Chapter 7 <br />Other Systems <br />FIREFIGHTER EMERGENCY <br />POWER SYSTEMS <br />Firefighters regularly use electric power for lights, <br />ventilation fans, or other tools. In large or tall build- <br />ings they must run extensive lengths of electric <br />cable to feed equipment in remote areas of the <br />building. A fixed, emergency power system built <br />into the building can substitute for these long cable <br />runs, and save time and effort. This is analogous to <br />standpipe systems substituting for long hose lays. <br />In fact, one approach is to require an emergency <br />power system whenever standpipes are required. <br />Emergency power systems include one or more <br />dedicated electric circuits feeding a series of electri- <br />cal receptacles (Figure 7.1). They are wired on an <br />emergency circuit in the building and connected to <br />any backup power sources in the building. In this <br />manner, the outlets are continuously available for <br />fire department use, even after the main power is <br />shut down. <br />The designer should find out first if a jurisdiction <br />requires a firefighter emergency power system and <br />what specific criteria must be met. The plug type <br />the fire department uses for its electrical equipment <br />(Figure 7.2) determines the receptacle type. The <br />(Fig. 7.2) A weather-resistant receptacle cover opened, <br />showing the twist-lock receptacle. <br />wiring methods and over-current protection must <br />meet 29 CFR Subpart S and any other local or state <br />codes. <br />Receptacles may be located on every level <br />inside each enclosed stairway. Some jurisdictions <br />may require, or prefer, them to be located outside <br />the stairwell. Additional receptacles may be placed <br />to accommodate a maximum length of cable. Or, <br />simply locating one receptacle next to each stand- <br />pipe fire hose connection (Figure 7.1) may provide <br />good distribution. <br />Mark receptacles so that firefighters can spot <br />them easily. For example, the designer could speci- <br />fy that each be painted red and labeled "For Fire <br />Department Use Only. " <br />Considerations - Firefighter Emergency Power <br />Systems <br />■ Specify installation when required or <br />desired. <br />■ Specify the appropriate circuitry and recep- <br />tacle type. <br />■ Specify connection to any standby power <br />sources in the building. <br />■ Provide receptacles in convenient, accessi- <br />ble locations. <br />■ Mark receptacles appropriately. <br />• <br />i <br />I <br />I <br />i <br />:FIRE :SERVICE FE.ATU'RES OF BVILDINGS, AND FIRE P.R`OTECTION •SYSTUIVIS 59 <br />175 <br />(Fig. 7.1) Firefighter emergency power receptacle next <br />to a standpipe fire hose connection inside of a stair <br />enclosure. <br />