Last updated
Values this chapter turns on
- unfinished basement area per lighting outlet
- 30 m²
- unfinished basement area per lighting outlet
- stair size that needs 3-way switches at both ends
- 4 risers
- stair size that needs 3-way switches at both ends
- minimum run time for emergency lighting
- 30 min
- minimum run time for emergency lighting
- average emergency lighting level at the floor
- 10 lx
- average emergency lighting level at the floor
The HVAC - House syllabus includes Part 9 electrical facilities and the exit sign and egress lighting Subsections. Most of these rules do not apply inside a single house, and that is exactly what the exam likes to test: knowing when a rule applies and when it does not.
Electrical facilities and lighting outlets
General OBC Div. B 9.34.1.2.OBC Div. B 9.34.1.2. Required Facilities(1) Where electrical services are available, electrical facilities shall be provided for every building in conformance with this Section.. Where electrical services are available, every building gets electrical facilities conforming to Section 9.34.
Other general rules:
| Article | Rule in plain words |
|---|---|
| 9.34.1.3.OBC Div. B 9.34.1.3. Location of Equipment in Public Areas(1) Entrance switches, meters, panel boxes, splitter boxes, time clocks and other similar equipment shall not be located in any public area unless adequate precautions are taken to prevent interference with the equipment. | Switches, meters, panels and similar equipment not in public areas unless protected from interference |
| 9.34.1.4.OBC Div. B 9.34.1.4. Recessed Lighting Fixtures(1) Recessed lighting fixtures shall not be located in insulated ceilings unless the fixtures are designed for such installations. | Recessed light fixtures in insulated ceilings only if designed for it |
| 9.34.1.5.OBC Div. B 9.34.1.5. Wiring and Cables(1) Except for dwelling units and except as required in Sentence (2), optical fibre cables and electrical wires and cables installed in buildings permitted to be of combustible construction shall (a) not convey flame or continue to burn for more than 1 min when tested in conformance with the Vertical Flame Test in… | Outside dwelling units, wires and cables in combustible buildings meet the FT1 vertical flame test or run in listed enclosures; wiring in a floor or ceiling plenum meets 3.6.4.3.(1)(a) |
The recessed fixture rule matters to HVAC designers because insulated ceilings and ceiling air barriers are where duct boots and light cans collide.
Lighting outlets in houses:
| Location | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Every entrance to a residential building | Exterior lighting outlet with fixture, controlled by a wall switch inside OBC Div. B 9.34.2.1.OBC Div. B 9.34.2.1. Lighting of Entrances(1) An exterior lighting outlet with fixture controlled by a wall switch located within the building shall be provided at every entrance to buildings of residential occupancy. (2) The exterior lighting outlet with fixture required by Sentence (1) may be controlled by a wall switch or panel accessible to authorized… |
| Kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms, utility and laundry rooms, dining rooms, bathrooms, water-closet rooms, vestibules, hallways | Lighting outlet with fixture on a wall switch; bedrooms and living rooms may use a switched receptacle instead OBC Div. B 9.34.2.2.OBC Div. B 9.34.2.2. Outlets in Dwelling Units(1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), a lighting outlet with fixture controlled by a wall switch shall be provided in kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms, utility rooms, laundry rooms, dining rooms, bathrooms, water-closet rooms, vestibules and hallways in dwelling units. (2) Where a receptacle controlled by a wall… |
| Stairways | Lit; 3-way switches at head and foot for stairs with 4 or more risers; a single switch at the top is fine for an unfinished basement stair serving one unit with no outside entrance or garage OBC Div. B 9.34.2.3.OBC Div. B 9.34.2.3. Stairways(1) Every stairway shall be lighted. (2) Except as provided in Sentence (3), 3-way wall switches located at the head and foot of every stairway shall be provided to control at least one lighting outlet with fixture for stairways with 4 or more risers in dwelling units and houses with a secondary suite including their… |
| Unfinished basements | One outlet per 30 m² or part of it; the one nearest the stairs switched at the head of the stairs OBC Div. B 9.34.2.4.OBC Div. B 9.34.2.4. Basements(1) A lighting outlet with fixture shall be provided for each 30 m² or fraction thereof of floor area in unfinished basements. (2) The outlet required in Sentence (1) nearest the stairs shall be controlled by a wall switch located at the head of the stairs. |
| Storage rooms | Lighting outlet with fixture OBC Div. B 9.34.2.5.OBC Div. B 9.34.2.5. Storage Rooms(1) A lighting outlet with fixture shall be provided in storage rooms. |
| Garages and carports | Outlet with fixture, wall switch near the door (or a fixture with built-in switch in some positions) OBC Div. B 9.34.2.6.OBC Div. B 9.34.2.6. Garages and Carports(1) A lighting outlet with fixture shall be provided for an attached, built-in or detached garage or carport. (2) Except as provided in Sentence (3), outlets required in Sentence (1) shall be controlled by a wall switch near the doorway. (3) Where the outlet and fixture required in Sentence (1) are ceiling mounted… |
| Public and service areas | Switched lighting; incandescent levels per the public area lighting table OBC Div. B 9.34.2.7.OBC Div. B 9.34.2.7. Public and Service Areas(1) Every public or service area in buildings, including a recreational camp and a camp for housing of workers, shall have lighting outlets with fixtures controlled by a wall switch or panel to illuminate such areas. (2) When provided by incandescent lighting, illumination required in Sentence (1) shall conform to… |
From the public area lighting table, service rooms and laundry areas need 200 lx with incandescent lighting OBC Div. B Table 9.34.2.7.OBC Div. B Table 9.34.2.7. Lighting for Public Areas - Forming Part of Sentences 9.34.2.7.(2) and (3)Table 9.34.2.7. Lighting for Public Areas - Forming Part of Sentences 9.34.2.7.(2) and (3) Forming Part of Sentences 9.34.2.7.(2) and (3) Room or Space | Minimum Illumination, lx | Minimum Lighting Power Density, W/m² of floor area Storage rooms | 50 | 5 Service rooms and laundry areas | 200 | 20 Garages | 50 | 5…. That matters for a common service room in a multi-unit Part 9 building.
Emergency lighting
Emergency lighting conforms to Subsection 9.9.12. OBC Div. B 9.34.3.1.OBC Div. B 9.34.3.1. Criteria for Emergency Lighting(1) Emergency lighting shall conform to Subsection 9.9.12..
Exit signs and egress lighting
Scope. The exit sign rules apply to all exits except those serving not more than one dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite OBC Div. B 9.9.11.1.OBC Div. B 9.9.11.1. Application(1) This Subsection applies to all exits except those serving not more than one dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite.. The egress lighting rules apply to all means of egress except those within dwelling units or a house with a secondary suite OBC Div. B 9.9.12.1.OBC Div. B 9.9.12.1. Application(1) This Subsection applies to the lighting of all means of egress except those within dwelling units or a house with a secondary suite.. So in a typical house, neither applies.
Where exit signs are needed OBC Div. B 9.9.11.3.OBC Div. B 9.9.11.3. Exit Signs(1) Except as required in Sentence (7), every exit door shall have an exit sign placed over it or adjacent to it if the exit serves (a) a building that is 3 storeys in building height, (b) a building having an occupant load of more than 150, or (c) a room or floor area that has a fire escape as part of a required…. Over or beside every exit door if the exit serves a building 3 storeys in building height, a building with an occupant load over 150, or a room or floor area with a fire escape in its required egress. Every exit serving a hotel needs one (except suite doors opening straight outdoors).
What the sign looks like. A green pictogram with a white or lightly tinted symbol, to ISO 3864-1 and ISO 7010 (running man symbols and arrows). Internally lit electrical signs meet CSA C22.2 No. 141; non-electrical signs meet CAN/ULC-S572 and are labelled with their tested duration. Externally lit signs are lit at all times. Sign circuits serve nothing but emergency lighting in that area and connect to an emergency power supply.
Visibility OBC Div. B 9.9.11.2.OBC Div. B 9.9.11.2. Visibility of Exits(1) Exits shall be located so as to be clearly visible or their locations shall be clearly indicated. (2) Where an exit door leading directly to the outside is subject to being obstructed by a parked vehicle or storage because of its location, a visible sign prohibiting such obstructions shall be permanently mounted…. Exits are clearly visible or clearly indicated. An exit door to the outside that a parked car or storage could block gets a permanent "no obstruction" sign on the outside.
Stairs at exit level OBC Div. B 9.9.11.4.OBC Div. B 9.9.11.4. Signs for Stairs and Ramps at Exit Level(1) In buildings that are 3 storeys in building height, any part of an exit ramp or stairway that continues up or down past the lowest exit level shall be clearly marked to indicate that it does not lead to an exit if the portion below exit level may be mistaken as the direction of exit travel.. In 3-storey buildings, an exit stair continuing below exit level is marked as not leading to an exit if it could be mistaken for one.
Egress lighting levels OBC Div. B 9.9.12.2.OBC Div. B 9.9.12.2. Required Lighting in Egress Facilities(1) Every exit, public corridor or corridor providing access to exit for the public shall be equipped to provide illumination to an average level of not less than 50 lx at floor or tread level and at all points such as angles and intersections at changes of level where there are stairs or ramps. (2) The minimum value… OBC Div. B 9.9.12.3.OBC Div. B 9.9.12.3. Emergency Lighting(1) Emergency lighting shall be provided in (a) exits. (b) principal routes providing access to exit in an open floor area, (c) corridors used by the public, (d) underground walkways, and (e) public corridors. (2) Emergency lighting required in Sentence (1) shall be provided from a source of energy separate from the…:
| Lighting | Average level | Minimum point |
|---|---|---|
| Normal lighting in exits and public corridors | 50 lx | 10 lx |
| Emergency lighting | 10 lx | 1 lx |
Emergency lighting is required in exits, principal routes to exits in open floor areas, corridors used by the public, underground walkways and public corridors. It runs from a power source separate from the building supply and switches on automatically for at least 30 min when normal lighting fails. With incandescent lighting, 1 W/m² of floor area is deemed to meet the 10 lx level. Self-contained units meet CSA C22.2 No. 141.
Floor numbering (Article 9.9.11.5.) is excluded from this exam.
Common traps
- Requiring exit signs in a single house. Exits serving one dwelling unit are outside the scope.
- Confusing the 50 lx normal level with the 10 lx emergency level.
- Using 30 m² per outlet for finished basements. The rule is for unfinished basements.
Chapter review
Chapter at a glance
One line per section: the idea to carry into the exam. Then the answers that most often catch candidates out.
- Electrical facilities and lighting outlets
The recessed fixture rule matters to HVAC designers because insulated ceilings and ceiling air barriers are where duct boots and light cans collide.
- Emergency lighting
Emergency lighting conforms to Subsection 9.9.12..
- Exit signs and egress lighting
Emergency lighting is required in exits, principal routes to exits in open floor areas, corridors used by the public, underground walkways and public corridors.
Usual exam traps
- Requiring exit signs in a single house. Exits serving one dwelling unit are outside the scope.
- Confusing the 50 lx normal level with the 10 lx emergency level.
- Using 30 m² per outlet for finished basements. The rule is for unfinished basements.
Practice this chapter
Questions on Electrical facilities, exit signs and lighting, in the exam format, every answer explained and cited to its article. Sign in to start; a free account gets the free questions.
Code cited in this chapter
Based on the official 2024 Building Code Compendium on ontario.ca.
© King's Printer for Ontario, 2024. Reproduced with permission.
OBC Div. B 9.34.1.2. Required Facilities
Open OBC Div. B 9.34.1.2. in the code viewer(1)Where electrical services are available, electrical facilities shall be provided for every building in conformance with this Section.
OBC Div. B 9.34.1.3. Location of Equipment in Public Areas
Open OBC Div. B 9.34.1.3. in the code viewer(1)Entrance switches, meters, panel boxes, splitter boxes, time clocks and other similar equipment shall not be located in any public area unless adequate precautions are taken to prevent interference with the equipment.
OBC Div. B 9.34.1.4. Recessed Lighting Fixtures
Open OBC Div. B 9.34.1.4. in the code viewer(1)Recessed lighting fixtures shall not be located in insulated ceilings unless the fixtures are designed for such installations.
OBC Div. B 9.34.1.5. Wiring and Cables
Open OBC Div. B 9.34.1.5. in the code viewer(1)Except for dwelling units and except as required in Sentence (2), optical fibre cables and electrical wires and cables installed in buildings permitted to be of combustible construction shall
(a)not convey flame or continue to burn for more than 1 min when tested in conformance with the Vertical Flame Test in Clause 4.11.1. of CSA C22.2 No. 0.3, "Test Methods for Electrical Wires and Cables," (FT1 Rating), or
(b)be located in
(i)totally enclosed noncombustible raceways, (See Note A-3.1.4.3.(1) (b)(i))
(ii)masonry walls,
(iii)concrete slabs, or
(iv)totally enclosed non metallic raceways conforming to Clause 3.1.5.23.(1)(b).
(2)Where a concealed space in a floor or ceiling assembly is used as a plenum, electrical wires and cables within the plenum shall conform to Clause 3.6.4.3.(1)(a).
OBC Div. B 9.34.2.1. Lighting of Entrances
Open OBC Div. B 9.34.2.1. in the code viewer(1)An exterior lighting outlet with fixture controlled by a wall switch located within the building shall be provided at every entrance to buildings of residential occupancy.
(2)The exterior lighting outlet with fixture required by Sentence (1) may be controlled by a wall switch or panel accessible to authorized personnel only, where it serves,
(a)a building entrance serving multiple suites of residential occupancy,
(b)multiple dwelling unit entrances,
(c)hotels, or
(d)motels.
OBC Div. B 9.34.2.2. Outlets in Dwelling Units
Open OBC Div. B 9.34.2.2. in the code viewer(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), a lighting outlet with fixture controlled by a wall switch shall be provided in kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms, utility rooms, laundry rooms, dining rooms, bathrooms, water-closet rooms, vestibules and hallways in dwelling units.
(2)Where a receptacle controlled by a wall switch is provided in bedrooms or living rooms, such rooms need not conform to the requirements of Sentence (1).
OBC Div. B 9.34.2.3. Stairways
Open OBC Div. B 9.34.2.3. in the code viewer(1)Every stairway shall be lighted.
(2)Except as provided in Sentence (3), 3-way wall switches located at the head and foot of every stairway shall be provided to control at least one lighting outlet with fixture for stairways with 4 or more risers in dwelling units and houses with a secondary suite including their common spaces.
(3)The stairway lighting for basements that do not contain finished space or lead to an outside entrance or built-in garage and which serve not more than one dwelling unit is permitted to be controlled by a single switch located at the head of the stairs.
OBC Div. B 9.34.2.4. Basements
Open OBC Div. B 9.34.2.4. in the code viewer(1)A lighting outlet with fixture shall be provided for each 30 m² or fraction thereof of floor area in unfinished basements.
(2)The outlet required in Sentence (1) nearest the stairs shall be controlled by a wall switch located at the head of the stairs.
Show all 20 articles
OBC Div. B 9.34.2.5. Storage Rooms
Open OBC Div. B 9.34.2.5. in the code viewer(1)A lighting outlet with fixture shall be provided in storage rooms.
OBC Div. B 9.34.2.6. Garages and Carports
Open OBC Div. B 9.34.2.6. in the code viewer(1)A lighting outlet with fixture shall be provided for an attached, built-in or detached garage or carport.
(2)Except as provided in Sentence (3), outlets required in Sentence (1) shall be controlled by a wall switch near the doorway.
(3)Where the outlet and fixture required in Sentence (1) are ceiling mounted above an area not normally occupied by a parked car, or are wall mounted, a fixture with a built-in switch is permitted to be used.
(4)Where a carport is lighted by a light at the entrance to a dwelling unit, additional carport lighting is not required.
OBC Div. B 9.34.2.7. Public and Service Areas
Open OBC Div. B 9.34.2.7. in the code viewer(1)Every public or service area in buildings, including a recreational camp and a camp for housing of workers, shall have lighting outlets with fixtures controlled by a wall switch or panel to illuminate such areas.
(2)When provided by incandescent lighting, illumination required in Sentence (1) shall conform to Table 9.34.2.7. (See Article 9.9.12.2. for lighting in means of egress.)
(3)When other types of lighting are used, illumination equivalent to that shown in Table 9.34.2.7. shall be provided.
OBC Div. B Table 9.34.2.7. Lighting for Public Areas - Forming Part of Sentences 9.34.2.7.(2) and (3)
Open OBC Div. B Table 9.34.2.7. in the code viewerTable 9.34.2.7. Lighting for Public Areas - Forming Part of Sentences 9.34.2.7.(2) and (3) Forming Part of Sentences 9.34.2.7.(2) and (3) Room or Space | Minimum Illumination, lx | Minimum Lighting Power Density, W/m² of floor area Storage rooms | 50 | 5 Service rooms and laundry areas | 200 | 20 Garages | 50 | 5 Public water closet rooms | 100 | 10 Service hallways and stairways | 50 | 5 Recreation rooms | 100 | 10 Hallways, corridors, stairways and sleeping areas in recreational camps and camps for housing of workers | 100 | 10 Kitchen in recreational camps and camps for housing of workers | 500 | 50 All other rooms in recreational camps and camps for housing of workers | 250 | 25
OBC Div. B 9.34.3.1. Criteria for Emergency Lighting
Open OBC Div. B 9.34.3.1. in the code viewer(1)Emergency lighting shall conform to Subsection 9.9.12.
OBC Div. B 9.9.11.1. Application
Open OBC Div. B 9.9.11.1. in the code viewer(1)This Subsection applies to all exits except those serving not more than one dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite.
OBC Div. B 9.9.12.1. Application
Open OBC Div. B 9.9.12.1. in the code viewer(1)This Subsection applies to the lighting of all means of egress except those within dwelling units or a house with a secondary suite.
OBC Div. B 9.9.11.3. Exit Signs
Open OBC Div. B 9.9.11.3. in the code viewer(1)Except as required in Sentence (7), every exit door shall have an exit sign placed over it or adjacent to it if the exit serves
(a)a building that is 3 storeys in building height,
(b)a building having an occupant load of more than 150, or
(c)a room or floor area that has a fire escape as part of a required means of egress.
(2)Except as required in Sentence (6), every exit sign shall
(a)be visible on approach to the exit,
(b)consist of a green pictogram and a white or lightly tinted graphical symbol meeting the colour specifications referred to in ISO 3864-1, "Graphical symbols – Safety colours and safety signs – Part 1: Design principles for safety signs and safety markings," and
(c)conform to ISO 7010, "Graphical symbols – Safety colours and safety signs – Registered safety signs," for the following symbols: (See Note A-3.4.5.1.(2) (c))
(i)E001 emergency exit left,
(ii)E002 emergency exit right,
(iii)E005 90-degree directional arrow, and
(iv)E006 45-degree directional arrow.
(3)Internally illuminated exit signs shall be continuously illuminated, and
(a)where illumination of the sign is powered by an electrical circuit, be constructed in conformance with CSA C22.2 No. 141, "Emergency lighting equipment," or
(b)where illumination of the sign is not powered by an electrical circuit, be
(i)constructed in conformance with CAN/ULC-S572, "Standard for Photoluminescent and Self-Luminous Exit Signs and Path Marking Systems," and
(ii)labelled in accordance with the time duration for which they have been tested and listed.
(4)Externally illuminated exit signs shall be continuously illuminated at all times by a light fixture supplied by an electrical circuit.
(5)The circuitry serving lighting for externally and internally illuminated exit signs shall
(a)serve no equipment other than emergency lighting in the area where the exit signs are installed, and
(b)be connected to an emergency power supply as described in Sentences 9.9.12.3.(2), (3) and (7).
(6)An exit sign conforming to Clauses (2)(b) and (c) with an arrow or other indicator pointing at the direction of egress shall be provided where no exit is visible from
(a)a public corridor,
(b)a corridor used by the public, or
(c)a principal route serving an open floor area having an occupant load of more than 150.
(7)Except for suite doors opening directly to the exterior, every exit serving a hotel shall have an exit sign placed over it or adjacent to it.
OBC Div. B 9.9.11.2. Visibility of Exits
Open OBC Div. B 9.9.11.2. in the code viewer(1)Exits shall be located so as to be clearly visible or their locations shall be clearly indicated.
(2)Where an exit door leading directly to the outside is subject to being obstructed by a parked vehicle or storage because of its location, a visible sign prohibiting such obstructions shall be permanently mounted on the exterior side of the door.
OBC Div. B 9.9.11.4. Signs for Stairs and Ramps at Exit Level
Open OBC Div. B 9.9.11.4. in the code viewer(1)In buildings that are 3 storeys in building height, any part of an exit ramp or stairway that continues up or down past the lowest exit level shall be clearly marked to indicate that it does not lead to an exit if the portion below exit level may be mistaken as the direction of exit travel.
OBC Div. B 9.9.12.2. Required Lighting in Egress Facilities
Open OBC Div. B 9.9.12.2. in the code viewer(1)Every exit, public corridor or corridor providing access to exit for the public shall be equipped to provide illumination to an average level of not less than 50 lx at floor or tread level and at all points such as angles and intersections at changes of level where there are stairs or ramps.
(2)The minimum value of the illumination required by Sentence (1) shall be not less than 10 lx.
OBC Div. B 9.9.12.3. Emergency Lighting
Open OBC Div. B 9.9.12.3. in the code viewer(1)Emergency lighting shall be provided in
(a)exits.
(b)principal routes providing access to exit in an open floor area,
(c)corridors used by the public,
(d)underground walkways, and
(e)public corridors.
(2)Emergency lighting required in Sentence (1) shall be provided from a source of energy separate from the electrical supply for the building.
(3)Lighting required in Sentence (1) shall be designed to be automatically actuated for a period of at least 30 min when the electric lighting in the affected area is interrupted.
(4)Illumination from lighting required in Sentence (1) shall be provided to average levels of not less than 10 lx at floor or tread level.
(5)The minimum value of the illumination required by Sentence (4) shall be not less than 1 1x.
(6)Where incandescent lighting is provided, lighting equal to 1 W/m² of floor area shall be considered to meet the requirement in Sentence (4).
(7)Where self-contained emergency lighting units are used, they shall conform to CSA C22.2 No. 141, "Emergency lighting equipment."