National baseline
NBC Part 3 Division B addresses emergency power requirements across multiple subsections covering fire alarms (3.2.4), emergency lighting (3.2.7), smoke control (3.2.6), and referenced electrical standards.
Canadian building code question
What are the building code requirements for emergency power systems in Canada?
The NBC requires emergency power for life-safety systems in certain building types, including emergency lighting, fire alarm systems, fire pumps, elevators for firefighter use, stairwell pressurization, and smoke control systems.
Emergency power systems ensure that critical life-safety systems continue to operate during a power failure. The National Building Code specifies which systems require emergency power based on building occupancy, height, and fire-protection features, with requirements for generator capacity, transfer time, and fuel supply duration.
What to check first
- Emergency lighting must be provided in all buildings where the code requires exit signs, with battery or generator backup.
- High-rise buildings require emergency power for fire alarm panels, fire pumps, elevators, stairwell pressurization, and smoke control.
- Emergency generators must start and reach full load within a specified time and maintain fuel supply for a minimum operating duration.
Jurisdiction notes
Provincial variations
Provinces may have additional emergency power requirements or different fuel supply duration minimums. The Canadian Electrical Code (CSA C22.1) also governs installation requirements.
Project-specific variables
Building height, occupancy, number of fire pumps, elevator requirements, and the presence of care or treatment occupancies all affect the scope of emergency power requirements.
Work through it in this order
- Identify all life-safety systems in the building that require emergency power under the applicable code.
- Determine the total emergency power load including fire pumps, elevators, lighting, smoke control, and alarm systems.
- Verify generator start time, transfer switch requirements, and automatic transfer sequencing.
- Confirm fuel supply duration requirements based on building type and provincial code.
- Check whether the building requires a fire-rated generator room and separate fuel storage provisions.
Common questions
When is an emergency generator required versus battery backup?
Battery backup is permitted for emergency lighting in many building types. An emergency generator is typically required when fire pumps, elevators, smoke control, or stairwell pressurization systems need emergency power.
How long must the emergency power system operate?
The minimum operating duration depends on the building type, occupancy, and provincial code. Common minimums range from 30 minutes for battery-backed emergency lighting to 2 hours or more for generator-powered systems in high-rise or institutional buildings.
Does emergency power need to serve all elevators?
Not all elevators require emergency power. The code typically requires emergency power for at least one elevator for firefighter access in high-rise buildings, with specific requirements varying by building type.