.

   Informational Note: In all new and existing high rise buildings containing residential type units 91 m (300 ft) in height and greater, a diesel generator is the only acceptable method of supply to the required emergency illumination and exit sign system unless allowed by 700.30(C)(Exception No. 2).

   Unit battery equipment shall comply with 700.66(C).

   Informational Note: Nothing in this Code prohibits battery backed up exit signs as long as they are installed in conformance with the above requirements and conform to relevant sections of the Building Code.

   700.44 Battery Systems as Back-up Source for Exit Signs. Where no generator or battery inverter system is used, the back-up source of current supply for exit signs shall be approved unit battery exit signs conforming to Section 700.66 and Sections 13-160-740 through 13-160-800 of the Chicago Building Code.

Part IV. Final Reserve Source of Current Supply

   700.50Approved Final Reserve Source of Current Supply. In all cases the final reserve source of current supply shall be one of the following and shall be able to operate at full load for a minimum of 4 hours:

   (1)   An approved on-site generator in conformance with Article 701

   (2)   An approved battery system

   (3)   An approved inverter system

Part V. Installation and Control of Systems

   700.59Installation and Control of Systems. The following shall be required for installation and control of systems:

   (1)   Buildings that are closed and not occupied for a portion of the day shall be permitted to have the emergency lighting and exit lighting systems controlled by a manually operable non-locking type switch(es) located only in the main lobby or lobbies, entrances, or entrance stairways.

   (2)   Where there is more than one main lobby, entrance or entrance stairway switches which turn all exit and emergency lights “ON” shall be permitted to be installed in each location. A switch to turn these lights “OFF” shall be permitted to be installed in only one of these locations.

   (3)   In high rise buildings with a fire command panel, the switch referred to in this section shall be located in or adjacent to the fire command panel.

   (4)   In buildings without a fire command panel, the switch(es) shall be identified and the “OFF” switch(es) shall be installed behind locked break glass covers.

   700.60Switches Allowed. Only the following switches shall be permitted in the emergency lighting and exit lighting systems:

   (1)   The service switch

   (2)   Feeder switch(es) (if required)

   (3)   The required transfer switch(es)

   (4)   The lobby control switch(es)

   700.61 Dimmer and Relay Systems. A dimmer or relay system containing more than one dimmer or relay and listed for use in emergency systems shall be permitted to be used as a control device for energizing emergency lighting circuits. Upon failure of normal power, the dimmer or relay system shall be permitted to selectively energize only those branch circuits required to provide minimum emergency illumination. All branch circuits supplied by the dimmer or relay system cabinet shall comply with the wiring methods of Article 700.

   700.62 Circuit Breakers and Fuses.

   (A)   Circuit Breakers. Circuit breakers are switching devices and shall be permitted to be used for service, feeder, or branch circuit overcurrent protection only under the following conditions:

      (1)   Standard single pole circuit breakers, prominently identified as required by 700.63, used for branch circuit protection where a branch circuit panel is installed in an electrical closet or switchboard room accessible only to qualified persons

      (2)   Single pole, key-operated circuit breakers used for emergency branch circuit protection in any panel location

      (3)   Standard circuit breakers may be used where the emergency branch circuit distribution panel feeds only three-phase loads which are required to be on the emergency system

      (4)   Standard circuit breakers with approved lock-on devices shall be permitted for branch circuits where supplying emergency illumination and exit signs and unit battery equipment complying with 700.66

   (B)   Fuses. Standard fused switch equipment shall be permitted to be used for feeder overcurrent protection when installed in locked room accessible only to qualified persons and identified in accordance with 700.63.

   700.63 Separate Wiring Systems.

   (A)   Identification. All boxes and enclosures (including transfer switches, generators, transformers and power panels) for emergency circuits shall be permanently marked so they will be readily identified as a component of an emergency circuit or system. The legends for all branch circuit and feeder distribution panels shall be marked to identify the loads they serve.

   (B)   Wiring Separation. Emergency lighting and exit lighting system feeders and branch circuits, shall be completely separate and independent wiring systems from all other electrical systems starting from the source of current supply to the last lighting outlet on the systems.

      Emergency illumination and exit sign equipment branch circuit conductors shall be permitted to occupy the same raceway and share the same branch circuit. These branch circuits shall not be part of multiwire branch circuits.

      Emergency unit battery equipment as allowed in 700.43 shall be permitted to share general lighting branch circuits when in conformance with 700.66. Emergency battery unit wiring shall conform to Section 700.66(C).

   (C)   Wiring Design and Location. Emergency wiring circuits shall be designed and located to minimize the hazards that might cause failure due to flooding, fire, icing, vandalism, and other adverse conditions.

      No apparatus or lighting outlets other than those specified shall be permitted to be connected to exit and emergency lighting systems. Branch circuits shall be allowed a maximum of 15 emergency lighting outlets per branch circuit.

   (D)   Fire Protection. In new buildings and buildings undergoing 60% or greater remodeling of interior spaces or the electrical system, the emergency lighting and exit lighting systems shall meet the following additional requirements in (D)(1) through (D)(3) in the following occupancies:

         (1)   Assembly occupancies for not less than 1,000 persons

         (2)   High rise buildings

         (3)   Health care occupancies where persons are not capable of self-preservation

         (4)   Educational occupancies with more than 300 occupants

      (1)   Feeder-Circuit Wiring. Feeder-circuit wiring shall meet one of the following conditions:

         (1)   Be installed in spaces or areas that are fully protected by an approved automatic fire suppression system

         (2)   Be a listed electrical circuit protective system with a minimum 2-hour fire rating

            Informational Note No. 1: Electrical circuit protective systems could include but not be limited to thermal barriers or a protective shaft and are tested to UL 1724 Fire Tests for Electrical Circuit Protection Systems.

            Informational Note No. 2: The listing organization provides information for electrical circuit protective systems on proper installation requirements to maintain the fire rating.

         (3)   Be a listed fire-resistive cable system installed in a metal raceway and supported according to listing requirements

            Informational Note No. 1: Fire- resistive cables are tested to ANSI/UL 2196, Tests for Fire-Resistive Cables.

            Informational Note No. 2: The listing organization provides information for electrical circuit protective systems on proper installation requirements to maintain the fire rating.

         (4)   Be protected by a listed fire-rated assembly that has a minimum fire rating of 2 hours and contains only emergency wiring circuits

         (5)   Be encased in a minimum of 50 mm (2 in.) of concrete

         (6)   Be a cable installed in a metallic raceway listed to maintain circuit integrity for a minimum of 2 hours when installed in accordance with the listing requirements.

      (2)   Feeder-Circuit Equipment. Equipment for feeder circuits (including transfer switches, transformers, and panel-boards) shall be located either in spaces fully protected by approved automatic fire suppression systems (including sprinklers, carbon dioxide systems) or in spaces with a 2-hour fire resistance rating.

      (3)   Generator Control Wiring. Control conductors installed between the transfer equipment and the emergency generator shall be kept entirely independent of all other wiring and shall meet the conditions of 700.63(D)(1).

   700.64Other Loads. The following loads shall be permitted to be connected to separate emergency branch circuits.

   (1)   The loads required to be connected to the high rise emergency system

      Informational Note: See relevant sections of the Chicago Building Code related to high rise emergency requirements.

   (2)   Emergency voice communication systems that are specifically designed to be used for issuing instructions during emergency conditions

   (3)   The loads required for hospital emergency systems.

      Informational Note: See Article 517.

   (4)   Required fire alarm systems.

      Informational Note: See Article 760.

   (5)   Loads required or allowed elsewhere in this Code to be on the emergency system.

   700.65Existing Multifamily Dwelling Unit Buildings. For existing multifamily dwelling unit buildings:

   (1)   Service conductors having an ampacity of 40 amperes shall be permitted for single-phase, three-wire services that serve no more than four 15-ampere branch circuits.

   (2)   Where the building is 4 stories or less in height and is served directly by vertical front and rear stairwells, all existing stairwell lighting outlets shall be permitted to be supplied from the emergency service. Corridor emergency lighting outlets shall be in addition to the general illumination.

   (3)   Other loads such as laundry outlets, heating plants, sump pumps, garage and basement lighting shall not be permitted to be supplied from the emergency service.

   (4)   Emergency lights shall be permitted to be controlled by photocell switches. Time clocks shall not be permitted.

   (5)   High rise multifamily dwelling unit buildings shall be in conformance with 700.30.

   700.66Approved Unit Battery Equipment and Battery Systems. The following shall apply to batteries and battery systems for emergency systems:

   (A)   Dry Cell Batteries. Dry cell batteries shall not be permitted on any emergency lighting system.

   (B)   Battery and Battery Inverter Systems. Battery and battery inverter systems, regardless of voltage, shall be listed for emergency lighting use.

   (C)   Unit Battery Equipment.

      (1)   Listing and Labeled. All unit batteries shall be listed and labeled as emergency luminaire equipment. Individual unit equipment for required standby emergency illumination shall consist of the following:

         (a)   A rechargeable battery

         (b)   A battery charging means

         (c)   Provisions for one or more lamps

         (d)   A relaying device arranged to automatically energize the lamps upon failure of the supply to the unit equipment

         (e)   Batteries of suitable rating and capacity to supply and maintain not less than 87-1/2 percent of the nominal battery voltage for the total lamp load associated with the unit for a period of at least 90 minutes

         (f)   Acid or alkali storage batteries designed and constructed to meet the requirements of emergency service.

      (2)   Provisions. The unit equipment shall be provided with:

         (a)   A test switch for checking the operating conditions of the unit.

         (b)   A pilot light to indicate when the battery charger is functioning, when tied to the normal source. Functioning of the battery charger is intended to mean the presence of charging voltage.

         (c)   The pilot light shall not be marked “READY” to indicate power available.

      (3)   Enclosure. The unit battery and lamp housing shall be made of metal. In wet or corrosive locations housings that are listed for emergency use and suitable for the environment shall be permitted to be made of other materials.

         Exception: Decorative plastic enclosures over metal housings shall be permitted.

      (4)   Wiring. The wiring shall comply with the following:

         (a)   Unit equipment shall be permanently fixed in place and supplied with an approved metallic raceway.

         (b)   Flexible cord and plug connections shall not be permitted.

         (c)   The branch circuit feeding the unit equipment shall be the same branch circuit as that serving the normal illumination, or (emergency illumination where present) in the area and connected ahead of any local switches.

         (d)   The branch-circuit device shall be a type S plug fuse, a circuit breaker of the key operated type, or shall be provided with a locking device to prevent inadvertent opening of the circuit and shall comply with 700.63.

         (e)   The panel directory shall be prominently marked to identify the circuits that supply the unit batteries.

         (f)   Where there is a separate and uninterrupted area supplied by a minimum of 3 normal lighting circuits, a separate branch circuit for unit batteries shall be permitted, provided the circuit originates from the same panelboard as that of the normal lighting circuits and is either a type S plug fuse, a circuit breaker of the key operated type, or a circuit breaker provided with a lock on feature.

         (g)   No more than three lamps shall be permitted to be supplied from one-unit battery.

         (h)   When a remote lamp is connected to a unit battery, the wiring shall be in an approved metallic raceway and shall be independent of all other wiring and equipment. The wiring shall be limited to 4.57 m (15 ft) and shall not enter the same raceway, box, or cabinet with other wiring.

         Exception: Wiring in a length greater than 4.57 m (15 ft) shall be permitted where it can be shown that by increased wire size, the voltage drop from the battery to the lamp will still allow the lamp to operate at normal brilliance.

      (5)   Location. Luminaires shall be so located as to provide the illumination required in 700.6 upon failure of the normal lighting service; these lights shall not be required to be “ON” until failure occurs. In general, one luminaire shall be provided for each 214 m2 (2,300 ft2) of open floor area. Where this number of luminaires does not provide illumination of all areas leading to points of egress, additional luminaires shall be installed.

      (6)   Lamp Output. Each lamp shall provide a minimum of 300 lumen output. Single lamps connected to unit batteries that provide the required illumination and are maintained in accordance with subsection (7) below shall be permitted in areas less than 214 m2 (2,300 ft2).

      (7)   Maintenance. Unit batteries shall be maintained by qualified maintenance personnel and the following records shall be maintained:

         (a)   The manufacturer shall supply with each unit battery a complete set of instructions for the operation and maintenance of the equipment.

         (b)   The date of original installation and of subsequent battery replacements shall be posted conspicuously on the battery container.

         (c)   Each unit shall be tested annually.

         (d)   There shall be a water level indicator where applicable and the water shall be checked monthly.

         (e)   A readily available log of these inspections shall be maintained on a card attached to the unit battery. The card shall contain the name and address of the responsible maintenance personnel that performed the testing required in (c) and (d) of this subsection.

   700.67Generators. On-site generators are recognized as an approved source of current supply for Emergency Systems I, II, and III. On-site generator(s) used as a current supply for emergency systems shall comply with the requirements of Article 701.

   700.68 Tests and Maintenance.

   (A)   Conduct or Witness Test. The authority having jurisdiction shall conduct or witness a test of the complete system upon installation and periodically afterward.

   (B)   Tested Periodically. Systems shall be tested annually or more frequently on a schedule acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction to ensure the systems are maintained in proper operating condition.

   (C)   Maintenance. Emergency system equipment shall be maintained in accordance with manufacturer instructions and industry standards. These instructions shall be kept on-site and made available to the authority having jurisdiction upon request.

   (D)   Written Record. A written record shall be kept on such tests and maintenance, maintained on the premises for not less than 10 years, and made available to the authority having jurisdiction upon request.

   (E)   Testing Under Load. Means for testing all emergency lighting and power systems during maximum anticipated load conditions shall be provided.

   Informational Note 1: For information on testing and maintenance of emergency power supply systems (EPSSs), see NFPA 110-2013, Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems.

   Informational Note 2: See 700.66(C)(7).

   700.69Special Provisions for Special Circumstances. The provision of 700.1 thru 700.67 are not intended to limit or inhibit the engineering ingenuity of engineers or contractors in laying out such installations.

   Where it can be demonstrated that an alternate design of emergency systems will provide an equivalent or greater level of safety and reliability than that intended by Article 700, the authority having jurisdiction is empowered to grant special permission for alternate emergency systems in lieu of the specifically required systems. The final determination of equivalency, in all cases, shall be made by the authority having jurisdiction.”

(Added Coun. J. 9-6-17, p. 55278, Art. I, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 1-23-19, p. 94952, Art. I, § 25)