Emergency systems wrapper
Why you care (60 seconds)
Emergency systems protect life safety and have strict requirements. Inspectors and plan reviewers scrutinize these installations closely.
Where people lose time
- Mixing emergency systems with legally required standby systems.
- Routing emergency feeders through common pathways without protection.
- Missing required transfer or source details.
This is
The rule in plain language
Emergency systems must be reliable, separated, and protected so they continue to supply life safety loads during power loss.
When it applies
Any time a system is designated as an emergency system for life safety loads.
What you must do (checklist)
- Identify emergency loads and system designation.
- Provide reliable source and transfer equipment.
- Route wiring with required separation and protection.
- Maintain signage and labeling for emergency equipment.
Quick examples
- Emergency feeders require protection from physical damage.
- Transfer equipment must be suitable for emergency use.
This is not
Common misreads
- Treating standby systems as identical to emergency systems.
- Allowing emergency wiring to share raceways with normal circuits.
What it doesn't cover
- Full generator sizing or fuel storage requirements.
- Building code requirements beyond the NEC.
False friends
- A generator alone does not make a system "emergency".
Exceptions & edge cases
- Some occupancies have additional emergency system rules.
- Certain wiring methods may allow shared spaces with conditions.
Cross-references (NEC map)
- Primary: 700.3, 700.10
- Secondary: 700.12
Exam traps
- Confusing emergency and legally required standby systems.
- Missing separation requirements for emergency circuits.
Field notes
- Document emergency circuit routing during rough-in.
- Keep emergency system labels visible and durable.
AHJ / Local amendments notes (placeholder)
- Add local amendments or interpretations here.
Revision notes
- Draft wrapper created for emergency systems fundamentals.