I frequently get the question of whether cord-and-plug connections are permitted for emergency luminaires because of the numerous recent revisions to the US National Electrical Code (NEC) regarding emergency lighting. This article will disclose the solution to this query, which necessitates a close study of both the NEC and the UL 924 Standard for Emergency Illumination and Electrical Devices. In order to meet the standards of the municipal Body Having Jurisdiction, the specifier or contractor must also use good judgment (AHJ).
When is it appropriate to link using a cable and plug?
The following language was recently added to the UL 924 standard:
18 Cord-Connected Section Lighting and Accessories
18.1 Detailed
18.1.3 Pendant, high bay, and other luminaires may use flexible cable for attachment to the supply circuit if the planned application is explicitly listed as one that is allowed under Section 400.10 of the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70-2017.
Before 2016, UL 924 only permitted cord-and-plug connections for unit equipment that included a light head and an inherent power source (usually a battery). Section 18.1.3, which expressly permits cord-and-plug attachment of emergency luminaires other than unit apparatus under certain circumstances, was introduced to the standard in the 2016 version. Let's examine the 2017 NEC to ascertain those circumstances.
Let's first examine NEC section 400.10, which is mentioned in UL 924 and has the relevant language underlined in yellow:
400.10 Authorized Activities
(A) Usage. Adjustable wires and connections are only permitted for the following purposes:
(1) Necklaces.
(2) Lighting fixture wiring.
(3) Connecting movable lighting, signage that can be moved, or utilities.
(4) Cables for elevators
(5) Crane and lift wiring.
(6) Connecting the necessary tools to enable regular exchange.
(7) The reduction of noise or tremor transfer.
(8) Gadgets that are meant or designated for flexible cable connection and where the mounting methods and mechanical connections are specially made to allow quick withdrawal for maintenance and repair.
(9). The joining of movable components
(10) Anywhere else in this Code where such use is expressly allowed.
(11) A single extra receptacle outlet is powered by an intake that is situated between an already-existing outlet and a receptacle. A Chapter 3 wiring technique must be used for the cabling that connects the intake to the solitary output. The input, socket output, and Chapter 3 cabling technique must all be specified assemblies designed specifically for this purpose. This includes the bendable cable and connections.
Mounting plugs are (B). Each flexible cable that is used in accordance with 400.10(A)(3), (A)(6), and (A)(8) requirements must have a connection socket and be powered by a terminal outlet or cord adapter body.
Now, with the same marking, let's examine additional NEC parts that are covered by the phrase "Where expressly allowed elsewhere in this Code":
Cord-Connected Lampholders and Luminaires, Section 410.62:
Movable luminaires are (B). The uncovered cable does not need to be outfitted with an attachment socket or cord adapter if the luminaire needs to be adjusted or pointed after installation and it is appropriate for hard or extra-hard usage and is not lengthier than what is needed for the utmost adjustment. The nerve must not be put under stress or suffer bodily harm.
LED and electric-discharge lighting (C). LED luminaires and electric discharge must adhere to (1), (2), and (3) as necessary.
(1) Assembly with a cord. A light or a specified component that satisfies any of the requirements in (a) through (c) may be cord linked as long as it is placed immediately beneath the outlet or busway, the cord is not put under stress or physically damaged, and it is visible throughout, save for the terminations.
(a) A cable ending in a busway socket or a grounding-type connection receptacle may be used to link a light.
Returning to UL924, which mandates that a cord-and-plug attached emergency light must be in a high-bay application or one that is allowed by the 400.10 standard we just examined. A high-bay program is what, then? Neither the NEC nor UL924 provide a description of high-bay. However, if I were an AHJ examining this scenario, I would suggest the following definition:
High-bay: An area where the height of the area or the way of entry to the area prevents untrained employees from reaching an emergency light.
In what ways does this affect my installation?
This brings us to the concluding component of the initial question's response: the specifier's or installer's good judgment. Because it performs a life-safety function, an emergency light needs to be incredibly dependable. The light must be pointed in the correct direction and inserted in when the usual power fails so that it can do its work of guiding people securely outside the structure. That entails choosing the appropriate light, position, and coupling technique.
Therefore, if all of the aforementioned concerns are taken into account and handled, the response to the initial query, "Can emergency luminaires be cord-and-plug connected?" is a qualified YES.
