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the emergency unit can't be cord connected if it is a REQUIRED emergency light for means of egress.

Not that I have ever cord and plug connected an emergency light but it is allowed by the NEC to do that with even required emergency lights. The article I quoted is 700 which covers the required emergency lighting.

That aside I would have no trouble believing another code prohibits it. It seems like a poor practice.

Here in MA they have deleted the sentence from 700.12(F) that allows cord and plug connection. [Linked Image]

Bob

Bob Badger
Construction & Maintenance Electrician
Massachusetts