October 2021
ARE TWO CIRCUITS BETTER THAN ONE?
DUAL CIRCUIT EXIT SIGNS & THEIR USES
TOPIC
Background
Dual Circuit Products
- City of Los Angeles Code
Support Materials
Chalk Talk
Overview
- What's Changed in Modern Versions?
- The Product Line Up
- C1, C2, CX
- Dual Circuit Cheat Sheet
- What Does Dual Circuit Mean?
- Uses Outside of LA
- Double-Live Dual Circuit vs. Low-Cost Dual Circuit
- How To Get More Info
- Spec Sheet Updates
What Does "Dual Circuit" Mean?
- This only is an option on "AC Only" Exit Signs
- One source of power is intended to be the utility/normal source
- One source of power is intended to be the emergency source
Exit Signs Have 2 Power Inputs
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ARE TWO CIRCUITS BETTER THAN ONE?
Chalk Talk
I. BACKGROUND
The Exit Sign is the Transfer Device
- This allows the exit sign to have 2 sources of power without internal batteries
- Was originally designed for generator based systems
- Predates modern NEC 70 transfer switch requirements
City of Los Angeles Code
...[Continuous operation] is accomplished by a redundant wiring method, utilizing two independent power sources and wiring for [exit signs and exit illumination]. One circuit is to be supplied from a premises wiring supplied by a normal power source and the other circuit from an alternate power source classified for emergency power by the LAEC, Article 700.
P/BC 2002-019 (LADBS), Part 7. Wiring Method
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Chalk Talk
I. BACKGROUND
City of Los Angeles Code, Now...
An emergency lighting power supply, independent of normal lighting supply, with provisions for automatic transfer of the emergency lighting, in the event of the normal lighting branch circuit failure.
P/BC 2014-019, Part G.3.a & G.3.b
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Chalk Talk
I. BACKGROUND
It's more complicated now...
Two or more branch circuits supplied from separate and complete systems with independent power sources. One of the two power sources and systems shall be part of the emergency system, and the other shall be permitted to be part of the normal power source and system. Each system shall provide sufficient power for emergency lighting purpose.
Uses Outside of LA
- Retrofit Installations
- Opportunities for Battery Reduction Without an Inverter
- Inverters Replacing Generators in Historical Buildings
There Are Other Use Cases
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ARE TWO CIRCUITS BETTER THAN ONE?
Chalk Talk
I. BACKGROUND
New Installations
- Inverters allow for standard AC exit signs to be used and backed up in a code compliant manner
- Standard EM signs are approved everywhere
- Self-luminous signs are the best of both worlds
The Product Lineup
II. DUAL CIRCUIT PRODUCTS
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Chalk Talk
TL2 Thin Line Die-Cast LED Exit
DUAL CIRCUIT EXIT SIGNS Universal Voltage
TLMR2 Thin Line Die-Cast Master LED Exit
TLCG2 Thin Line Die-Cast Custom Graphics LED Exit
EDC Economical Die-Cast LED Exit
The Product Lineup (Continued)
II. DUAL CIRCUIT PRODUCTS
ELT Edge-Lit LED Exit
DUAL CIRCUIT EXIT SIGNS Voltage Specific
ELTCG
ELTMR Edge-Lit Master LED Exit
HLX NEMA 4X LED Exit
HZE Class I Div 2 LED Exit
LP Steel LED Exit
LPDC Die-Cast Aluminum LED Exit
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Edge-Lit LED Exit, Custom Graphic
LPDCCG
LPDCMR
LPDC-HD
LPX Extruded Aluminum LED Exit
LPX-CT
MAX Wet Location Die-Cast LED Exit
MAX 2.0
Die-Cast Aluminum Custom Graphic
Die-Cast Aluminum Master LED Exit
Heavy Duty Die-Cast Aluminum Master LED Exit
Low Profile Wet Location Die-Cast LED Exit
Connecticut Compliant Aluminum LED Handicap Exit
RL
RWL
Reliance Series Thermoplastic LED Exit
Wet Location Thermoplastic LED Exit
C1, C2, CX
- In most cases we need to know the input voltage at order time (120 vs. 277VAC)
- For signs that have input voltage specifications, the normal and emergency voltages must be the same
- Some signs, such as the TL2 have universal inputs for the dual circuit option
Voltage Specific
II. DUAL CIRCUIT PRODUCTS
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Double-Live Dual Circuit vs. Low-Cost Dual Circuit
- "Specification Grade Products" are made to allow for both sources of power to be active at the same time: ELT, LPDC, TL2
- Other products are designed to only allow for a single source of power to applied at any given time
- These can only be used with standby generators or normally off inverter circuits
We Make 2 Different Types of Dual Circuit Products
II. DUAL CIRCUIT PRODUCTS
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Chalk Talk
Exemptions
- Self-luminous signs are exempt from the requirements as they have no electrical connection required for illumination
Self-Luminous Exit Signs
III. SUPPORT MATERIALS
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Dual Tech Hybrid Exit Signs
- Similarly, hybrid photo-luminescent signs are exempt due to not requiring any electrical energy to maintain their output in an emergency
The Dual Circuit Cheat Sheet & Spec Sheet Updates
- A one stop shop for all information relevant to selecting an appropriate dual circuit sign or equivalent.
Cheat Sheets
III. SUPPORT MATERIALS
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ARE TWO CIRCUITS BETTER THAN ONE?
Chalk Talk
Spec Sheets
- Addresses the common confusion related to dual circuit vs. dual live situation.
Sales Materials
- Training Video Link (Public - For Agent Only)
- Sales Presentation PDF (Public - For Agent Sales Presentations)
- Cheat Sheet
- Spec Sheets & Drawings
- Wiring Diagrams
- Cheat Sheet
Available on the Website
Available within Follow-up Sales Packet
III. SUPPORT MATERIALS
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Chalk Talk
Need Further Assistance?
Team of Experts
Schedule a Webinar for Advanced Sales & Engineering Training
III. SUPPORT MATERIALS
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ARE TWO CIRCUITS BETTER THAN ONE?
Chalk Talk
THANK YOU