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Monday, October 31, 2016
Question:
I have large warehouse with high-bay Led lighting with motion sensor integral to the fixture. Every other row of lights are supplied through and emergency panel which is energized from an emergency generator upon loss of normal power. Are the motion sensors allowed to control egress lighting to these fixture?
Dan Craven
A
Answer:
Hey Dan thanks for your question. No, motion sensors are not allowed to directly control emergency lighting as somewhat stated in 700.20. I use the word "somewhat" because it is the absence of the permission to use motion sensors than makes them not acceptable. Proposal 13-119 was accepted to specifically add motion sensors to the 2014 NEC but this action was reversed by the action on comment 13-80. Unfortunately a sentence was not added to specifically prohibit motion sensors so we need to review the Report on Proposals and Report on Comments for the 2014 NEC. These documents are available under the achieved materials at the document information page for the 2014 NEC at nfpa.org.
If energy savings is desired a listed load control relay can be used as stated in 700.25.