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Chicago Electric Code for Generators Published

City of Chicago revised building codes have been issued with Article 700 describing required emergency systems which must be put into new and existing structures by January 1st, 2003.

Included in the code is table 18-27-700.5 which describes Emergency System Type Required ? By Use. The table lists structure types by use, occupancy class, application provisions, and the type of system required. A synopsis of the code taken from sections 18-27-700.30 is as follows:

· All existing and newly constructed buildings having dwelling units, more than 80 feet above grade shall provide an approved, on-site auxiliary source of current supply for the egress lighting and exit signs.

· In high-rise buildings and other building required to comply with high rise regulations under 300 ft in height, the auxiliary source of current supply shall be from a completely independent utility company primary or from an on-site generator conforming with Article 701

· In high rise buildings over 300 ft. the auxiliary source shall be from an on-site diesel generator in conformance with Article 701 Part B

· New and existing high-rise buildings that contain dwelling units, shall have an on-site source of supply, independent from the utility source, for emergency egress illumination and exit signs. The on-site source of supply shall be a generator in conformance with Sections 18-27-700.33(h) or an inverter system in conformance with Section 18-27-700.33(i)

· All generators shall conform to the following:

o High rise buildings under 300 ft. shall be permitted to have natural gas or diesel fuel as supply and shall comply with Section 18-27-701.16

o High rise buildings 300 ft or over shall be required to have diesel fuel as the supply and shall comply with Section 18-27-701.16

To learn more about the new building code and how it may affect your building operations, check with one of the CEAC's recommended vendors found on our products and suppliers links page under "auxilary generating and power systems".

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