North Carolina Building Contractor License Practice Exam

What is the minimum amount of emergency power a system must provide for population sizes of 50 or more?

1. A minimum of 60 minutes

2. A minimum of 90 minutes

3. A minimum of 30 minutes

4. A minimum of 120 minutes

The correct answer is: A minimum of 90 minutes

The requirement for a minimum of 90 minutes of emergency power for systems serving populations of 50 or more is based on safety standards intended to ensure sufficient power supply during emergencies. This duration is designed to provide enough time for the safe evacuation of occupants, maintain essential services, and support operations of emergency lighting and communication systems until regular power can be restored or until safe evacuation can occur. The 90-minute standard is well-established in building codes and guidelines, highlighting the importance of preparedness in emergency situations. It takes into account the potential complexity and length of evacuations, especially in larger settings where the safety of multiple individuals must be considered. Other durations, such as 30, 60, or 120 minutes, do not align with the established guidelines for necessary emergency preparedness for population sizes over 50. Each of these alternatives would not sufficiently ensure the level of safety and readiness required by regulatory bodies in emergency scenarios, making 90 minutes the most appropriate benchmark to follow.