Mike Holts Illustrated Guide to

NEC Requirements for Generators

and Standby Power Systems

Rule 220.87, Articles 445, 700, 701, and 702

Based on the 2011 NEC

Extracted from Mike Holts Illustrated Guides to

Understanding the NEC Volumes 1 and 2

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COPYRIGHT 2012 Charles Michael Holt

1.11.13

I dedicate this book to the

Lord Jesus Christ,
my mentor and teacher.
Proverbs 16:3

Introduction
This small booklet contains a small sample of the 2011 NEC rules related to generators. As a continued service to the
industry, we are making this available at no charge. If you have any suggestions on how it can be improved, please
let me know by emailing me at Mike@MikeHolt.com.
God bless,

Mike Holt

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ARTICLE

220

Branch-Circuit, Feeder,
and Service Calculations

Introduction to Article 220Branch-Circuit, Feeder, and Service Calculations

This five-part article focuses on the requirements for calculating the minimum size of branch circuit, feeder, and service conductors.
Part I describes the layout of Article 220 and provides a table of where other types of load calculations can be found in the NEC. Part II
provides requirements for branch-circuit calculations and for specific types of branch circuits. Part III covers the requirements for feeder
and service calculations, using whats commonly called the standard method of calculation. Part IV provides optional calculations that
can be used in place of the standard calculations provided in Parts II and IIIif your installation meets certain requirements. Farm Load
Calculations are discussed in Part V of the article.
In many cases, either the standard method (Part III) or the optional method (Part IV) can be used; however, these two methods dont yield
identical results. In fact, sometimes these two answers may be diverse enough to call for different service sizes. Theres nothing to say that
either answer is right or wrong. If taking an exam, read the instructions carefully to be sure which method the test wants you to use. As you
work through Article 220, be sure to study the illustrations to help you fully understand it. Also be sure to review the examples in Annex D of
the NEC to provide more practice with these calculations.

220.87 Determining Existing Loads. The calculation of a

feeder or service load for existing installations can be based on:
(1) The maximum demand data for one year.
Ex: If the maximum demand data for one year isnt available, the maximum power demand over a 15-minute period continuously recorded
over a minimum 30-day period using a recording ammeter or power
meter connected to the highest loaded phase, based on the initial
loading at the start of the recording is permitted. The recording must
be taken when the building or space is occupied based on the larger
of the heating or cooling equipment load.

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ARTICLE

445

Generators

Introduction to Article 445Generators

This article contains the electrical installation, and other requirements, for generators. These requirements include such things as where
generators can be installed, nameplate markings, conductor ampacity, and disconnecting means.
Generators are basically motors that operate in reversethey produce electricity when rotated, instead of rotating when supplied with electricity. Article 430, which covers motors, is the longest article in the NEC. Article 445, which covers generators, is one of the shortest. At first,
this might not seem to make sense. But you dont need to size and protect conductors to a generator. You do need to size and protect them
to a motor.
Generators need overload protection, and its necessary to size the conductors that come from the generator. But these considerations are
much more straightforward than the equivalent considerations for motors. Before you study Article 445, take a moment to read the definition
of Separately Derived System in Article 100.

445.1 Scope. Article 445 contains the installation and other

445.13 Ampacity of Conductors. The ampacity of the con-

requirements for generators.

ductors from the generator to distribution devices containing overcurrent protection must not be less than 115 percent of the nameplate
current rating of the generator. Figure 4451

Authors Comment: Generators, associated wiring, and

equipment must be installed in accordance with the following
requirements depending on their use:
Article 695, Fire Pumps
Article 700, Emergency Systems
Article 701, Legally Required Standby Systems
Article 702, Optional Standby Systems

445.11 Marking. Each generator must be provided with a nameplate indicating the manufacturers name, rated frequency, power
factor, number of phases, rating in kilowatts or kilovolt amperes, volts
and amperes corresponding to the rating, RPM, insulation class and
rated ambient temperature or rated temperature rise, and time rating.

445.12 Overcurrent Protection.

(A) Generators. Generators must be protected from overload by
inherent design, circuit breakers, fuses, or other identified overcurrent
protective means.

Figure 4451

Generators that arent a separately derived system must have the

neutral conductor sized to: Figure 4452

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NEC Requirements for Generators and Standby Power Systems

Figure 4454

Figure 4452
Carry the maximum unbalanced current as determined by
220.61.
Serve as the low-impedance fault current path.

Separately derived system generators must have the neutral conductor sized not less than required to carry the maximum unbalanced
current as determined by 220.61.

Authors Comment: If the feeder conductors from the generator terminate in a transfer switch that doesnt open the neutral
conductor, the generator isnt considered a separately derived
system [250.30 Note 1]. Figure 4453. A neutral-to-case bond
isnt permitted at the generator. Under this condition, the neutral
conductor from the normal power to the transfer switch, and the
neutral conductor from the generator to the transfer switch, are
required to provide the low-impedance fault current path back to
the power source. Figure 4454

Authors Comment: If the feeder conductors from the generator terminate in a transfer switch that opens the neutral
conductor, the generator is considered a separately derived
system [Article100]. Figure 4455. A neutral-to-case connection (system bonding jumper) is required at the generator
[250.30(A)(1)] to provide a low-impedance fault current path
back to the power source. Figure 4456

Figure 4455
Figure 4453

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NEC Requirements for Generators and Standby Power Systems

Figure 4457

Figure 4456

445.18 Disconnecting Means. Generators must have one or

(1) The driving means for the generator can be readily shut down,
and

Caution: If one generator is used to supply emergency, legally required, as well as optional standby
power, then there must be at least two transfer
switches; one for emergency power and another for legally
required as well as optional stand-by power [700.6(D)].

(2) The generator isnt arranged to operate in parallel with another

generator or other source of voltage.

445.19 Generators Supplying Multiple Loads. A single

more disconnecting means that disconnects all power, except where:

Figure 4457

generator is permitted to supply more than one load.

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ARTICLE

700

Emergency Systems

Introduction to Article 700Emergency Systems

Emergency systems are legally required, often as a condition of an operating permit for a given facility. The authority having jurisdiction
makes the determination as to whether such a system is necessary for a given facility and what it must entail. Sometimes, it simply
provides power for exit lighting and exit signs upon loss of main power or in the case of fire. Its purpose isnt to provide power for normal
business operations, but rather to provide lighting and controls essential for human life safety.
The general goal is to keep the emergency operation as reliable as possible. The emergency system must be able to supply all emergency
loads simultaneously. When the emergency supply also supplies power for other nonemergency loads, the emergency loads take priority
over the other loads, and those other loads must be subject to automatic load pickup and load shedding to support the emergency loads if
the emergency system doesnt have adequate capacity and rating for all loads simultaneously.
As you study Article 700, keep in mind that emergency systems are essentially lifelines for people. The entire article is based on keeping
those lifelines from breaking.

Part I. General
700.1 Scope. Article 700 applies to the installation, operation,
and maintenance of emergency systems. These consist of circuits and
equipment intended to supply illumination or power within 10 seconds [700.12] when the normal electrical supply is interrupted. Figure
7001
Note 3: Emergency systems are generally installed where artificial illumination is required for safe exiting and for panic control in
buildings subject to occupancy by large numbers of persons, such
as hotels, theaters, sports arenas, health care facilities, and similar institutions.

Emergency systems may also provide power to maintain life, fire

detection and alarm systems, elevators, fire pumps, public safety
communications systems, industrial processes where current interruption would produce serious life safety or health hazards, and similar functions.
Note 4: For specific locations where emergency lighting is required,
see NFPA 101, Life Safety Code.

Figure 7001

700.2 Definitions.
Emergency Systems. Emergency systems are those systems legally
required and classed as emergency by a governmental agency having
jurisdiction. These systems are intended to automatically supply illumination and/or power essential for safety to human life. Figure
7002

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NEC Requirements for Generators and Standby Power Systems

700.4 Capacity.
(A) Capacity and Rating. An emergency system must have adequate capacity to carry all emergency loads expected to operate
simultaneously.
(B) Load Shedding. If an alternate power supply has adequate
capacity, its permitted to supply emergency loads [Article 700],
legally required standby loads [Article 701], and optional standby
system loads [Article 702]. If the alternate power supply doesnt have
adequate capacity to carry the entire load, it must have automatic
selective load pickup and load shedding to ensure adequate power in
the following order of priority:
(1) The emergency circuits,
(2) The legally required standby circuits, and

Figure 7002

(3) The optional standby circuits.

Relay, Automatic Load Control. A device used to energize switched
or normally off lighting equipment from an emergency supply in the
event of loss of the normal supply and to de-energize or return the
equipment to normal status when the normal supply is restored.

700.3 Tests and Maintenance. Emergency system testing

consists of acceptance testing and operational testing.
(A) Conduct or Witness Test. To ensure that the emergency system
meets or exceeds the original installation specifications, the authority
having jurisdiction must conduct or witness an acceptance test of the
emergency power system upon completion.

A temporary alternate source of power must be available whenever

the emergency generator is out of service for more than a few hours
for maintenance or repair.

700.5 Transfer Equipment.

(A) General. Transfer equipment must be automatic, identified for
emergency use, and approved by the authority having jurisdiction.
(C) Automatic Transfer Switches. Automatic transfer switches must
be electrically operated, mechanically held, and listed for emergency
power system use. Figure 7003

(B) Periodic Testing. Emergency systems must be periodically tested

to ensure that adequate maintenance has been performed and that
the systems are in proper operating condition.
Authors Comment: Running the emergency system under
load is often considered an acceptable method of operational
testing.
(C) Battery Systems Maintenance. If batteries are used, the authority having jurisdiction is to require periodic maintenance.
(D) Written Record. A written record must be kept of all required
tests [700.4(A) and (B)] and maintenance [700.4(C)].
Authors Comment: The NEC doesnt specify the required
record retention period.
Figure 7003

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NEC Requirements for Generators and Standby Power Systems

(D) Use. Transfer equipment must supply only emergency loads.
Figure 7004

Part II. Circuit Wiring

700.10 Wiring.
(A) Identification. Boxes and enclosures, including transfer switches,
generators, and power panels for emergency circuits must be permanently marked as components of an emergency power system. Figure
7006

Figure 7004
Authors Comment: Multiple transfer switches are required
where a single generator is used to supply both emergency
loads and other loads.

700.7 Signs.
(A) Emergency Sources. A sign must be placed at the serviceentrance equipment indicating the type and location of on-site emergency power sources. Figure 7005

Figure 7006

(B) Wiring. To ensure that a fault on the normal wiring circuits wont
affect the performance of emergency wiring or equipment, all wiring
to emergency loads must be kept entirely independent of all other
wiring, except:
(1) Wiring in transfer equipment. Figure 7007
(2) Luminaires supplied from two sources of power.
(3) A junction box attached to luminaires supplied from two sources
of power.
(4) Wiring within a common junction box attached to unit equipment,
containing only the branch circuit supplying the unit equipment
and the emergency circuit supplied by the unit equipment.
(5) Wiring from an emergency source is permitted to supply any
combination of emergency, legally required, or optional standby
loads in accordance with (a), (b), and (c).
a. From separate vertical switchboard sections or from individual
disconnects mounted in separate enclosures.

Figure 7005

b. By single or multiple feeders without overcurrent protection at

the source.

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NEC Requirements for Generators and Standby Power Systems

(B) Generator Set.
(1) Prime Mover-Driven. A generator approved by the authority
having jurisdiction and sized in accordance with 700.5 must have
means to automatically start the prime mover when the normal service fails.
(2) Internal Combustion Engines as Prime Movers. If internal combustion engines are used as the prime mover, an on-site fuel supply
must be provided for not less than 2 hours of full-demand operation
of the system. Figure 7008

Figure 7007
Ex to (5)(b): Overcurrent protection is permitted at the source or for
the equipment, provided the overcurrent protection is selectively
coordinated with the downstream overcurrent protection.
c. Legally required and optional standby circuits dont originate
from the same vertical switchboard section, panelboard enclosure, or individual disconnect enclosure as emergency circuits.
Authors Comment: Separation of the circuits served by a
generator source for emergency, legally required, and optional
standby circuits may be accomplished by running feeders
from a single generator to individual overcurrent devices or to
a distribution switchboard that separates emergency circuits in
different vertical sections from other loads.
(C) Wiring Design and Location. Emergency wiring circuits must be
designed and located to minimize the hazards that might cause failure
due to flooding, fire, icing, vandalism, and other adverse conditions.

Part III. Sources of Power

700.12 General Requirements. In the event of failure of the
normal supply to the building/structure, emergency power must be
available within 10 seconds. Emergency equipment must be designed
and located so as to minimize the hazards that might cause complete
failure due to flooding, fires, icing, and vandalism. The emergency
power supply must be one of the following:
(A) Storage Battery. Storage batteries must be of suitable rating
and capacity to supply and maintain the total load for a period of 1
hours, without the voltage applied to the load falling below 87 percent of normal.

Figure 7008

(6) Outdoor Generator Sets. If a generator located outdoors is

equipped with a readily accessible disconnecting means located
within sight of the building/structure, an additional disconnecting
means isnt required on or at the building/structure for the generator feeder conductors that serve or pass through the building/structure. Figure 7009
Authors Comment: According to Article 100, within sight
means that its visible and not more than 50 ft from one to the
other.
Ex: Where conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only
qualified persons will monitor and service the installation and where
documented safe switching procedures are established and maintained for disconnection, the generator disconnecting means isnt
required to be located within sight of the building or structure served.

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NEC Requirements for Generators and Standby Power Systems

(4) A relaying device arranged to energize the lamps automatically
upon failure of the supply to the unit equipment. Emergency lighting battery pack equipment must be permanently fixed in place.
Flexible cord-and-plug connection (a locking receptacle isnt
required) is permitted for emergency lighting battery pack equipment designed for this purpose, provided the cord doesnt exceed
3 ft.
The branch-circuit wiring that supplies emergency lighting battery
pack equipment must be the same branch-circuit wiring that supplies
the normal lighting in the area, but the emergency lighting battery
pack equipment must be connected ahead of any local switches.
The branch circuit that feeds the emergency lighting battery pack
equipment must be clearly identified at the distribution panel in
accordance with 110.22(A) and 408.4. Figure 70011

Figure 7009
(C) Uninterruptible Power Supplies. Uninterruptible power supplies
serving as the emergency power source must comply with the applicable requirements of 700.12(A) and (B).
(F) Unit Equipment. Individual unit equipment (an emergency lighting
battery pack) must consist of the following: Figure 70010

Figure 70011
Authors Comment: There are two reasons why the emergency
lighting battery packs must be connected ahead of the switch
controlling the normal area lighting: (1) in the event of a power
loss to the lighting circuit, the emergency battery lighting packs
will activate and provide emergency lighting for people to exit
the building, and (2) the emergency lighting battery packs wont
turn on when the switch controlling normal lighting is turned off.

Figure 70010

(1) A rechargeable battery,

(2) A battery charging means,
(3) Provisions for one or more lamps mounted on the equipment, or
terminals for remote lamps (or both), and

Caution: Individual unit equipment must not be

connected to the emergency circuit, because it wont
operate when normal power is lost, since the equipment is being supplied by the emergency power system

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NEC Requirements for Generators and Standby Power Systems

Ex 2: Power for remote heads providing the exterior lighting of an exit
door can be supplied by the unit equipment serving the area immediately inside the exit door.

Part VI. Overcurrent Protection

700.25 Accessibility. The branch-circuit overcurrent devices
for emergency circuits must be accessible to authorized persons only.

700.26 Ground-Fault Protection of Equipment. The

Part IV. Circuits for Lighting and Power

700.15 Loads on Emergency Branch Circuits. Emer
gency circuits must supply only emergency loads.

700.16 Emergency Illumination. Emergency lighting systems must be designed and installed so that the failure of any individual lighting element, such as the burning out of a lamp, wont leave in
total darkness any space that requires emergency illumination.
Authors Comment: This means that a single remote head is
never sufficient for an area. A minimum of two lighting heads is
always required. This is why individual unit equipment (sometimes called lunchboxes in the field) always has two lighting
heads.

alternate power supply for emergency systems isnt required to have

ground-fault protection of equipment, but 700.7(D) requires groundfault indication of the emergency power supply.

700.27 Coordination. Overcurrent devices for emergency systems must be selectively coordinated with all supply-side overcurrent
devices.
Authors Comment: Selective coordination means the overcurrent protection scheme confines the interruption to a particular
area rather than to the whole system. For example, if a short circuit or ground fault occurs with selective coordination, the only
breaker/fuse that will open is the one protecting just that branch
circuit. Without selective coordination, an entire floor of a building can go dark. See Article 100 for the definition of the term
Coordination, Selective.

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ARTICLE

701

Legally Required
Standby Systems

Introduction to Article 701Legally Required Standby Systems

In the hierarchy of electrical systems, Article 700 Emergency Systems receives first priority. Taking the number two spot are Legally Required
Standby Systems, which fall under Article 701. Legally required standby systems must supply standby power in 60 seconds or less after a
power loss, instead of the 10 seconds or less required for emergency systems.
Article 700 basically applies to systems or equipment required to protect people who are in an emergency and trying to get out, while Article
701 basically applies to systems or equipment needed to aid the people responding to the emergency. For example, Article 700 lighting provides an exit path. But, Article 701 lighting might illuminate the fire hydrants and switchgear areas.

Part I. General
701.1 Scope. The provisions of Article 701 apply to the installation, operation, and maintenance of legally required standby systems
consisting of circuits and equipment intended to supply illumination
or power when the normal electrical supply or system is interrupted.
Authors Comment: Legally required standby systems provide
electric power to aid in firefighting, rescue operations, control of
health hazards, and similar operations.

(A) Conduct or Witness Test. To ensure that the legally required

standby system meets or exceeds the original installation specification, the authority having jurisdiction must conduct or witness an
acceptance test of the legally required system upon completion of the
installation.
(B) Periodic Testing. Legally required standby systems must be periodically tested to ensure that adequate maintenance has been performed and that the systems are in proper operating condition.
Authors Comment: Running the legally required standby
system to power the loads of the facility is often considered an
acceptable method of operational testing.

701.2 Definitions.
Legally Required Standby Systems. Legally required standby systems are those systems classified as legally required by any governmental agency having jurisdiction. These systems are intended
to automatically supply power to selected loads (other than those
classed as emergency loads) in the event of failure of the normal
power source.
Note: Legally required standby systems typically supply loads such
as heating and refrigeration systems, communications systems,
ventilation and smoke removal systems, sewage disposal, lighting
systems, and industrial processes that, when stopped, could create
hazards, or hamper rescue or firefighting operations.

701.3 Tests and Maintenance. Legally required standby

system testing consists of acceptance testing and operational testing. Written records of both types of testing and maintenance must be
maintained.

(C) Battery Systems Maintenance. If batteries are used, the authority having jurisdiction must require periodic maintenance.
(D) Written Record. A written record must be kept of all required
tests and maintenance.
Authors Comment: The NEC doesnt specify the required
record retention period.

701.4 Capacity and Rating. A legally required standby

system must have adequate capacity to carry all loads expected to
operate simultaneously. The legally required standby alternate power
supply is permitted to supply legally required standby and optional
standby system loads if:

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NEC Requirements for Generators and Standby Power Systems

(1) The alternate power supply has adequate capacity to handle all
connected loads
(2) Theres automatic selective load pickup and load shedding to
ensure adequate power to the legally required standby circuits

701.5 Transfer Equipment.

(A) General. Transfer equipment must be listed for emergency use.
Authors Comment: Legally required standby systems and
optional standby systems can be on the same transfer switch,
but emergency systems must have their own [700.6(D)].
(C) Automatic Transfer Switch. Automatic transfer switches must
be electrically operated, mechanically held, and listed for emergency
use. Figure 7011

Figure 7012

Part III. Sources of Power

701.12 General Requirements. If the normal supply fails,
legally required standby power must be available within 60 seconds.
The supply system for the legally required standby power supply must
be one of the following:
(A) Storage Battery. Storage batteries must be of suitable rating
and capacity to supply and maintain the total load for a period of 1
hours, without the voltage applied to the load falling below 87 percent of normal.
(B) Generator Set.
(1) Prime Mover-Driven. A generator approved by the authority
having jurisdiction and sized in accordance with 701.6 must have the
means to automatically start the prime mover on failure of the normal
service.

Figure 7011

701.7 Signs.
(A) Mandated Standby. A sign must be placed at the serviceentrance equipment indicating type and location of on-site legally
required standby power sources. Figure 7012

Part II. Circuit Wiring

701.10 Wiring. Legally required standby system wiring is permit-

(2) Internal Combustion Engines as Prime Movers. If internal combustion engines are used as the prime mover, an on-site fuel supply
must be provided for not less than 2 hours of full-demand operation
of the system. Figure 7013
(5) Outdoor Generator Sets. If a generator located outdoors is
equipped with a readily accessible disconnecting means located
within sight of the building/structure, an additional disconnecting
means isnt required on or at the building/structure for the generator feeder conductors that serve or pass through the building/structure. Figure 7014

ted to occupy the same raceways, cables, boxes, and cabinets with
other general wiring.

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NEC Requirements for Generators and Standby Power Systems

Figure 7013

Figure 7015
To minimize the possibility of simultaneous interruption of the legally
required standby supply, a separate service drop or lateral must be
electrically and physically separated from all other service conductors.
(E) Connection Ahead of Service Disconnecting Means. If
approved by the authority having jurisdiction, connection ahead of, but
not within, the same cabinet, enclosure, or vertical switchboard section as the service disconnecting means is permitted. Figure 7016

Figure 7014
Authors Comment: According to Article 100, within sight
means that its visible and not more than 50 ft from one to the
other.
(C) Uninterruptible Power Supplies. Uninterruptible power supplies
serving as the legally required standby power source must comply
with 701.12(A) and (B).
(D) Separate Service. If approved by the authority having jurisdiction,
an additional service installed in accordance with Article 230 is permitted to serve as a legally required source of power. Figure 7015

Figure 7016

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NEC Requirements for Generators and Standby Power Systems

To prevent simultaneous interruption of supply, the legally required
standby service disconnecting means must be sufficiently separated
from the normal service disconnection means.
Note: See 230.82 for equipment permitted on the supply side of a
service disconnecting means.

701.26 Ground-Fault Protection of Equipment. The

alternate source for legally required standby systems isnt required to
have ground-fault protection of equipment. It must have ground-fault
indication.

701.27 Coordination. Overcurrent devices for legally required

standby systems must be selectively coordinated with all supply-side
overcurrent devices.

Part IV. Overcurrent Protection

701.25 Accessibility. The branch-circuit overcurrent devices

Authors Comment: See the definition of Coordination,

Selective in Article 100.

for legally required standby circuits must be accessible to authorized

persons only.

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ARTICLE

702

Optional Standby Systems

Introduction to Article 702Optional Standby Systems

Taking third priority after Emergency and Legally Required Systems, Optional Standby Systems protect public or private facilities or property
where life safety doesnt depend on the performance of the system. These systems arent required for rescue operations.
Suppose a glass plant loses power. Once glass hardens in the equipmentwhich it will do when process heat is lostthe plant is going to
suffer a great deal of downtime and expense before it can resume operations. An optional standby system can prevent this loss.
Youll see these systems in facilities where loss of power can cause economic loss or business interruptions. Data centers can lose millions
of dollars from a single minute of lost power. A chemical or pharmaceutical plant can lose an entire batch from a single momentary power
glitch. In many cases, the lost revenue cant be recouped.
This article also applies to the installation of optional standby generators in homes, farmsteads, small businesses and many other applications where standby power isnt legally required.

Part I. General
702.1 Scope. The systems covered by Article 702 consist of those
permanently installed, including prime movers, and those arranged
for a connection to a premises wiring system from a portable alternate power supply. Figure 7021

Authors Comment: A portable generator that provides temporary power, like those used on construction sites, doesnt fall
within the scope of Article 702 unless the generator is permanently connected to the premises wiring. Figure 7022

Figure 7022
Figure 7021

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702.2 Definition.
Optional Standby Systems. Optional standby systems are intended
to supply power to public or private facilities or property where life
safety doesnt depend on the performance of the system. Optional
standby systems are intended to supply on-site generated power to
selected loads either automatically or manually.
Note: Optional standby systems are typically installed to provide
an alternate source of electric power for such facilities as industrial and commercial buildings, farms and residences, and to serve
loads such as heating and refrigeration systems, data processing
and communications systems, and industrial processes that, when
stopped during any power outage, can cause discomfort, economic
loss, serious interruption of the process, damage to the product or
process, or the like.

Figure 7023

702.4 Capacity and Rating.

(B) System Capacity. The calculated load on the standby source
must be in accordance with Article 220 or by a method approved by
the authority having jurisdiction.
(1) Manual Transfer Equipment. The optional standby power source
must have adequate capacity for all equipment intended to operate at
one time as determined by the user.
Authors Comment: When a manual transfer switch is used,
the user of the optional standby system selects the loads to be
connected to the system, which determines the system kVA/kW
rating.
(2) Automatic Transfer Equipment.
(a) Full Load. The optional standby power source must have adequate capacity to supply the full load transferred. Figure 7023
Authors Comment: For a new installation, the load is determined by Article 220 or an alternate method approved by the
AHJ. For existing facilities, the maximum demand data for one
year or the average power demand of a 15-minute period over
a minimum of 30 days can be used to size the power source
[220.87]. Figure 7024

Figure 7024

702.5 Transfer Equipment. A transfer switch is required for

all fixed or portable optional standby systems.
Ex: Temporary connection of a portable generator without transfer equipment is permitted where written safety procedures are in
place and conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only
qualified persons will service the installation, and where the normal
supply is physically isolated by a lockable disconnecting means or by
the disconnection of the normal supply conductors.

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NEC Requirements for Generators and Standby Power Systems

702.7 Signs.

Part II. Circuit Wiring

(A) Standby Power Sources. A sign that indicates the type and location of on-site optional standby power sources must be placed at the
service-entrance equipment. Figure 7025

702.10 Wiring. Optional standby system wiring can occupy

the same raceways, cables, boxes, and cabinets with other general
wiring.
702.12 Outdoor Generator Sets. If a generator located outdoors is equipped with a readily accessible disconnecting means
located within sight of the building/structure, an additional disconnecting means isnt required on or at the building/structure for the
generator feeder conductors that serve or pass through the building/
structure. Figure 7026

Figure 7025

Figure 7026

Authors Comment: According to Article 100, within sight

means that its visible and not more than 50 ft from one to the
other.

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Practice Questions
Please use the 2011 Code book to answer the
following questions.

2.

ARTICLE 445Generators
1.

2.

(a) production slowdowns

(b) life safety or health hazards
(c) a and b
(d) a or b

Article 445 contains installation and other requirements for

generators.
(a) True
(b) False

3.

Constant-voltage generators, except ac generator exciters, shall

be protected from overcurrent by _____ or other acceptable
overcurrent protective means suitable for the conditions of use.

4
Separately derived system generators must have the _____
conductor sized not smaller than required to carry the
maximum unbalanced current as determined by 220.61.

5.

ARTICLE 700 Emergency Systems

Where batteries are used for ______ in auxiliary engines of

emergency systems, the authority having jurisdiction shall
require periodic maintenance.
(a) starting
(b) control or ignition
(c) a and b
(d) none of these

Emergency systems are generally installed where artificial

illumination is required for safe exiting and for panic control
in buildings occupied by large numbers of persons, such as
______ and similar institutions.
(a) hotels
(b) theaters and sports arenas
(c) health care facilities
(d) all of these

The ______ shall conduct or witness an acceptance test of the

complete emergency system upon installation and periodically
afterward.
(a) electrical engineer
(b) authority having jurisdiction
(c) qualified person
(d) manufacturers representative

(a) neutral
(b) grounding
(c) a and b
(d) none of these

1.

Emergency systems are those systems legally required and

classed as emergency by a governmental agency having jurisdiction. These systems are intended to automatically supply
illumination and/or power essential for ______.
(a) community activity
(b) safety to human life
(c) public recreation
(d) police and emergency services exclusively

(a) inherent design

(b) circuit breakers
(c) fuses
(d) any of these
3.

Emergency systems may provide power for ventilation where

essential to maintain life, fire detection and alarm systems,
elevators, fire pumps, public safety communications systems,
industrial processes where current interruption would produce
serious ______.

6.

A written record shall be kept of required tests and maintenance on emergency systems.
(a) True
(b) False

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NEC Requirements for Generators and Standby Power Systems

7.

Means for testing all emergency lighting and power systems

during maximum anticipated load conditions shall be provided.

13. When practicable, audible and visual signal devices for an

emergency system shall be provided to indicate ______.
(a) that the battery is carrying load
(b) derangement of the emergency source
(c) that the battery charger is not functioning
(d) all of these

(a) True
(b) False
8

An emergency system shall have adequate capacity and rating

for ______ to be operated simultaneously.
(a) 80% of the loads
(b) all loads
(c) 125% of the load
(d) none of these

9.

14. A sign shall be placed at the service-entrance equipment indicating the type and location of on-site emergency power sources.
(a) True
(b) False

A portable or temporary alternate source ______ whenever the

emergency generator is out of service for major maintenance
or repair.

15. Wiring from an emergency source or emergency source distribution overcurrent protection to emergency loads shall be kept
independent of all other wiring and equipment except in ______.
(a) transfer equipment enclosures
(b) exit or emergency luminaires supplied from two sources
(c) load control relay supplying emergency or exit luminaires or
a common junction box attached to exit or emergency luminaires supplied from two sources
(d) all of these

(a) shall not be required

(b) is recommended
(c) shall be available
(d) shall be avoided
10. Emergency transfer equipment, including transfer switches,
shall be ______.
(a) automatic
(b) identified for emergency use
(c) approved by the authority having jurisdiction
(d) all of these

16. Wiring from an emergency source can supply any combination

of emergency, legally required, or optional loads, provided the
conductors ______.
(a) terminate in separate vertical sections of a switchboard
(b) terminate in the same vertical section of a switchboard
(c) terminate in junction box identified for emergency use
(d) are identified as emergency conductors

11. Automatic transfer switches shall be ______.

(a) electrically operated
(b) mechanically held
(c) listed for emergency system use if rated 600V ac and below
(d) all of these

17.

(a) flooding
(b) fire
(c) icing
(d) all of these

12. An emergency transfer switch shall supply ______.

(a) emergency loads
(b) computer equipment
(c) UPS equipment
(d) all of these

Emergency circuit wiring shall be designed and located to minimize the hazards that might cause failure because of ______.

18.

In the event of failure of the normal supply to the building/structure, emergency power shall be available within ______ seconds.
(a) 5
(b) 10
(c) 30
(d) 60

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NEC Requirements for Generators and Standby Power Systems

19. Emergency equipment must be designed and located so as to
minimize the hazards that might cause complete failure due to
______.

24. Unit equipment for emergency systems shall be on the same

branch circuit that serves the normal lighting in the area and
connected ______ any local switches.
(a) with
(b) ahead of
(c) after
(d) downstream of

(a) flooding
(b) fires
(c) icing, and vandalism
(d) all of these
20. A storage battery supplying emergency lighting and power
shall maintain not less than 87 percent of normal voltage at
total load for a period of at least ______ hour(s).

25. In emergency systems, only appliances and lamps required for

emergency use, shall be supplied by ______.
(a) emergency circuits
(b) multiwire branch circuits
(c) HID-rated circuit breakers
(d) a and b

(a) 1
(b) 1
(c) 2
(d) 2
21. Where an internal-combustion engine is used as the prime
mover for an emergency system, an on-site fuel supply shall be
provided for not less than ______ hours of full-demand operation of the system.
(a) 2
(b) 3
(c) 4
(d) 5

26. Emergency lighting systems shall be designed and installed

so that the failure of any individual lighting element, such as
the burning out of a lamp, will not leave in total darkness any
space that requires emergency illumination.
(a) True
(b) False
27.

22. If a generator for emergency system power located outdoors

is equipped with a readily accessible disconnecting means
located within sight (within 50 ft) of the building/structure,
an additional disconnecting means isnt required on or at the
building/structure for the generator feeder conductors that
serve or pass through the building/structure.
(a) True
(b) False
23. For an emergency system power generator installed outdoors,
where conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that
only qualified persons will monitor and service the installation and where documented safe switching procedures are
established and maintained for disconnection, the generator
disconnecting means is not required to be located within sight
of the building or structure served.

Manual switches controlling emergency circuits shall be convenient to authorized persons responsible for their ______.
(a) maintenance
(b) actuation
(c) inspection
(d) evaluation

28. Branch-circuit overcurrent devices in emergency circuits shall

be accessible to ______ only.
(a) the authority having jurisdiction
(b) authorized persons
(c) the general public
(d) qualified persons
29. The alternate source for emergency systems shall have
ground-fault protection of equipment.
(a) True
(b) False

(a) True
(b) False

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NEC Requirements for Generators and Standby Power Systems

30. Overcurrent devices for emergency systems ______ all supplyside overcurrent devices.
(a) shall be selectively coordinated with
(b) can be selectively coordinated with
(c) shall be the same amperage as
(d) shall be a higher amperage than

5.

(a) True
(b) False
6.

ARTICLE 701 Legally Required

Standby Systems
1.

A legally required standby system is intended to automatically

supply power to ______ in the event of failure of the normal
source.

The ______ shall conduct or witness a test of the complete

legally required standby system upon installation.

7.

Legally required standby systems that are tested upon installation and found to be acceptable to the authority having
jurisdiction shall not be required to undergo any future tests
unless the equipment is modified.
(a) True
(b) False

4.

Where batteries are used for ______ of prime movers of legally

required standby systems, the authority having jurisdiction
shall require periodic maintenance.
(a) control
(b) starting or ignition
(c) a and b
(d) none of these

A legally required standby system shall have adequate capacity

and rating for ______ that are expected to operate simultaneously on the standby system.
(a) all of the loads
(b) 80% of the loads
(c) 125% of the loads
(d) none of these

8.

(a) electrical engineer

(b) authority having jurisdiction
(c) qualified person
(d) manufacturers representative
3.

Testing legally required standby system lighting and power

systems during maximum anticipated load conditions shall be
avoided so as not to tax the standby system unnecessarily.
(a) True
(b) False

(a) those systems classed as emergency systems

(b) selected loads
(c) a and b
(d) none of these
2.

A written record shall be kept of required tests and maintenance on legally required standby systems.

Legally required standby system equipment shall be suitable

for ______ at its terminals.
(a) the maximum available fault current
(b) the maximum overload current only
(c) the minimum fault current
(d) a one-hour rating

9.

Transfer equipment for legally required systems, including

automatic transfer switches, shall be ______.
(a) automatic
(b) identified for standby use
(c) approved by the authority having jurisdiction
(d) all of these

10. Means to bypass and isolate transfer switch equipment shall

not be permitted on legally required standby systems.
(a) True
(b) False

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NEC Requirements for Generators and Standby Power Systems

11. Automatic transfer switches on legally required standby
systems shall be electrically operated and ______ held.
(a) electrically
(b) mechanically
(c) gravity
(d) any of these
12. Audible and visual signal devices shall be provided on legally
required standby systems, where practicable, to indicate
______.
(a) derangement of the standby source
(b) that the standby source is carrying load
(c) that the battery charger is not functioning
(d) all of these
13. A sign shall be placed at the service equipment indicating the
______ of on-site legally required standby power sources.
(a) type
(b) location
(c) manufacturer
(d) a and b

16. Where acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction, connections ahead of and not within the same cabinet, enclosure,
or vertical switchboard section as the service disconnecting
means shall be permitted for ______ standby service.
(a) emergency
(b) legally required
(c) optional
(d) all of these
17. Individual unit equipment for legally required standby illumination shall be permanently fixed in place. Flexible cord-and-plug
connection shall be permitted, provided the cord does not
exceed ______ in length.
(a) 12 in.
(b) 18 in.
(c) 3 ft
(d) 6 ft
18. The branch-circuit overcurrent devices for legally required
standby systems shall be accessible only to ______.

14. Legally required standby system wiring can occupy the same
raceways, cables, boxes, and cabinets with other generalpurpose wiring.

(a) the authority having jurisdiction

(b) authorized persons
(c) the general public
(d) qualified persons
19. The alternate source for legally required standby systems shall
not be required to have ground-fault protection of equipment.

(a) True
(b) False
15. A generator set for a legally required standby system shall
______.
(a) have means for automatically starting the prime mover
(b) have 2 hours of fuel supply for full demand operation available on-site if the prime mover is an internal combustion
engine
(c) 
not be solely dependent on a public utility gas system
unless acceptable to the AHJ
(d) all of these

(a) True
(b) False
20. Overcurrent devices for legally required standby systems shall
be ______ with all supply-side overcurrent devices.
(a) series rated
(b) selectively coordinated
(c) installed in parallel
(d) any of these

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NEC Requirements for Generators and Standby Power Systems

ARTICLE 702Optional Standby Systems

1.

Article 702 applies to ______ generators used for backup power

to public or private facilities or property where life safety does
not depend on the performance of the system.
(a) permanently installed
(b) portable
(c) a and b
(d) none of these

2.

4.

(a) True
(b) False
5.

8.

Optional standby systems utilizing automatic transfer equipment shall have adequate capacity and rating for the supply of
______.

A transfer switch shall be required for all fixed or portable

optional standby systems for buildings or structures at which
an electric utility is either the normal or standby source, unless
permitted by an exception.

For optional standby systems, the temporary connection of

a portable generator without transfer equipment shall be
permitted where conditions of maintenance and supervision
ensure that only qualified persons will service the installation,
and where the normal supply is physically isolated by ______.

A sign shall be placed at the service-entrance equipment indicating the ______ of on-site optional standby power sources.
(a) type
(b) location
(c) manufacturer
(d) a and b

Optional standby systems are typically installed to provide an

alternate source of power for ______.

(a) all emergency lighting and power loads

(b) the load, as calculated in Article 220
(c) 100 percent of the appliance loads and 50 percent of the
lighting loads
(d) 100 percent of the lighting loads and 75 percent of the
appliance loads

Audible and visual signal devices shall be provided on optional

standby systems to indicate ______, where practicable.
(a) derangement of the optional standby source
(b) that the optional standby source is carrying load
(c) that the battery charger is not functioning
(d) a and b

7.

(a) data processing and communication systems

(b) emergency systems for health care facilities
(c) emergency systems for hospitals
(d) none of these
3.

6.

Optional standby system wiring is permitted to occupy the

same raceways, cables, boxes, and cabinets with other general
wiring.
(a) True
(b) False

9.

If the transfer switch for a portable generator switches the

______ conductor, then it is being used as a separately derived
system and the portable generator shall be grounded in accordance with 250.30.
(a) phase
(b) equipment grounding
(c) grounded
(d) all of these

10. Where a generator for an optional standby system is installed

outdoors and equipped with a readily accessible disconnecting
means located ______, an additional disconnecting means
is not required where ungrounded conductors serve or pass
through the building or structure.
(a) inside the building or structure
(b) within sight of the building or structure
(c) inside the generator enclosure
(d) a or c

(a) a lockable disconnecting means

(b) the disconnection of the normal supply conductors
(c) an extended power outage
(d) a or b

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Practice Question Answers

ARTICLE 455Generators
1. (a) 445.1
2. (d) 445.12(A)
3. (a) 445.13

ARTICLE 700 Emergency Systems

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.

(d) 700.2 Note

(b) 700.2 Note
(b) 700.2 DefinitionsEmergency Systems
(b) 700.3(A)
(c) 700.3(C)
(a) 700.3(D)
(a) 700.3(E)
(b) 700.4(A)
(c) 700.4(B)
(d) 700.5(A)
(d) 700.5(C)
(a) 700.5(D)
(d) 700.6(A),(B), and (C)
(a) 700.7(A)
(d) 700.10(B)(1),(2), and (3)
(a) 700.10(B)(5)(a)
(d) 700.10(C)
(b) 700.12
(d) 700.12
(b) 700.12(A)
(a) 700.12(B)(2)
(a) 700.12(B)(6)
(a) 700.12(B)(6) Ex
(b) 700.12(F)
(a) 700.15
(a) 700.16
(b) 700.21
(b) 700.25
(b) 700.26
(a) 700.27

ARTICLE 701 Legally Required

Standby Systems
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.

(b) 701.2
(b) 701.3(A)
(b) 701.3(B)
(c) 701.3(C)
(a) 701.3(D)
(b) 701.3(E)
(a) 701.4
(a) 701.4
(d) 701.5(A)
(b) 701.5(B)
(b) 701.5(C)
(d) 701.6(A),(B), and (C)
(d) 701.7(A)
(a) 701.1
(d) 701.12(B)(1),(2), (3), and (3)Ex
(b) 701.12(E)
(c) 701.12(G)
(b) 701.25
(a) 701.26
(b) 701.27 Coordination

ARTICLE 702Optional Standby Systems

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

(c) 702.1 and 702.2

(a) 702.2 Note
(b) 702.4(B)
(a) 702.5
(d) 702.5 Ex
(d) 702.6(1) and (2)
(d) 702.7(A)
(a) 702.1
(c) 702.11(A)
(b) 702.12

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