Overview

In recent years, emergency lighting systems have experienced significant growth, driven by global initiatives aimed at enhancing building automation and safety measures. However, previous editions of the NEC lacked clarity regarding the permissible control devices for these systems,leading to confusion and improper practices in their implementation. To tackle this challenge, the 2023 edition of the NEC incorporated a new Section 700.27, defining emergency lighting control devices as devices that integrate control signals with Class 2 emergency power on a single circuit. This includes devices such as PoE network switches, which were previously excluded from the list of approved control devices by certain industries due to ambiguity in the regulations. This change aims to clarify the definition of “emergency lighting control devices” and guarantee the proper identification and certification of products used in emergency lighting installations, thereby enhancing safety and compliance standards.

Applying the 2023 Code

Emergency lighting control devices encompass a range of equipment, including switches, panels, and central control systems, designed to facilitate the automatic or manual activation of emergency lighting in response to power outages or emergency situations. The widespread adoption of these devices has surged in recent years, driven by global initiatives aimed at sustainability, building automation, and enhancing safety standards, particularly within indoor environments.

In previous editions of the NEC, there was limited clarity regarding the use of control devices for emergency lighting systems. These editions only required the installation of control devices from a lengthy and ambiguously defined list without specifying which devices were suitable for use with Class 2 emergency lighting systems. The absence of explicit instructions led to misunderstandings and improper  practices. To rectify this problem, the 2023 edition of the NEC introduced a new Section, 700.27. This section now mandates that devices combining control signals with Class 2 emergency power on a single circuit must be designated as emergency lighting control devices. This requirement mandates that devices like PoE network switches, utilized in Class 2 powered emergency lighting systems, undergo proper certification for their intended use. They can then be installed as Class 2 Emergency lighting control devices in accordance with relevant NEC guidelines.

What’s New for the 2023 NEC?

The table below presents a comparison between the 2020 NEC and the 2023 NEC regarding Section 700.27.