The exit illumination requirements for an exit discharge 1

[ladengr]

What is the exit illumination requirements for an exit discharge outside the building? Do we have to provide a light above the exit door outside the building and is it connected to the emergency power generator? Please include code references.

 

[Senselessticker]

The means of egress is composed of three parts:

1. Exit Access
2. Exit
3. Exit Discharge

Section 7.8 of NFPA-101 describes the illumination requirements. Section 7.8.1.3 calls for an average or 1 foot-candle. Section 7.9 covers emergency lighting requirements.

Concerning the emergency generator, ensure that the generator provides a system according to NEC Article 700. Some older buildings may have an "emergency" generator that can really only be considered stand-by.

So yes, a light will need to be provided that meets the requirements of section NFPA-101 Section 7.9.

Regards,

Sense...

 

[rbulsara]

I will have to check again..

But I think in the begining of the seciton of NFPA 101 where requirement of 'emergency lights' is descrribed, the definition of 'mean of egress' is limited to path leading the exit only (thereby excludes exit discharge) for the purpose of ilummination requiremetns only.

But I have heard that some AHJ's have requested (in fact im most cases thoes were state agencies such as dept of education) emergecny lights for areas of discharge.

In my opinion the letter of code does not require emergency lights in exit discharge.

 

[peebee]

I agree with rbulsara.

In my experience, most AHJ's do NOT require outdoor emergency lighting. But a couple certainly have.

 

[robertb]

"City /County Title 24, California Code of Regulations" states that "exit as defined is a continuous .... means of egress to a public way..."
"Public way as defined is any street, alley or similar parcel of land essentially unobstructed from the ground to the sky... and having a clear width of not less than 10 feeet".
Per my opinion the exterior part of the exit till public way has to be provided with illumination of "at least 1 foot-candle", as per NFPA 101, art. 7.8.1.3.

 

[peebee]

Maybe... if you're in California....

 

[ladengr]

How do you define an exit or egress path in a large grocery warehouse with rack aisles and loading dock? The asiles are 600 feet long with cross aisles and loading dock on both ends. In California, do we need to meet UBC building code egress lighting or NFPA 101 emergency illumination in the egress path?

 

[stookeyfpe]

A couple of questions:

1) What is the applicable building or life safety code you are applying?
2) What is the occupancy classification of the building?
3) What is the occupant load of the floor you are concerned with?
4) How many stories?

Without this the correct answer cannot be determined. If you are in an area without an adopted building code, let me know and I will try to provide an answer using NFPA 101 or the 2003 International Building Code.

 

[ladengr]

Stookeyfpe:

1. Applicable code: California Title 24 amendment to UBC section 3313.

2. Storage S-1 occupancy classification.

3. more than 100 people.

4. Single story, 45' high warehouse with 10' wide aisles, racks filled with pallet full of grocery cardboard boxes.

I appreciate your help.

LADENGR
=========

 

[stookeyfpe]

Ladengr:

I do not have Title 24 but I do have the 1997 UBC. Given the conditions you specified, the following are the applicable code sections:

UBC 1003.2.8.1 governs identification of the means of egress (e.g., the exit sign). Given your conditions, egress identification is required. Exit signs shall be illuminated. This does not mean that one needs to provide lamps in the exit sign (see UBC 1003.2.8.4). It means that lighting needs to be provided to illuminate the sign. Illumination could be provided by unit equipment or other means of power with supply capacity of 1.5 hours that is separate of the primary power to the building.

For egress illumination (the path to the door) UBC 1003.2.9.1 requires 1 foot candle-square foot. Because the occupant load is > 100, UBC 1003.2.9.2 requires that illumination shall be automatically provided.

Let me know if I failed to answer the questions.

 

[ladengr]

Section 1003.2.8.4 & 1003.2.8.5 says, Exit signs shall be internally or externally illuminated. To insure continued illumination for a duration of not less than 1 1/2 hours in case of primary power loss, the signs shall also be connected to an emergency electrical system provided from storage batteries, unit equipment, or an on site generator set.

To meet the code, we are planning to connect all exit lights to an emergency circuit powered through generator and automatic transfer switch.

A plan examiner in Los Angeles says:

Exit signs connected through a transfer switch are subject to failure in case of a transfer switch failure.
Provide two sources of power to all exit signs or battery operated exit sign.

 

[stookeyfpe]

Everything is subject to failure if its not properly maintained. Have the plans examiner cite the particular code section stating that two means of power independant of a transfer switch is required.

If he/she cannot cite the code section, then the provision was pulled from a annular orifice in the posterior region of his/her body and has no legal basis. Your obligation to the jurisdiction is to build to the minimum requirement, not the requirements of a particular plans examiner.