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  • ⚡ Code Corner:🔸 NEC 700.10(D) – Fire Protection of Emergency System Circuits

⚡ Code Corner:🔸 NEC 700.10(D) – Fire Protection of Emergency System Circuits

Sharpen your knowledge with a quick dive into the NEC.

Author

Chris Martinez
June 11, 2025

📘 What NEC 700.10(D) says:
What it says:
Emergency system wiring must remain operational during fire conditions. To do this, the Code requires one of several fire-protection methods:

  • CI (circuit integrity) cables listed for 2-hour protection

  • A 2-hour fire-rated assembly

  • A listed fire-rated cable system (ASTM E119)

  • Or routing the wiring through areas fully protected by sprinklers

Why it matters:
Life safety systems—like emergency lighting and fire alarms—can’t fail during a fire. If the wiring melts or shorts, the whole system becomes useless. Fire-protected wiring ensures power stays flowing when people need it most.

💡 Pro Tip:
CI cables can be a space-saving alternative to bulky fire-rated enclosures—but they must be listed and labeled for 2-hour fire-resistance

Choose the correct answer:

❓ Quick Code Quiz: Chapter 7 – Emergency Systems

Question:
Which of the following does NOT meet NEC 700.10(D)’s requirement for fire protection of emergency wiring?

A) Circuit Integrity (CI) cable listed for 2 hours
B) Routing wiring through a 2-hour rated enclosure
C) Installing wiring in standard EMT above a suspended ceiling
D) Passing wiring through areas protected by an automatic sprinkler system

Answer below 👇

🧠 Think it through:
Standard EMT by itself doesn’t provide fire resistance. The NEC requires a tested system or fire-rated method.

✅ Answer: C) Installing wiring in standard EMT above a suspended ceiling

📘 Reference:

NEC 2023 – Article 700.10(D): Wiring, Emergency Systems – Fire Protection
Emergency system wiring shall be protected by one of the following: (1) a listed 2-hour fire-rated assembly, (2) a listed cable system with a 2-hour fire rating, (3) circuit integrity cable listed for 2 hours, or (4) areas with sprinkler protection throughout.