In this Issue!
• UL 924 vs. UL1008,
knowing the
difference.
• Solutions for Power
and Data Transfer
from Electronic
Theatre Controls
• LVS‘ Line of Transfer
Switches and Inverters
• ETC’s Automated Load
Control Relay
Welcome to the New Digest!
Due to popular demand we have condensed our (mostly) weekly “In Control”
newsletter into a monthly (we hope) digest. This month we are focusing on
emergency transfer systems and solutions we can provide.
In the past emergency transfer was pretty straightforward. But with
sophisticated lighting and building controls along with LED fixtures that require
data signals, the process has become a little more complicated.
JTH is in a unique position to help. In addition to a great collection of
manufacturers, we have a dedicated controls team with solutions for any design.
JTH Lighting Alliance
6885 146th Street West
Apple Valley, MN 55124
888-746-4584
controls@jthlighting.com
www.jthlighting.com
UL 924 vs. UL 1008
Emergency systems are designed to maintain a specific degree of illumination or provide power for essential equipment
for ensuring the safety of human life if the normal power supply fails. Emergency is covered by Article 700 of the
National Electrical Code® (NEC®)
UL 1008 covers the requirements for automatic, non-automatic (manual), and by-pass/isolation transfer switches
intended to provide lighting and power for use in Emergency systems.
UL 924 covers the requirements for emergency lighting and power equipment intended to automatically supply
illumination or power or both to critical areas and equipment in the event of failure of the normal supply.
UL has publicly asserted the following regarding UL 924 Load Control Relays (LCR):
“An important issue to recognize is that an LCR does not switch the load between the normal and emergency supplies.
Load switching of this type should only be performed by a transfer switch listed in accordance with UL 1008, Standard
for Safety for Transfer Switch Equipment. An LCR has only one power input source and that is connected to the
emergency power supply”
A number of UL 924 Automatic Load Control Relay data sheets and installation instructions suggest the relays could be
used for load transfer rather than bypass. Some of these devices are also Listed as transfer switches under UL 1008, but
for use in Optional Standby Systems, NOT Emergency.
ETC – ELTS2
An Emergency Lighting Transfer System is designed to switch one or more
lighting loads from one power source to another during a power failure or
other emergency situation. ETC’s rugged ELTS2 construction and fail-safe
circuitry are UL 1008-approved for any North American emergency lighting
application where life safety is an issue.
Flexible power requirements and circuit counts let you design the system you
want. The ELTS2 allows selected houselights that are normally fed by a
dimmer, to provide Code-compliant, full-on emergency illumination during
loss of utility power, fire alarm activation, or manual activation. Unlike
systems that simply bypass the dimmer ELTS2 actually transfers the load
(both hot and neutral conductors) from the dimmer output to a separate
emergency power source. A local control panel that includes a test keyswitch
and LED indicators clearly displays system status.
ELTS2 works with new or existing fire-alarm or auxiliary-activation systems.
Remote keyswitch stations also give you secure control where you need it.
ETC’s Automated Load Control Relay
The ALCR is a UL924 emergency lighting device that allows a single
light, or zone of emergency lights, that are typically always on, to be
controlled under everyday non-emergency circumstances, while
forcing emergency lights on when normal power is lost or a fire alarm
is activated. For increased safety and visibility, after a state of
emergency is over and normal lighting is recovered, an optional delay
(between 0-15 minutes) can be programmed to hold the emergency
lighting state prior to returning to normal control as people exit or
enter through normally dark areas.
Product Features: Forces emergency lighting on during loss of normal
power. Monitors fire alarm or other external triggers to force
emergency lighting on. Under normal conditions, the ALCR enables
emergency lighting to track the state of normal lighting . Emergency
lights can be forced to stay on for up to 15 minutes after emergency
state is cleared. DIN rail version also supports 0-10V dimmed fixtures
to be used in emergency lighting by forcing the control line to “full
on”. UL Listed
UL 924 Inverters & Emergency Power Controls by LVS
In the past all emergency lights had to be on 24 hours a day to meet safety
codes. However, now you can specify and install a UL 924 listed emergency
power control device that can convert and control up to 20 regular light
fixtures to approved emergency lights, which can then be turned on and off
in the same manner as your regular lights.
• The Model EPC-A-1 20 Amp rated emergency power control, can be
mounted inside any junction box, no monthly test required.
• The Model EPC-1 can be mounted flush or above the suspended ceiling in
a single-gang plaster ring, typically located in the room or area where the
emergency fixtures are.
• The Model EPC-1-D can be mounted flush or above the suspended ceiling
in a single-gang plaster ring and features include 0-10V, DALI, and
EcoSystem Dimming Override
• Model EPC-D-F is a universally compatible transfer control. Automatically
switches designated emergency fixtures from a dimming control to
emergency power during a utility power interruption, and brings them to
full brightness. Used for 2, 3 & 4 wire dimmable loads, including 0-10V
and Lutron EcoSystem. Used with incandescent, fluorescent, and LED
loads.
CEPS 240W, 350W, and 850W Emergency Lighting Inverters
Further Reading and Resources
Last Tidbit
ANSI/NFPA 70 – the
National Electrical Code®
NEC® Handbook
(2011 Edition)
https://www.nfpa.org
United Laboratories (UL)
http://www.ul.com
UL Online Certifications Directory
http://database.ul.com/cgi-bin/XYV/template/LISEXT/1FRAME/index.html
ETC Article on Emergency Lighting Circuits -
http://www.etcconnect.com/img/whitepapers/Understanding-EmergencyLighting-2010-update.pdf
Electronic Theatre Controls
http://www.etcconnect.com
LVS Controls
http://www.lvscontrols.com
Article 700 does not dictate
whether emergency systems
are required or where
emergency or exit lights should
be located. These
determinations may rely on
NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®.
Jerry Kraft, ETCP TR/EE, USITT
Rigging & Project Specialist
jerryk@jthlighting.com
Todd Reemtsma, IES, LC, USITT
Controls Group Sales
toddr@jthlighting.com
Joe Setten
Controls Inside Sales
joes@jthlighting.com
Article 700 applies to the
installation of emergency
systems that are essential for
safety to human life and are
legally required by municipal,
state, federal, or other codes or
by a governmental agency
having jurisdiction.
JTH Controls Group
controls@jthlighting.com
Debbie Rosko
Controls Project Manager
debbier@jthlighting.com
JTH Lighting Alliance
6885 146th Street West
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952-223-6300 – Main
952-432-5752 – Fax
888-746-4584 –Toll Free
www.JTHLighting.com