Change Summary

• Identification for emergency circuits has been expanded to include cables and raceways not associated with boxes or enclosures.
• Emergency system receptacles now require identification with a distinctive color or marking.

Expert Analysis

For the 2017 NEC, the emergency system identification at 700.10(A) has been expanded to more than just boxes and enclosures and will now be mandated for exposed emergency system cables and raceway systems that might not be associated with junction boxes or enclosures. An example of this type of installation could be a metallic cable system daisy-chained from emergency luminaire to emergency luminaire without installing a junction box between luminaires. This process would leave the emergency system wiring method from luminaire to luminaire indistinguishable from the normal system. New provisions at 700.10(A)(2) will now require exposed emergency circuit or system cable or raceway systems to be permanently marked as a component of an emergency circuit or system, at intervals not to exceed 7.6 m (25 ft) where boxes or enclosures are not encountered.

 It is an extremely difficult task for an inspector or installer to follow a cable or raceway in a ceiling where every cable or raceway in that same ceiling is identical and not identified as something other than the normal branch circuits or feeders. This means of identification method could be as simple as spray painting the cable or raceway every 7.6 m (25 ft).

Another significant change occurred involving these emergency system identification requirements at 700.10(A). Receptacles supplied from the emergency system are now required to be identified by a “distinctive color or marking” on the receptacle cover plates or the receptacle itself. As with the boxes, enclosures, cables, and raceways, the Code is not specific as to the means to accomplish this. Red-colored receptacles and covers similar to what is commonly used in health care facilities would certainly be “distinctive,” as would blue-colored receptacles. These markings are necessary for the end user to identify emergency supplied devices for connection of equipment needed when there is a loss of normal power.

Emergency power is often provided with Red devices to make them stand-out. For even more attention Leviton offers illuminated devices that instantly inform users that the device is energized. The device pictured here is our Hospital Grade M1626. It is made to higher standards which might be beneficial on Emergency circuits. It is also part of our Modular Lev-Lok® line, so installation and change outs are easy and fast.