IEC 60364-5-56:2009
(Main)Low-voltage electrical installations - Part 5-56: Selection and erection of electrical equipment - Safety services
Low-voltage electrical installations - Part 5-56: Selection and erection of electrical equipment - Safety services
IEC 60364-5-56:2009 covers general requirements for safety services, selection and erection of electrical supply systems for safety services and electrical safety sources. Standby electrical supply systems are outside the scope of this part. This part does not apply to installations in hazardous areas (BE3), for which requirements are given in IEC 60079-14. This second edition of IEC 60364-5-56 comes about as a result of changes to Clause 556, Safety services, of IEC 60364-5-55 (2001), as modified by its amendment 1 (2001). It replaces Clause 556 of IEC 60364-5-55:2001. Clause 556 is to be withdrawn at the time of publication of this new Part 56. The main changes with regard to the previous edition are listed below:
1) Many more definitions are included, e.g. response time, central power supply system, low power supply system, preferential circuit and escape route.
2) Automatic supplies are now classified according to the maximum changeover times, for example a supply classified as short break means an automatic supply is available within 0,5 s.
3) Safety sources that can operate in parallel are specifically recognized in 560.6.9.
4) Requirements are now given for batteries used for safety sources for central and low power supply sources.
5) Drawings are now required, such as a single-line diagram, drawings showing the location of equipment and a list of equipment permanently connected to the safety power supply.
6) Operating instructions are now required.
7) Detailed requirements are now given for emergency escape lighting applications, direct current circuits and fire protection applications.
8) Additional requirements for initial verification and periodic inspection and testing are now included in the standard.
9) Two annexes are now included (Annex A and Annex B) giving guidance for emergency lighting and guidance for fire protection equipment, respectively.
Installations électriques des bâtiments - Partie 5-56: Choix et mise en oeuvre des matériels électriques - Services de sécurité
La CEI 60364-5-56:2009 traite des exigences générales relatives aux services de sécurité, au choix et à la mise en oeuvre des alimentations électriques des installations et des sources de sécurité. Les alimentations électriques de remplacement ne sont pas traitées dans la présente partie. Cette partie ne s'applique pas aux installations dans les zones à risque d'explosion (BE3) pour lesquelles des exigences sont données dans la CEI 60079-14. Cette deuxième édition de la CEI 60364-5-56 est issue de la révision de l'Article 556, Installations de sécurité, de la CEI 60364-5-55 (2001), telle que modifiée par son amendement 1 (2001). Elle remplace l'Article 556 de la CEI 60364-5-55 :2001. L'Article 556 est à supprimer à la date de la publication de cette nouvelle Partie 56. Les principales modifications par rapport à l'édition précédente sont les suivantes:
1) Plus de définitions incluses, par exemple, temps de réponse, source centrale d'alimentation, source d'alimentation de faible puissance, circuit préférentiel et chemin d'évacuation.
2) Les alimentations automatiques sont maintenant classées selon le temps de commutation, par exemple, une alimentation classée arrêt court signifie que l'alimentation automatique reprend en 0,5 s.
3) Les sources de sécurité pouvant fonctionner en parallèle sont spécifiquement indiquées en 560.6.9.
4) Les exigences pour les batteries employées comme sources centrales de sécurité ou de faibles puissances sont maintenant indiquées.
5) Des schémas sont maintenant requis, tel qu'un schéma unifilaire, d'implantation des matériels et une liste des matériels connecté en permanence à la source de sécurité.
6) Un mode d'emploi est maintenant requis.
7) Des exigences détaillées sont maintenant données pour l'éclairage d'évacuation, les circuits en courant continu et la protection incendie.
8) Des exigences complémentaires pour les vérifications initiales et périodiques ainsi que les essais sont incluses dans la norme.
9) Deux annexes ont été ajoutées (l'Annexe A et l'Annexe B) afin de donner les lignes directrices pour l'éclairage de sécurité et les matériels de protection incendie.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 29-Jul-2009
- Technical Committee
- TC 64 - Electrical installations and protection against electric shock
- Drafting Committee
- MT 34 - TC 64/MT 34
- Current Stage
- DELPUB - Deleted Publication
- Start Date
- 02-Nov-2018
- Completion Date
- 26-Oct-2025
Relations
- Effective Date
- 05-Sep-2023
- Effective Date
- 05-Sep-2023
- Effective Date
- 05-Sep-2023
Overview
IEC 60364-5-56:2009 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that establishes requirements for low-voltage electrical installations specifically related to safety services. This standard focuses on the selection and erection of electrical equipment that ensures the reliable operation of electrical safety services crucial to human safety and environmental protection. It covers general principles for electrical supply systems used in safety-critical applications but excludes standby supply systems and installations in hazardous areas, which are addressed by other standards.
The second edition of IEC 60364-5-56 reflects significant updates from its predecessor clause in IEC 60364-5-55 and introduces enhanced guidance on electrical sources, circuit classifications, operating instructions, verification methods, and documentation required for safety services installations.
Key Topics
Safety Services Electrical Supply Systems
Electrical supply systems designed to maintain essential functions related to health, safety, and environmental protection. Examples include emergency lighting, fire pumps, alarm systems, and smoke extraction.Definitions and Classifications
Expanded definitions for critical terms such as response time, central power supply systems (unlimited power and low-power), preferential circuits, escape routes, and emergency lighting modes (maintained and non-maintained).Automatic Supply Classification
Automatic power supplies are classified by maximum changeover times, such as “short break supplies” which restore power within 0.5 seconds.Parallel Operation of Safety Sources
Recognition and requirements for safety power sources capable of operating in parallel to enhance system reliability.Battery Requirements
Detailed requirements for batteries used in central and low power supply safety sources, with emphasis on maintenance-free batteries for low-power systems.Mandatory Documentation and Instructions
Obligations to provide comprehensive documentation including single-line diagrams, equipment location drawings, lists of permanently connected safety equipment, and operating instructions for safe and effective maintenance.Emergency Escape Lighting and Fire Protection
Detailed technical requirements for emergency escape lighting applications and fire protection electrical systems, guiding safe evacuation and response during emergencies.Inspection, Testing, and Verification
New provisions for initial verification and periodic inspection/testing to ensure continued compliance and system reliability over time.Informative Annexes
Annex A provides guidance for emergency lighting, while Annex B focuses on fire protection equipment, supplementing the core technical requirements.
Applications
IEC 60364-5-56:2009 is essential for designers, installers, and maintenance personnel working on low-voltage electrical installations in:
- Emergency and escape lighting systems within commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.
- Fire detection and firefighting electrical equipment such as fire pumps and fire alarms.
- Safety-critical communication and alarm systems including CO alarms, intruder alarms, and evacuation systems.
- Medical facilities’ essential electrical safety services.
- Buildings requiring reliable electrical sources for smoke extraction and rescue services lifts.
Compliance with IEC 60364-5-56:2009 ensures that these safety services are designed and installed to maintain continuous operation during power interruptions, thereby protecting lives and infrastructure.
Related Standards
- IEC 60079-14: Electrical installations in hazardous areas (excluded from IEC 60364-5-56 scope).
- IEC 60364-5-55: Previous edition standard related to selection and erection of electrical equipment.
- IEC 60331 & IEC 60332-1-2: Tests for cables under fire conditions relevant for circuit integrity.
- IEC 62040 Series: Standards for uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) including safety requirements.
- ISO 8528-12: Emergency power supply from combustion engine-driven generators.
- CIE S 020/ISO 30061: Emergency lighting definitions and guidelines.
Keywords
Low-voltage electrical installations, safety services, emergency lighting, fire protection, electrical safety sources, electrical supply systems, IEC standards, battery requirements, escape route lighting, electrical installation verification, automatic supply classification, safety circuits, emergency power supply, IEC 60364.
Frequently Asked Questions
IEC 60364-5-56:2009 is a standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Its full title is "Low-voltage electrical installations - Part 5-56: Selection and erection of electrical equipment - Safety services". This standard covers: IEC 60364-5-56:2009 covers general requirements for safety services, selection and erection of electrical supply systems for safety services and electrical safety sources. Standby electrical supply systems are outside the scope of this part. This part does not apply to installations in hazardous areas (BE3), for which requirements are given in IEC 60079-14. This second edition of IEC 60364-5-56 comes about as a result of changes to Clause 556, Safety services, of IEC 60364-5-55 (2001), as modified by its amendment 1 (2001). It replaces Clause 556 of IEC 60364-5-55:2001. Clause 556 is to be withdrawn at the time of publication of this new Part 56. The main changes with regard to the previous edition are listed below: 1) Many more definitions are included, e.g. response time, central power supply system, low power supply system, preferential circuit and escape route. 2) Automatic supplies are now classified according to the maximum changeover times, for example a supply classified as short break means an automatic supply is available within 0,5 s. 3) Safety sources that can operate in parallel are specifically recognized in 560.6.9. 4) Requirements are now given for batteries used for safety sources for central and low power supply sources. 5) Drawings are now required, such as a single-line diagram, drawings showing the location of equipment and a list of equipment permanently connected to the safety power supply. 6) Operating instructions are now required. 7) Detailed requirements are now given for emergency escape lighting applications, direct current circuits and fire protection applications. 8) Additional requirements for initial verification and periodic inspection and testing are now included in the standard. 9) Two annexes are now included (Annex A and Annex B) giving guidance for emergency lighting and guidance for fire protection equipment, respectively.
IEC 60364-5-56:2009 covers general requirements for safety services, selection and erection of electrical supply systems for safety services and electrical safety sources. Standby electrical supply systems are outside the scope of this part. This part does not apply to installations in hazardous areas (BE3), for which requirements are given in IEC 60079-14. This second edition of IEC 60364-5-56 comes about as a result of changes to Clause 556, Safety services, of IEC 60364-5-55 (2001), as modified by its amendment 1 (2001). It replaces Clause 556 of IEC 60364-5-55:2001. Clause 556 is to be withdrawn at the time of publication of this new Part 56. The main changes with regard to the previous edition are listed below: 1) Many more definitions are included, e.g. response time, central power supply system, low power supply system, preferential circuit and escape route. 2) Automatic supplies are now classified according to the maximum changeover times, for example a supply classified as short break means an automatic supply is available within 0,5 s. 3) Safety sources that can operate in parallel are specifically recognized in 560.6.9. 4) Requirements are now given for batteries used for safety sources for central and low power supply sources. 5) Drawings are now required, such as a single-line diagram, drawings showing the location of equipment and a list of equipment permanently connected to the safety power supply. 6) Operating instructions are now required. 7) Detailed requirements are now given for emergency escape lighting applications, direct current circuits and fire protection applications. 8) Additional requirements for initial verification and periodic inspection and testing are now included in the standard. 9) Two annexes are now included (Annex A and Annex B) giving guidance for emergency lighting and guidance for fire protection equipment, respectively.
IEC 60364-5-56:2009 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.140.50 - Electricity supply systems. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
IEC 60364-5-56:2009 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to IEC 60364-5-56:1980/AMD1:1998, IEC 60364-5-56:1980, IEC 60364-5-56:2018. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
You can purchase IEC 60364-5-56:2009 directly from iTeh Standards. The document is available in PDF format and is delivered instantly after payment. Add the standard to your cart and complete the secure checkout process. iTeh Standards is an authorized distributor of IEC standards.
Standards Content (Sample)
IEC 60364-5-56 ®
Edition 2.0 2009-07
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Low-voltage electrical installations –
Part 5-56: Selection and erection of electrical equipment – Safety services
Installations électriques des bâtiments –
Partie 5-56: Choix et mise en œuvre des matériels électriques – Services de
sécurité
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IEC 60364-5-56 ®
Edition 2.0 2009-07
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Low-voltage electrical installations –
Part 5-56: Selection and erection of electrical equipment – Safety services
Installations électriques des bâtiments –
Partie 5-56: Choix et mise en œuvre des matériels électriques – Services de
sécurité
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
R
CODE PRIX
ICS 91.140 ISBN 978-2-88910-177-1
– 2 – 60364-5-56 © IEC:2009
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.3
560.1 Scope.5
560.2 Normative references.5
560.3 Terms and definitions.6
560.4 Classification.7
560.5 General.8
560.6 Electrical sources for safety services .8
560.7 Circuits of safety services .10
560.8 Wiring systems.11
560.9 Emergency escape lighting applications.11
560.10 Fire protection applications .13
Annex A (informative) Guidance for emergency lighting .14
Annex B (informative) Guidance for fire protection equipment.15
Annex C (informative) List of notes concerning certain countries .16
Bibliography.19
Table A.1 – Guidance for emergency lighting.14
Table B.1 – Guidance for safety equipment.15
60364-5-56 © IEC:2009 – 3 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
LOW-VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS –
Part 5-56: Selection and erection of electrical equipment –
Safety services
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
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2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
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indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 60364-5-56 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 64:
Electrical installations and protection against electric shock.
This second edition of IEC 60364-5-56 comes about as a result of changes to Clause 556,
Safety services, of IEC 60364-5-55 (2001), as modified by its amendment 1 (2001).
This new part replaces Clause 556 of IEC 60364-5-55:2001. Clause 556 is to be withdrawn at
the time of publication of this new Part 56.
The main changes with regard to the previous edition are listed below:
1) Many more definitions are included, e.g. response time, central power supply system, low
power supply system, preferential circuit and escape route.
___________
The first edition of IEC 60364-5-56, which was published in 1980, together with its amendment (1998), was
withdrawn when its contents were incorporated into the first edition of IEC 60364-5-55.
– 4 – 60364-5-56 © IEC:2009
2) Automatic supplies are now classified according to the maximum changeover times, for
example a supply classified as short break means an automatic supply is available within
0,5 s.
3) Safety sources that can operate in parallel are specifically recognized in 560.6.9.
4) Requirements are now given for batteries used for safety sources for central and low
power supply sources.
5) Drawings are now required, such as a single-line diagram, drawings showing the location
of equipment and a list of equipment permanently connected to the safety power supply.
6) Operating instructions are now required.
7) Detailed requirements are now given for emergency escape lighting applications, direct
current circuits and fire protection applications.
8) Additional requirements for initial verification and periodic inspection and testing are now
included in the standard.
9) Two annexes are now included (Annex A and Annex B) giving guidance for emergency
lighting and guidance for fire protection equipment, respectively.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
64/1677/FDIS 64/1686/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The reader’s attention is drawn to the fact that Annex C lists all of the “in-some-country”
clauses on differing practices of a less permanent nature relating to the subject of this
standard.
A list of all parts in the IEC 60364 series, under the general title Low-voltage electrical
installations, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the maintenance result date indicated on the IEC website under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the
data related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
60364-5-56 © IEC:2009 – 5 –
LOW-VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS –
Part 5-56: Selection and erection of electrical equipment –
Safety services
560.1 Scope
This part of IEC 60364 covers general requirements for safety services, selection and erection
of electrical supply systems for safety services and electrical safety sources.
Standby electrical supply systems are outside the scope of this part. This part does not apply
to installations in hazardous areas (BE3), for which requirements are given in IEC 60079-14.
560.2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document.
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition
of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
IEC 60331 (all parts), Tests for electric cables under fire conditions – Circuit integrity
IEC 60332-1-2, Tests on electric and optical fibre cables under fire conditions - Part 1-2: Test
for vertical flame propagation for a single insulated wire or cable - Procedure for 1 kW pre-
mixed flame
IEC 60364-4-43:2008, Low-voltage electrical installations – Part 4-43: Protection for safety –
Protection against overcurrent
IEC 60702-1, Mineral insulated cables and their terminations with a rated voltage not
exceeding 750 V – Part 1: Cables
IEC 60702-2, Mineral insulated cables and their terminations with a rated voltage not
exceeding 750 V – Part 2: Terminations
IEC 62040-1-1, Uninterruptible power systems (UPS) – Part 1-1: General and safety
requirements for UPS in operator access areas
IEC 62040-1-2, Uninterruptible power systems (UPS) – Part 1-2: General and safety
requirements for UPS used in restricted access locations
IEC 62040-3, Uninterruptible power systems (UPS) – Part 3: Method of specifying the
performance and test requirements
ISO 8528-12, Reciprocating internal combustion engine driven alternating current generating
sets – Part 12: Emergency power supply to safety services
CIE S 020/ISO 30061:2007, Emergency lighting
– 6 – 60364-5-56 © IEC:2009
560.3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
560.3.1
electrical supply system for safety services
supply system intended to maintain the operation of essential parts of an electrical installation
and equipment:
− for the health and safety of persons and livestock, and/or
− to avoid damage to the environment and to other equipment
NOTE 1 The supply system includes the source and the electrical circuits up to the terminals of electrical
equipment.
NOTE 2 Examples of safety services include:
– emergency (escape) lighting;
– fire pumps;
– fire rescue services lifts;
– alarm systems, such as fire alarms, CO alarms and intruder alarms;
– evacuation systems;
– smoke extraction systems;
– essential medical systems.
560.3.2
electrical source for safety services
electrical source intended to be used as part of an electrical supply system for safety services
560.3.3
electrical circuit for safety services
electrical circuit intended to be used as part of an electrical supply system for safety services
560.3.4
standby electrical supply system
supply system intended to maintain, for reasons other than safety, the functioning of an
electrical installation or parts thereof, in case of interruption of the normal supply
560.3.5
standby electrical source
electrical source intended to maintain, for reasons other than safety, the supply to an
electrical installation or parts thereof, in case of interruption of the normal supply
560.3.6
emergency lighting
lighting provided for use when the supply to the normal lighting fails
[CIE S 0 20/ISO 30061:2007, definition 4.1]
560.3.7
emergency lighting luminaire
luminaire which may or may not be provided with its own electrical source for safety services
and which is used for safety or emergency lighting
560.3.8
escape sign luminaire
luminaire that indicates and assists the identification of escape routes
60364-5-56 © IEC:2009 – 7 –
560.3.9
maintained mode
operating mode of a lighting system in which the emergency lighting lamps are energized at
all times when normal or emergency lighting is required
560.3.10
non-maintained mode
operating mode of a lighting system in which the emergency lighting lamps are in operation
only when the supply to the normal lighting fails
560.3.11
response time
time that elapses between the failure of the normal power supply and the auxiliary power
supply energizing the equipment
560.3.12
central power supply system (unlimited power)
system which supplies the required emergency power to essential safety equipment without
any limitation in power output
560.3.13
central low-power supply system (low power output)
central power supply system with a limitation of the power output of the system at 500 W for
3 h or 1 500 W for 1 h
NOTE A low-power supply system normally comprises a maintenance-free battery and a charging and testing unit.
560.3.14
escape route
path to follow for access to a safe area in the event of an emergency
560.3.15
preferential circuit
safety source derived directly from the incoming supply to the building intended to supply
safety services which, in case of emergency, shall remain in operation for as long as possible
NOTE An example of such a safety service is sprinkler pumps.
560.3.16
minimum illuminance
Illuminance for emergency lighting at the end of the rated operating time
560.3.17
safety service
electrical system for electrical equipment provided to protect or warn persons in the event of a
hazard, or essential to their evacuation from a location
560.4 Classification
560.4.1 An electrical supply system for safety services is either:
– a non-automatic supply, the starting of which is initiated by an operator, or
– an automatic supply, the starting of which is independent of an operator.
An automatic supply is classified as follows, according to the maximum changeover time:
– no-break: an automatic supply which can ensure a continuous supply within specified
conditions during the period of transition, for example as regards variations in voltage and
frequency;
– 8 – 60364-5-56 © IEC:2009
– very short break: an automatic supply available within 0,15 s;
– short break: an automatic supply available within 0,5 s;
– average break: an automatic supply available within 5 s;
– medium break: an automatic supply available within 15 s;
– long break: an automatic supply available in more than 15 s.
560.4.2 The essential equipment for safety services shall be compatible with the changeover
time in order to maintain the specified operation.
560.5 General
560.5.1 Safety services may be required to operate at all relevant times including during
main and local supply failure and through fire conditions. To meet these requirements,
specific sources, equipment, circuits and wiring are necessary. Some applications also have
particular requirements, as in 560.5.2 and 560.5.3.
560.5.2 For safety services required to operate in fire conditions, the following additional two
conditions shall be fulfilled:
– an electrical source for safety supply shall be selected in order to maintain a supply of
adequate duration, and
– all equipment of safety services shall be provided, either by construction or by erection,
with protection ensuring fire resistance of adequate duration.
NOTE The electrical safety supply source is generally additional to the normal supply source, for example the
public supply network.
560.5.3 Where automatic disconnection of supply is used as a protective measure against
electric shock, non-disconnection on the first fault is preferred. In IT systems, insulation
monitoring devices shall be provided which give an audible and visible indication in the event
of a first fault.
560.5.4 Regarding control and bus systems, a failure in the control or bus system of a
normal installation shall not adversely affect the function of safety services.
560.6 Electrical sources for safety services
560.6.1 The following electrical sources for safety services are recognized:
– storage batteries;
– primary cells;
– generator sets independent of the normal supply;
– a separate feeder of the supply network that is effectively independent of the normal
feeder.
560.6.2 Safety sources for safety services shall be installed as fixed equipment and in such
a manner that they cannot be adversely affected by failure of the normal source.
560.6.3 Safety sources shall be installed in a suitable location and be accessible only to
skilled or instructed persons (BA5 or BA4).
560.6.4 The location of the safety source shall be properly and adequately ventilated so that
exhaust gases, smoke or fumes from the safety source cannot penetrate areas occupied by
persons.
60364-5-56 © IEC:2009 – 9 –
560.6.5 Separate, independent feeders from a supply network shall not serve as electrical
sources for safety services unless assurance can be obtained that the two supplies are
unlikely to fail concurrently.
560.6.6 The safety source shall have sufficient capability to supply its related safety service.
560.6.7 A safety source may, in addition, be used for purposes other than safety services,
provided the availability for safety services is not thereby impaired. A fault occurring in a
circuit for purposes other than safety services shall not cause the interruption of any circuit for
safety services.
560.6.8 Special requirements for safety sources not capable of operation in parallel
560.6.8.1 Adequate precautions shall be taken to avoid the paralleling of sources.
NOTE This may be achieved by mechanical interlocking.
560.6.8.2 Short-circuit protection and fault protection shall be ensured for each source.
560.6.9 Special requirements for safety services having sources capable of operation
in parallel
NOTE 1 The parallel operation of independent sources normally requires the authorization of the supply
undertaking. This may require special devices, for example to prevent reverse power.
Short-circuit protection and fault protection shall be ensured when the installation is supplied
separately by either of the two sources or by both in parallel.
NOTE 2 Precautions may be necessary to limit current circulation in the connection between the neutral points of
the sources, in particular the effect of third harmonics.
560.6.10 Central power supply system
Batteries shall be of vented or valve-regulated maintenance-free type and shall be of heavy
duty industrial design, for example cells complying with IEC 60623 or the IEC 60896 series.
NOTE The minimum design life of the batteries at 20 °C should be 10 years.
560.6.11 Low-power supply system
The power output of a low-power supply system is limited to 500 W for a 3 h duration and
1500 W for a 1 h duration. Batteries can be of gas-tight or valve-regulated maintenance-free
type and shall be of heavy duty industrial design, for example cells complying with IEC 60623
or the IEC 60896 series.
NOTE The minimum design life of the batteries at 20 °C should be 5 years.
560.6.12 Uninterruptible power supply sources
Where an uninterruptible power supply is used, it shall:
a) be able to operate distribution circuit protective devices, and
b) be able to start the safety devices when it is operating in the emergency condition from the
inverter supplied by the battery, and
c) comply with the requirements of 560.6.10, and
d) comply with IEC 62040-1-1, IEC 62040-1-2 or IEC 62040-3, as applicable.
560.6.13 Safety generating sets
Where a safety generating set is used as a safety source, it shall comply with ISO 8528-12.
– 10 – 60364-5-56 © IEC:2009
560.6.14 The condition of the source for safety services (ready for operation, under fault
conditions, feeding from the source for safety services) shall be monitored.
560.7 Circuits of safety services
560.7.1 Circuits of safety services shall be independent of other circuits.
NOTE This means that an electrical fault or any intervention or modification in one system must not affect the
correct functioning of the other. This may necessitate separation by fire-resistant materials or different routes or
enclosures.
560.7.2 Circuits of safety services shall not pass through locations exposed to fire risk (BE2)
unless they are fire-resistant. The circuits shall not, in any case, pass through zones exposed
to explosion risk (BE3).
NOTE Where practicable, the passage of any circuit through locations presenting a fire risk should be avoided.
560.7.3 According to 433.3 of IEC 60364-4-43, protection against overload may be omitted
where the loss of supply may cause a greater hazard. Where protection against overload is
omitted, the occurrence of an overload shall be monitored.
560.7.4 Overcurrent protective devices shall be selected and erected so as to avoid an
overcurrent in one circuit impairing the correct operation of circuits of safety services.
560.7.5 Switchgear and controlgear shall be clearly identified and grouped in locations
accessible only to skilled or instructed persons (BA5 or BA4).
560.7.6 In equipment supplied by two different circuits with independent sources, a fault
occurring in one circuit shall not impair the protection against electric shock, nor the correct
operation of the other circuit. Such equipment shall be connected to the protective conductors
of both circuits, if necessary.
560.7.7 Safety circuit cables, other than metallic screened, fire-resistant cables, shall be
adequately and reliably separated by distance or by barriers from other circuit cables,
including other safety circuit cables.
NOTE For battery cables, special requirements may apply.
560.7.8 Circuits for safety services, with the exception of wiring for fire rescue service lift
supply cables, and wiring for lifts with special requirements, shall not be installed in lift shafts
or other flue-like openings.
560.7.9 In addition to a general schematic diagram, full details of all electrical safety
sources shall be given. The information shall be maintained adjacent to the distribution board.
A single-line diagram is sufficient.
560.7.10 Drawings of the electrical safety installations shall be available showing the exact
location of
– all electrical equipment and distribution boards, with equipment designations,
– safety equipment with final circuit designation and particulars and purpose of the
equipment;
– special switching and monitoring equipment for the safety power supply (e.g. area
switches, visual or acoustic warning equipment).
560.7.11 A list of all the current-using equipment permanently connected to the safety power
supply, indicating the nominal electrical power, nominal currents and starting currents and
time for current-using equipment, shall be provided.
60364-5-56 © IEC:2009 – 11 –
NOTE This information may be included in the circuit diagrams.
560.7.12 Operating instructions for safety equipment and electrical safety services shall be
available. They shall take into account all the particulars of the installation.
560.8 Wiring systems
560.8.1 One or more of the following wiring systems shall be utilized for safety services
required to operate in fire conditions:
− mineral insulated cable complying with IEC 60702-1 and IEC 60702-2;
− fire-resistant cables complying with the appropriate part of IEC 60331 and with
IEC 60332-1-2;
− a wiring system maintaining the necessary fire and mechanical protection.
Wiring systems shall be mounted and installed in such a way that the circuit integrity will not
be impaired during the fire.
NOTE 1 Examples of a system maintaining the necessary fire and mechanical protection could be
constructional enclosures to maintain fire and mechanical protection, or
wiring systems in separate fire compartments.
NOTE 2 National legislation may exist.
560.8.2 Wiring for control and bus systems of safety services shall be in accordance with the
same requirements as the wiring which is to be used for the safety services. This does not
apply to circuits that do not adversely affect the operation of the safety equipment.
560.8.3 Precautions shall be taken to prevent excavation damage to buried safety circuits.
560.8.4 Circuits for safety services which can be supplied by direct current shall be provided
with two-pole overcurrent protection mechanisms.
560.8.5 Switchgear and controlgear used for both a.c. and d.c. supply sources shall be
suitable for both a.c. and d.c. operation.
560.9 Emergency escape lighting applications
560.9.1 Emergency escape lighting systems may be powered by a central power supply
system or the emergency lighting luminaires may be self-contained. The supply to self-
contained luminaires is excluded from the requirements of 560.9.1 to 560.9.4 inclusive.
Wiring systems for a centrally powered emergency lighting system shall retain the continuity
of supply from the source to the luminaires for an adequate period in the event of a fire. This
shall be achieved by using cables with a high resistance to fire, as detailed in 560.8.1 and
560.8.2, to transfer power through a fire compartment.
Within the fire compartment, the supplies to the luminaire shall either use cables with a high
resistance to attack by fire or, for compartments having more than one emergency lighting
luminaire, such luminaires shall be wired alternately from at least two separate circuits so that
a level of illuminance is maintained along the escape route in the event of the loss of one
circuit.
560.9.2 Where alternate luminaires are supplied by separate circuits overcurrent protective
devices shall be used so that a short-circuit in one circuit does not interrupt the supply to the
adjacent luminaires within the fire compartment or the luminaires in other fire compartments.
– 12 – 60364-5-56 © IEC:2009
No more than 20 luminaires with a total load not exceeding 60 % of the nominal current of the
overcurrent protective device shall be supplied from any final circuit.
Any circuit distribution, control or protective devices shall not impair the circuit integrity.
560.9.3 A safe value of minimum illuminance, response time and rated operation time is
required to enable evacuation of a building. Where there are no national or local rules,
illumination systems should comply with CIE S 020/ISO 30061.
NOTE Guidance on appropriate systems is given in Table A.1.
560.9.4 Emergency lighting shall be wired in maintained or non-maintained mode. These
modes may also be combined.
560.9.5 In the non-maintained mode, the power supply for the normal lighting shall be
monitored at the final circuit for that area. If a loss of supply to the normal lighting in an area
causes the normal lighting to fail, the emergency lighting shall be activated automatically. In
all cases, arrangements shall be made to ensure that local emergency escape lighting will
operate in the event of failure of normal supply to the corresponding local area.
560.9.6 Where maintained and non-maintained modes are used in combination, the
changeover devices shall each have their own monitoring device and shall be able to be
switched separately.
560.9.7 The maintained mode of emergency lighting may be simultaneously switched with
normal lighting in locations which either
− cannot be darkened when in use, or
− are not constantly occupied.
560.9.8 Control and bus systems for safety illumination shall be independent of control and
bus systems for general illumination; coupling of both systems is permitted only with
interfaces that ensure a decoupling/isolation of both busses from each other. A failure in the
control and bus system of the general illumination shall not influence the proper function of
the safety illumination.
560.9.9 Changeover from normal to emergency mode shall start automatically if the supply
voltage drops below 0,6 times the rated supply voltage for at least 0,5 s. It shall be restored if
the supply voltage is greater than 0,85 times the rated supply voltage.
NOTE 1 The actual time for changeover may depend on national rules.
NOTE 2 The level of changeover depends on the equipment used for safety services.
560.9.10 When the normal supply is restored to the distribution board or monitored circuit,
the emergency lighting in non-maintained mode shall automatically switch off. Account shall
be taken of the time necessary for the lamps in the normal lighting to return to normal
luminance. Account shall also be taken of rooms which had been intentionally ‘blacked-out’
before the supply was lost; in these cases, emergency lighting shall not switch off
automatically.
560.9.11 In addition to central switching, it is permissible to monitor and control the supply
to parts of a building which are occupied.
560.9.12 In emergency lighting systems the type of lamps shall be compatible with the
changeover time in order to maintain the specified lighting level.
60364-5-56 © IEC:2009 – 13 –
560.9.13 Control switches for emergency lighting shall be placed at a designated location
and be arranged and installed in such a way that they cannot be operated by unauthorized
persons.
560.9.14 The switched-on position of the emergency lighting shall be indicated at a
convenient location for each source of supply.
560.9.15 Emergency lighting luminaires and associated circuit equipment shall be identified
by a red label of at least 30 mm in diameter.
560.10 Fire protection applications
560.10.1 Wiring systems for fire detection and fire fighting power supplies shall be supplied
by a separate circuit from the main incoming supply.
560.10.2 Preferential circuits, if any, shall be directly connected on the supply side of the
isolating switch of the main distribution board.
NOTE A private distribution network is regarded as equivalent to the distribution network of a public electricity
company.
560.10.3 Alarm devices shall be clearly identified.
560.10.4 Except where there are applicable national rules, the minimum requirements for
fire protection systems should be in accordance with Table B.1.
– 14 – 60364-5-56 © IEC:2009
Annex A
(informative)
Guidance for emergency lighting
The values in CIE S 020/ISO 30061 should be considered but additional details of suitable
systems are given in Table A.1. Annex A serves as an informative guide for countries that do
not have specific rules or their own guidelines.
Table A.1 – Guidance for emergency lighting
Requirements
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Examples of
applications
Assembly halls,
9 9 9 9 9 9
**
assembly rooms
Exhibition halls ** 9 9 9 9 9 9
Theatres, cinemas ** 9 9 9 9 9 9
Sports arenas ** 9 9 9 9 9 9
Sales areas ** 9 9 9 9 9 9
Restaurants ** 9 9 9 9 9 9
Hospitals, treatment
** 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
centres
Hotels, guest houses * ** 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
Residential care homes * ** 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
High-rise buildings * ** 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
Schools ** 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
Enclosed car parks 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
Escape routes in
– 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
workplaces
High risk task areas – 9 9 9 9 9 9
Stages ** 9 9 9 9 9 9
9 denotes suitable systems.
* In premises (guest houses, hotels, residential care homes and high-rise buildings) used the whole day, the
rated operating time for the emergency lighting should be 8 h or shall be switchable with illuminated push
buttons for a fixed time by the occupants. In this case, the push buttons and their timing equipment should also
run in the emergency mode.
** Denotes applications which require either extended duration or a circuit like the remote controlled circuit to
ensure protection for longer than 60 min.
Extended duration or
remote controlled circuit
Escape sign luminaires
in maintained mode
Central power
supply system
Low power
supply system
Self-contained
battery unit
Motor-generator unit
with no break (0 s)
Motor-generator unit
with short break (< 0,5 s)
Motor-generator unit
with medium break (< 15 s)
Dual supply system
60364-5-56 © IEC:2009 – 15 –
Annex B
(informative)
Guidance for fire protection equipment
Table B.1 – Guidance for safety equipment
Requirements
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Examples for safety
equipment
9 9 9 9 9
Installations for fire pumps 12 15
Fire rescue service lifts 8 15 9 9 9 9 9
Lifts with special
3 15 9 9 9 9 9
requirements
Devices of alarm and issue
a
9 9 9 9 9 9
3 15 9
of instructions
Smoke and heat extraction
a
9 9 9 9 9 9 9
3 15 9
equipment
a
9 9 9 9 9 9 9
CO warning equipment 1 15 9
a
Only in case of no separate safety supply equipment.
9 Denotes suitable systems.
Rated operating time
of the source, h
Response time of
the source, s. max.
Central power
supply system
Low power
supply system
Self-contained
battery unit
Motor-generator unit
with no break (0 s)
Motor-generator unit
with short break (< 0,5 s)
Motor-generator unit
with medium break (< 15 s)
Dual supply system
Monitoring and changeover in the
case of failure of the source
– 16 – 60364-5-56 © IEC:2009
Annex C
(informative)
List of notes concerning certain countries
Country Clause Nature Rationale Wording
No (permanent or (detailed
less permanent justification for
according to the requested
IEC directives) country note)
Germany 560.5.2 In Germany, in addition to 560.5.2,
statutory building provisions exist
regarding more detailed requirements
for wiring systems to operate in fire
conditions
Norway 560.6.1 In Norway, a separate feeder from the
supply network cannot be used as a
safety source
Austria 560.6.1 In Austria, primary cells are not allowed
for emergency lighting
Germany 560.6.3 In Germany, in addition to 560.6.3,
statutory building provisions exist
regarding more detailed requirements
for wiring systems to operate in fire
conditions
560.6.4 In Germany, in addition to 560.6.4,
statutory building provisions exist
regarding more detailed requirements
for wiring systems to operate in fire
conditions
Austria 560.6.5 In Austria, separated independent
feeders are e.g. supply from a separate
power plant or supply from alternative
mains separated up to 110 kV within
the mains-distribution network
Denmark 560.6.5 In Denmark, it is not allowed to use a
separate supply from the public network
as safety supply
Austria 560.6.10 In Austria, valve-regulated
maintenance-free types are also
permitted
Germany 560.7.1 In Germany, in addition to clause
560.7.1 statutory building provisions
exist regarding more detailed
requirements for wiring systems to
operate in fire conditions
560.7.2 In Germany, in addition to 560.7.2,
statutory building provisions exist
regarding more detailed requirements
for wiring systems to operate in fire
conditions
560.7.7 In Germany, instead of 560.7.7, second
sentence, electric cables to operate in
fire conditions have to meet the
following requirements because of
statutory building provisions:
– they have to meet the requirements
of DIN 4102-12:1998-11 (classes
from E – 30 to E – 90) or
– they have to be laid on concrete
ceilings and under the screed with a
minimum thickness of 30 mm
or
– they have to be laid in the ground
60364-5-56 © IEC:2009 – 17 –
Country Clause Nature Rationale Wording
No (permanent or (detailed
less permanent justification for
according to the requested
IEC directives) country note)
Austria 560.7.7 In Austria, all types of fire-resistant
cables complying with DIN 4102-12 are
also permitted
Denmark 560.8 In Denmark, to minimize the risk of
tensions in the wiring system, it is not
allowed to fix the wiring to flammable
building parts. Also, connection of fire-
resistant cables in thermoplastic
connection boxes is only allowed if the
terminals are made of porcelain or
similar. If the insulation of the inner
conductors of the fire-resistant cable is
made of non-fire-resistant insulation
material, a fire-resistant hose shall be
provided
Germany 560.8.1 In Germany, instead of 560.8.1, electric
cables to operate in fire conditions have
to meet the following requirements
because of statutory building
provisions:
– they have to meet the requirements
of DIN 4102-12:1998-11 (classes
from E – 30 to E – 90) or
– they have to be laid concrete ceilings
and under the screed with a minimum
thickness of 30 mm
or
– they have to be laid in the ground
Denmark 560.8.1 In Denmark, clamps and the like used
for the wiring shall be fire-resistant e.g.
made of iron. Thermoplastic clamps are
not allowed. Also, silicone-insulated
conductors H05SJ-K in visible conduits
and conduits buried in flammable
building parts shall be in iron conduits
Italy 560.8.1 In Italy, wiring systems with cables
having low emission of toxic and
corrosive smoke and gas during fire are
used in installations where, from a
relevant risk evaluation, a high risk to
persons is envisaged
Austria 560.8.1 In Austria, constructional enclosures to
maintain fire and mechanical protection
or wiring systems in separate fire
compartments also comply with these
requirements
United 560.9 In the United Kingdom, the national
Kingdom requirements for emergency escape
lighting applications contained in the
BS 5266 series shall apply
Germany 560.9.1 In Germany, instead of the third
subclause, e
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