OK, a plain english explanation....
One open large area/room/store/office, etc.
IF three (3) or more lighting circuits in that 'room', you are allowed to have a 'dedicated' exit/em circ w/cb lock.
IF NOT, the exit/em lighting has to be circuited (connected) to the local lighting circuit, before any switch.
You also mentioned 'existing'; did you touch, modify, relocate, or not touch it?
Usually, a retail store falls under the 'more than three (3) circuits', and has a dedicated exit/em circuit with the 'nite lites'. The number of 'rows' is not really relevant, it's the # of lighting circuits.
What part of NJ are you in ?? And what Article was cited? and by who, Elec, Fire or Bldg?
Last edited by HotLine1; 08/06/08 09:07 PM.