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	Subject - Circuits for Exit Signs Romex Racer I've been asked to bid the installation of about 200 illuminated exit signs with battery backup in some apartment buildings. At each location there is within a few feet, a light fixture in the hallway that is always on and is on "house power". Can I tag my exit signs onto these hallway lights? Thanks! .................Richard HOOSIER First I would check on how many hallway lights and any other items are on this circuit.. if the addition of these exit lights do not exceed the circuit / wiring ratings... AND as long as these hallway lights are not "switched"... there should be no issue in "tapping" into the hallway lights. Romex Racer Thanks Hoosier, That's my idea. The code only addresses exit signs in health care facilities. I found some life-safety code that indicated I could add them to the lighting circuit provided my tap is "ahead of local switches". The lights in question or 4' surface mount fluorescent fixtures, my customer doesn't object to EMT on the surface of the ceiling. This might be a good gig! Ryan_J If I'm not mistaken, it is a code requirement to have these on that circuit. Any unit equipment (such as an exit sign) must be on the general lighting circuit serving the area, unless the exeption to 700.12(E) is met. Check my reference, I don't have the code with me. Alfred Ryan There are several portions of articles that address this isssue. You are correct about article 700. The article 517 also address this topic. There seems to be no clear defined paragaph that tells you exactly. My experience with blueprints from the many construction jobs I've been on over the years, that engineers inherently design hallway circuits to accommodate exit lights. I see no promlem, as long as the circuit is not loaded more than 80%. Thanks Alfred Johnson