Preguntas frecuentes sobre Iluminación de Emergencia de acuerdo con NFPA 101

1. ¿Dónde se requiere iluminación de emergencia?

La iluminación de emergencia se requiere en las medios de evacuacion (rutas de egreso) designadas, incluyendo pasillos, corredores, escaleras, rampas y pasajes que conducen a una salida. También se requiere en las salidas mismas, como en una escalera de salida cerrada o un pasillo de salida. La iluminación de emergencia no se requiere típicamente dentro de espacios de trabajo individuales, como cubículos. Además de los medios de evacuación (rutas de egreso), la iluminación de emergencia puede ser requerida en otros lugares por capítulos específicos de NFPA 101, tales como aquellos que cubren edificios de gran altura y estructuras subterráneas.

2. Cuál es el nivel mínimo de iluminación requerido para la iluminación de emergencia?

La iluminación de emergencia debe proporcionar una iluminación inicial de no menos de 1 pie-candela (10.8 lux) en promedio, y no menos de 0.1 pie-candela (1.1 lux) en ningún punto, medido a lo largo de la ruta de egreso a nivel del suelo. Estos niveles de iluminación pueden disminuir a 0.6 pie-candela (6.5 lux) en promedio y 0.06 pie-candela (0.65 lux) en cualquier punto después de 1.5 horas.

y… ¿qué dice ISO 30061, CIE S 020 y EN 1838?

• Para vías de evacuación menores de 2 m de ancho, la iluminancia mínima es de 1 lux en el centro y al menos el 50% de este valor en la mitad de la vía.
• Para alumbrado anti-pánico, la iluminancia mínima es de 0.5 lux en el área central excluyendo un borde de 0.5 m del perímetro.
• En áreas de alto riesgo, se requiere un mínimo del 10% de la iluminancia del trabajo, pero no menor a 15 lux.

3. ¿Cuánto tiempo debe funcionar la iluminación de emergencia durante un fallo de energía?

La iluminación de emergencia debe proporcionar iluminación durante al menos 1.5 horas en caso de un fallo/corte de energía.

4. ¿Qué tipo de sistema de energía de emergencia se requiere para la iluminación de emergencia?

Los sistemas de energía de emergencia para iluminación de emergencia deben ser al menos de Tipo 10, Clase 1.5, Nivel 1, de acuerdo con NFPA 110. Esto significa que el sistema debe ser capaz de entrar en funcionamiento dentro de los 10 segundos despues de una falla/corte de energía, funcionar a plena carga durante al menos 1.5 horas sin reabastecimiento de combustible/carga, y estár clasificado para un rendimiento de Nivel 1, lo que significa que la falla del sistema se considera crítica para la vida humana y la seguridad.

5. ¿Con qué frecuencia se deben probar los sistemas de iluminación de emergencia?

Los sistemas de iluminación de emergencia deben probarse regularmente para garantizar que funcionarán correctamente en caso de una emergencia. Se permiten cuatro opciones de prueba diferentes:

• Prueba funcional mensual y prueba anual: Las pruebas funcionales deben realizarse mensualmente con una duración mínima de 30 segundos. Las pruebas anuales con una duración de 1.5 horas son necesarias para los sistemas alimentados por batería.
• Equipo de autodiagnóstico con inspección visual: Este equipo realiza automáticamente una prueba de 30 segundos y una rutina de diagnóstico cada 30 días. También se requiere una inspección visual cada 30 días y una prueba funcional anual de 1.5 horas.
• Equipo de autodiagnóstico basado en computadora: Similar al equipo de autodiagnóstico, este sistema realiza automáticamente pruebas mensuales de 30 segundos y pruebas anuales de 1.5 horas, registrando los resultados en un sistema informático central para su revisión.
• Pruebas de acuerdo con NFPA 110 y NFPA 111: Esta opción permite que los sistemas de iluminación de emergencia se prueben de acuerdo con los requisitos de NFPA 110, Estándar para Sistemas de Energía de Emergencia y de Reserva, y NFPA 111, Estándar para Sistemas de Energía de Emergencia y de Reserva de Energía Eléctrica Almacenada.

6. ¿Qué tipo de baterías se pueden utilizar en las luminarias de emergencia que funcionan con baterías?

Las luminarias de emergencia que funcionan con baterías deben utilizar únicamente baterías recargables fiables que estén aprobadas para su uso previsto y que cumplan con los requisitos de la norma NFPA 70, Código Eléctrico Nacional Estadounidense. Deben proporcionarse las instalaciones adecuadas para mantener las baterías cargadas correctamente.

Si te interesa revisar a fondo cada detalle del capítulo sobre iluminación de emergencia del NFPA 101, aquí te lo dejamos para que no se te escape nada 👇

7.9  Emergency Lighting.

7.9.1 General.

7.9.1.1

Emergency lighting facilities for means of egress shall be provided in accordance with Section 7.9 for the following:

1. Buildings or structures where required in Chapters 11 through 43
2. Underground and limited-access structures as addressed in Section 11.7
3. High-rise buildings as required by other sections of this Code
4. Doors equipped with delayed-egress locks
5. Stair shafts and vestibules of smokeproof enclosures, for which the following also apply:

1. The stair shaft and vestibule shall be permitted to include a standby generator that is installed for the smokeproof enclosure mechanical ventilation equipment.
2. The standby generator shall be permitted to be used for the stair shaft and vestibule emergency lighting power supply.
3. New sensor-release of electrical locking systems in accordance with 7.2.1.6.2

7.9.1.2

For the purposes of 7.9.1.1, exit access shall include only designated stairs, aisles, corridors, ramps, escalators, and passageways leading to an exit. For the purposes of 7.9.1.1, exit discharge shall include only designated stairs, ramps, aisles, walkways, and escalators leading to a public way.

Enhanced Content

The means of egress (i.e., exit access, exit, and exit discharge) encompasses practically all spaces where persons can be present. The subject addressed by Section 7.9 is emergency lighting of means of egress. It would seem that the title of Section 7.9 indicates that such emergency lighting needs to be provided throughout all portions of the exit access, exit, and exit discharge, but that is not so. Emergency lighting is required throughout the exit (e.g., in an enclosed exit stair or exit passageway). However, 7.9.1.2 clarifies that, for the pur- poses of applying the requirements of Section 7.9, the portions of the exit access and exit discharge requiring emergency lighting are only the “designated” egress paths, such as aisles, corridors, stairs, ramps, and passageways. “Designated” is meant to indicate designation by the AHJ. For example, most authorities having jurisdiction do not designate the space within an individual’s work cubicle as a portion of the exit access required to be provided with emergency lighting, but the aisles serving multiple cubicles are typically designated as requiring emergency lighting.

7.9.1.3

Where maintenance of illumination depends on changing from one energy source to another, a delay of not more than 10 seconds shall be permitted.

Enhanced Content

An on-site generator driven by a prime mover must be automatically started and capable of picking up the emergency lighting load within 10 seconds. If the generator is not able to supply power within that time frame, an auxiliary power source must be provided.

Some turbine-driven emergency generators take longer than 10 seconds to reach operating speed. A backup battery pack, such as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), capable of delivering emergency power for a few minutes might be used in conjunction with any on-site generator that cannot meet the 10-second requirement. As another alternative, unit lighting packs with integral batteries might be used to pro- vide emergency lighting immediately upon loss of normal power, with a switchover to other lighting fixtures supplied by power from the generator at a later point in the incident during which normal power was lost.

7.9.2 Performance of System.

7.9.2.1

Emergency illumination shall be provided for a minimum of 1½ hours in the event of failure of normal lighting.

7.9.2.1.1

Emergency lighting facilities shall be arranged to provide initial illumination that is not less than an average of 1 foot-candle (10.8 lux) and, at any point, not less than 0.1 foot-candle (1.1 lux), measured along the path of egress at floor level.

7.9.2.1.2

Illumination levels shall be permitted to decline to not less than an average of 0.6 foot-candle (6.5 lux) and, at any point, not less than 0.06 foot-candle (0.65 lux) at the end of 1⁠1⁄2 hours.

7.9.2.1.3

The maximum-to-minimum illumination shall not exceed a ratio of 40 to 1.

Enhanced Content

The provisions of 7.9.2.1.1 through 7.9.2.1.3 work together to prevent excessively bright and dark spots.

7.9.2.2

New emergency power systems for emergency lighting shall be at least Type 10, Class 1.5, Level 1, in accordance with NFPA 110.

Enhanced Content

A Type 10 emergency power supply system (EPSS) must restore power within 10 seconds of the failure of the primary power source. A Class 1.5 EPSS must be capable of operating at its rated load without being refueled for a minimum of 1½ hours. Level 1 performance is specified based on the technical committee’s judgment that failure of the EPSS is critical to human life and safety. For an example of where the Code specifies Level 2 performance for an EPSS, which is less critical to human life and safety, see 7.2.3.12 related to powering mechanical ventilation equipment for smokeproof enclosures. See also NFPA 110.

7.9.2.3

The emergency lighting system shall be arranged to provide the required illumination automatically in the event of any interruption of normal lighting due to any of the following:

1. Failure of a public utility or other outside electrical power supply
2. Opening of a circuit breaker or fuse
3. Manual act(s), including accidental opening of a switch controlling normal lighting facilities

7.9.2.4

Emergency generators and related transfer switch equipment that provide power to emergency lighting systems shall be installed, inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with NFPA 110. Stored electrical energy systems, where required in this Code, other than battery systems for emergency luminaires in accordance with 7.9.2.5, shall be installed, inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with NFPA 111.

Enhanced Content

The provision of 7.9.2.4 was revised for the 2018 edition of the Code to clarify that transfer switch equipment associated with the emergency generator must be installed, inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with NFPA 110. The second sentence clarifies that battery systems for emergency luminaires are to comply with 7.9.2.5, which requires listing per UL 924.

7.9.2.5

Unit equipment, battery-equipped emergency luminaires, battery systems for emergency luminaires, and emergency lighting control devices shall be listed to UL 924, Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment.

7.9.2.6

Existing battery-operated emergency lights shall use only reliable types of rechargeable batteries provided with suitable facilities for maintaining them in properly charged condition. Batteries used in such lights or units shall be approved for their intended use and shall comply with NFPA 70.

7.9.2.7

The emergency lighting system shall be either continuously in operation or shall be capable of repeated automatic operation without manual intervention.

7.9.3 Periodic Testing of Emergency Lighting Equipment.

7.9.3.1

Required emergency lighting systems shall be tested in accordance with one of the four options offered by 7.9.3.1.1, 7.9.3.1.2, 7.9.3.1.3, or 7.9.3.1.4.

7.9.3.1.1

Testing of required emergency lighting systems shall be permitted to be conducted as follows:

1. Functional testing shall be conducted monthly, with a minimum of 3 weeks and a maximum of 5 weeks between tests, for not less than 30 seconds, except as otherwise permitted by 7.9.3.1.1(2).
2. The test interval shall be permitted to be extended beyond 30 days with the approval of the authority having jurisdiction.
3. Functional testing shall be conducted annually for a minimum of 1½ hours if the emergency lighting system is battery powered.
4. The emergency lighting equipment shall be fully operational for the duration of the tests required by 7.9.3.1.1(1) and 7.9.3.1.1(3).
5. Written records of visual inspections and tests shall be kept by the owner for inspection by the authority having jurisdiction.

7.9.3.1.2 

Testing of required emergency lighting systems shall be permitted to be conducted as follows:

1. Self-testing/self-diagnostic battery-operated emergency lighting equipment shall be provided.
2. Not less than once every 30 days, self-testing/self-diagnostic battery-operated emergency lighting equipment shall automatically perform a test with a duration of a minimum of 30 seconds and a diagnostic routine.
3. Self-testing/self-diagnostic battery-operated emergency lighting equipment shall indicate failures by a status indicator.
4. A visual inspection shall be performed at intervals not exceeding 30 days.
5. Functional testing shall be conducted annually for a minimum of 1½ hours.
6. Self-testing/self-diagnostic battery-operated emergency lighting equipment shall be fully operational for the duration of the 1½-hour test.
7. Written records of visual inspections and tests shall be kept by the owner for inspection by the authority having jurisdiction.

7.9.3.1.3 

Testing of required emergency lighting systems shall be permitted to be conducted as follows:

1. Computer-based, self-testing/self-diagnostic battery-operated emergency lighting equipment shall be provided.
2. Not less than once every 30 days, emergency lighting equipment shall automatically perform a test with a duration of a minimum of 30 seconds and a diagnostic routine.
3. The emergency lighting equipment shall automatically perform annually a test for a minimum of 1½ hours.
4. The emergency lighting equipment shall be fully operational for the duration of the tests required by 7.9.3.1.3(2) and 7.9.3.1.3(3).
5. The computer-based system shall be capable of providing a report of the history of tests and failures at all times.

7.9.3.1.4 

Testing of required emergency lighting systems shall be permitted to be conducted in accordance with 7.9.2.4.

Enhanced Content

Periodic testing of emergency lighting equipment is needed to help ensure that such equipment will perform as needed upon failure of normal power. The functional test, required by 7.9.3.1.1(1), 7.9.3.1.2(2), and 7.9.3.1.3(2), ensures that the bulbs and other equipment work. Additionally, for battery-powered equipment, the 30-second performance criterion for the functional test demonstrates that batteries have more than a residual charge. The 1½-hour performance criterion required yearly for battery-powered equipment ensures sufficient battery life to provide emergency lighting for the 1½ hours required by 7.9.2.1.
The self-testing/self-diagnostic systems permitted by 7.9.3.1.2 and 7.9.3.1.3 use newer technologies and equipment to automate the testing, thereby reducing the manual labor needed to keep the emergency lighting systems in proper operating condition.
Note that 7.9.3.1.1(1) was revised for and 7.9.3.1.1(2) was new to the 2009 edition of the Code. In prior editions, the functional test, which must be performed manually (contrasted with the functional testing that is conducted automatically by the self-testing/self-diagnostic systems addressed in 7.9.3.1.2 and 7.9.3.1.3), was required to be conducted at 30-day intervals. Where that requirement was followed exactly, testing performed on January 31 would be performed again the following year on January 25 due to the forward creep caused by 31-day months. The former requirement also offered no leniency for scheduling the testing to avoid week- ends when the person responsible for conducting the testing might not normally be present. The current language of 7.9.3.1.1(1) offers flexibility without permitting someone to test, for example, on January 31 and again the next day, February 1, and claim compliance with having tested once in each of those months.
The provision of 7.9.3.1.1(2) offers further flexibility by allowing the AHJ to extend the testing frequency. The text of A.7.9.3.1.1(2) provides guidance on the nature of the technical justification needed to qualify for such an extension.
The provision of 7.9.3.1.4 was new to the 2018 edition of the Code. It recognizes a fourth option for testing of emergency lighting equipment. The fourth means is via the procedures of 7.9.2.4, which reference the requirements of NFPA 110 and NFPA 111, Standard on Stored Electrical Energy Emergency and Standby Power Systems.

Pareciera que si no es «Made in USA», ¿No alumbra lo suficiente?

Fuentes:
– NFPA 101:2024, Código de Seguridad Humana