No, NEC 700.8 does not apply to all emergency systems regardless of voltage or amperage.NEC 700.8 specifically applies to emergency systems as defined in Article 700. It's crucial to understand that "emergency systems" in the NEC have a specific meaning related to life safety.Here's a breakdown of why it's important to distinguish between different types of systems: Emergency Systems (Article 700)

These are for

life safety and are required by code or authority having jurisdiction to automatically supply power to systems essential for safety to human life, such as exit lighting, fire alarm systems, and elevators during power outages. NEC 700.8 applies to these systems. Legally Required Standby Systems (Article 701)

These are systems required by local, state, or federal laws or regulations to provide power during an interruption of the normal power supply. Examples include sewage disposal, some industrial processes, and some communication systems. While important, they are not strictly life safety in the same immediate way as Article 700 systems.

NEC 700.8 does not explicitly apply to these systems. Optional Standby Systems (Article 702)

These are systems that provide power to non-essential loads during a power outage. Examples include residential systems, business systems to continue operations, and industrial processes where shutdown would be costly. These are not related to life safety or legally required, and are the most permissive.

NEC 700.8 does not* explicitly apply to these systems.Therefore, NEC 700.8 is specific to Emergency Systems (Article 700) that provide power to systems critical to life safety. It doesn't automatically apply to legally required or optional standby systems.In summary, while good practice dictates separating the wiring of all standby systems from general wiring, 700.8 is only required for Article 700 Emergency Systems. Flag for review