NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC)Section 700.12: Emergency SystemsWhen Emergency Electrical Rooms Are Required

In occupancies where the disruption of the electrical system could jeopardize the health and safety of the occupants, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and certain types of schools (e.g., kindergarten through grade 12 with an enrollment of 250 or more students) In occupancies that require the continued operation of critical equipment during an emergency, such as fire pump rooms and elevator machine rooms

Where Emergency Electrical Rooms Are Required

Must be located within the building or on the premises, but not in a basement Must be accessible to authorized personnel and protected from damage

Allowance of Foreign Systems in Emergency Electrical Rooms



Section 700.12(B) states that emergency electrical systems must be listed and labeled as suitable for their intended use and installed in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Specific Application to a 5-Story School Building with an Emergency Generator

Based on the NEC requirements: An emergency electrical room is required for the school building. The emergency electrical room should be located outside of the basement and provide easy access for authorized personnel. The emergency electrical system, including the generator, must be listed and labeled for the specific application and installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Additional Considerations: The local building code may have additional requirements.* It is recommended to consult with qualified electrical engineers and the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) for specific guidance. Flag for review