Preparing for the Worst
Leviton’s John Garbarino discusses recent updates to NEC requirements for emergency power, lighting, and backup systems and the Leviton solutions that will help ensure compliance
An old adage famously says that “he who fails to prepare prepares to fail.”
This couldn’t be truer relative to recent updates to the National Electrical Code (NEC) involving emergency power, lighting, and backup systems. Thankfully, Leviton’s experts are well-versed in all of the major energy and building codes and take pride in helping contractors understand recent NEC updates that will impact their projects as well as the Leviton solutions that respond to and comply with these code changes.
“Emergency power, lighting, and backup systems are critical for maintaining safety and operational continuity during power outages,” confirmed John Garbarino, Leviton’s Senior Program Manager – New Technology. “While the NEC has long provided detailed requirements for these systems, recent updates -- particularly in the 2023 edition -- reflect a broader focus on resiliency and electrical safety.”
Garbarino said that one of the most significant developments in recent NEC cycles is an emphasis on system protection. “This includes updated requirements for ground-fault protection and surge protection, which help safeguard emergency systems from electrical faults and voltage spikes,” he explained. “These changes are designed to ensure that backup systems remain operational and safe when they’re needed most and aren’t compromised by the very conditions they’re meant to mitigate.”
Key NEC Updates Related to Emergency Preparedness
Recent NEC updates designed to enhance safety and emergency readiness in residential, commercial, and industrial settings include the following:
- Ground-Fault Protection -- “New NEC requirements within this category help prevent electrical faults that could disable emergency systems or create shock and fire hazards,” Garbarino said. “By detecting and interrupting unintended current paths, these updates significantly reduce the risk of equipment damage and personal injury.”
- Surge Protection -- Expanded surge protection rules now apply to more facilities, including dwelling units, healthcare, and residential care environments. “These measures protect sensitive emergency equipment from voltage spikes caused by lightning or switching events, ensuring that systems remain operational during and after disturbances,” he said.
- Resiliency-Focused Design – According to Garbarino, the NEC now encourages designs that not only support emergency operation but also facilitate safe and efficient recovery once normal power is restored. “This includes better integration of backup systems with modern technologies like microgrids and energy storage for enhanced resiliency,” he said.
Because NEC compliance is legally required in most jurisdictions, Garbarino said, “contractors who stay current will help avoid failed inspections, costly rework, and potential legal liabilities.”
Leviton Solutions that Support NEC Compliance
Surge Protective Devices (SPDs) and Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are among the key Leviton products that facilitate compliance with emergency preparedness standards.
Garbarino confirmed that surge protection is most effective when it’s implemented using a layered approach.
“For example, Type 1 SPDs are installed at the service entrance on the line side of the panelboard and are ideal for protecting against external surges such as lightning strikes and utility-related disturbances,” he said. “Type 2 SPDs are designed to be installed on the load side of panelboards and provide additional protection against surges generated within the building, such as those caused by motors or switching devices. Finally, Type 3 SPDs are installed at the point of use and protect sensitive electronic equipment like computers, TVs, and appliances from residual surges.”
“Ultimately, Leviton offers a comprehensive portfolio of SPDs to support the creation of a robust surge protection network,” Garbarino said.
Elsewhere, “Leviton is a recognized leader in GFCI technology and provides a broad range of solutions to enhance electrical safety,” he said. In addition to standard box-mounted devices and GFCI circuit breakers, Leviton offers a versatile portfolio of portable GFCI cord sets, in-line wiring modules, and right-angle plugs.
“These portable GFCI solutions are especially valuable in temporary power applications, such as those used during disaster recovery and construction efforts, where reliable ground-fault protection is critical for worker safety and code compliance,” Garbarino said.
Anticipating Emergencies and Safeguarding Installations
“By understanding the NEC’s expanded new ground-fault and surge protection requirements, contractors can implement these safety measures correctly and reduce the risk of shock, arc faults, and equipment failure,” Garbarino said. “Recent updates to the NEC also emphasize resilient design, especially for emergency and backup systems, so informed contractors will better understand how to integrate these systems to ensure reliable operation during outages and safe recovery afterward.”
Leviton offers resources like the “Captain Code” program to help electrical professionals understand and comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC). This program (available in both English and Spanish) provides analysis of code changes, identifies appropriate product solutions, and include guides, a mobile app, and a web portal, all designed to enable easy access and simplify NEC compliance. For more information on recent updates to the National Electric Code that impact emergency power, lighting, and backup systems and/or Leviton’s Captain Code program, visit
https://leviton.com/support/partners/contractors/code-connection/captain-code or
https://leviton.com/support/partners/contractors/code-connection, or contact your Leviton Sales Representative.