Some building systems have to keep running when normal power fails, and IBC 2702 (with NEC Articles 700–702) defines which and to what standard. The NEC sorts backup power into three tiers: emergency systems (Article 700) for life-safety loads like egress illumination, exit signs, and fire alarm, with the fastest transfer and highest reliability; legally required standby (701) for loads that aid firefighting and rescue; and optional standby (702) for everything else. IBC 2702 points to the specific systems that require this power based on occupancy and building features.
The common mistake is life-safety loads — egress lighting, exit signs, alarm — not properly connected to an emergency (Article 700) source with the required transfer performance, or conflating legally-required standby with true emergency power.
Reviewers confirm the life-safety loads are on a compliant emergency source with the right transfer time and duration. This ties directly to the egress-illumination and exit-sign guides, since those 90-minute requirements are met through the emergency-power system.
This guide describes the model code for general understanding and is not a substitute for the adopted code and amendments enforced by your local authority having jurisdiction. Verify all figures against your jurisdiction's codes of record.