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620.51(E) Elevators, Dumbwaiters, Escalators, Moving Walks, Platform Lifts, and Stairway Chairlifts

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Change Summary

  • Surge protection is required for all emergency system disconnects covered under 620.51.
NEC® Text

620.51 Disconnecting Means.
A single means for disconnecting all ungrounded main power supply conductors for each elevator, dumbwaiter, escalator, moving walk, platform lift or stairway chairlift, shall be provided and be designed so that no pole can be operated independently.
620.51 (E) Surge Protection
Where any of the disconnecting means in 620.51 has been designated as supplying an emergency system load, surge protection shall be provided.

Copyright© 2016 National Fire Protection Association
(See NEC for complete text)

Expert Analysis

The 2014 NEC added a new Code article 700.8 which requires surge protection on emergency systems. This new Code language in 620.51(E) expands requirements for surge protection for emergency systems to include disconnects for emergency systems as called out in 620.51. These disconnects include loads for elevators, escalators, moving walkways, platform lifts and others. If any of these loads are designated as part of the facilities emergency system, it would have to be surge protected.

Leviton Comment
Article 620.51(E) calls for Surge Protection Devices (SPDs). Type 2 SPDs would typically be the type of device associated with this Code article.

Here we have provided an explanation of the different levels of surge protection and their applications:

Type 1 SPD for the supply side of service entrance. Leviton offers several options including the 55240-ASA and 50240-MSA secondary surge arrestors.

Type 2 SPDs SPDs are typically service entrance SPD panels or branch circuit SPD panels that are connected on the load side of the service disconnect overcurrent device (main service panel). Leviton offers several options including the 52120-7CS.

Type 3 SPD’s are typically surge receptacles or cord connected point-of use devices. Leviton offers a complete assortment induplex, quad and 6-plex in many styles and colors.

Type 4 SPDs are component assemblies consisting of one or more Type 5 components together with a disconnect (integral or external) or a means of complying with the limited current tests in UL 1449.

Type 5 SPDs: Discrete component surge suppressors connected by its leads or provided with an enclosure with mounting means and wiring terminations.

Type 1 and Type 2 SPDs shunt external surges that originate from utilities or disturbances outside the home or facility. Type 2 SPDs can protect for both internal and external surges when located at the branch. Type 3 SPDs can shunt surges that originated internally within the home or facility. So a comprehensive strategy for surge protection typically involves a Type 1 or Type 2 SPD and also a Type 3 SPD at point of use.

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