[FONT=Times-Roman][size=2][FONT=Times-Roman][size=2]Joe,[/size][/FONT][/size][/FONT]
[FONT=Times-Roman][size=2][FONT=Times-Roman][size=2]Stairway illumination is regulated in two locations within the International Residential Code. I realize this is not necessarily binding for your inspections, but it is still good information to know. This language would be applicable for installations which are under the 06 IRC adoption.[/size][/FONT][/size][/FONT]
[FONT=Times-Roman][size=2][FONT=Times-Roman][size=2]Below is language from the 06 IRC version:[/size][/FONT][/size][/FONT]
[FONT=Times-Roman][size=2][FONT=Times-Roman][size=2]R303.6 Stairway illumination. All interior and exterior stairways[/size]
shall be provided with a means to illuminate the stairs,
including the landings and treads. Interior stairways shall be
provided with an artificial light source located in the immediate
vicinity of each landing of the stairway. For interior stairs the
artificial light sources shall be capable of illuminating treads
and landings to levels not less than 1 foot-candle (11 lux) measured
at the center of treads and landings. Exterior stairways
shall be provided with an artificial light source located in the
immediate vicinity of the top landing of the stairway. Exterior
stairways providing access to a basement from the outside
grade level shall be provided with an artificial light source
located in the immediate vicinity of the bottom landing of the
stairway.
[/FONT][/size][/FONT]
[FONT=Times-Roman][size=2][FONT=Times-Roman][size=2]Exception: An artificial light source is not required at the[/size]
top and bottom landing, provided an artificial light source is
located directly over each stairway section.
[/FONT][/size][/FONT]
[FONT=Times-Roman][size=2][FONT=Times-Roman][size=2]**R303.6.1 Light activation. **Where lighting outlets are[/size]
installed in interior stairways, there shall be a wall switch at
each floor level to control the lighting outlet where the stairway
has six or more risers. The illumination of exterior
stairways shall be controlled from inside the dwelling unit.
[/FONT][/size][/FONT]
[FONT=Times-Roman][size=2][FONT=Times-Roman][size=2]Exception: Lights that are continuously illuminated or[/size]
automatically controlled.
[/FONT][/size][/FONT]
[FONT=Times-Roman][size=2][FONT=Times-Roman][size=2]E3803.3 Additional locations. [/size]At least one wall-switch-controlled
lighting outlet shall be installed in hallways, stairways,
attached garages, and detached garages with electric power. At
least one wall-switch-controlled lighting outlet shall be installed
to provide illumination on the exterior side of each outdoor
egress door having grade level access, including outdoor egress
doors for attached garages and detached garages with electric
power. A vehicle door in a garage shall not be considered as an
outdoor egress door. Where one or more lighting outlets are
installed for interior stairways, there shall be a wall switch at
each floor level and landing level that includes an entryway to
control the lighting outlets where the stairway between floor levels
has six or more risers.
[/FONT][/size][/FONT]
[FONT=Times-Roman][size=2][FONT=Times-Roman][size=2]**Exception: **In hallways, stairways, and at outdoor egress[/size]
doors, remote, central, or automatic control of lighting shall
be permitted.
[/FONT][/size][/FONT]
[FONT=Times-Roman][size=2][FONT=Times-Roman][size=2]It is also important to remember that one of the things that Section E3803.3 is saying is that ALL stairways (regardless of dimension or the number of stair risers) is required to be illuminated with a lighting outlet. The number of risers only dictates where lighting outlets must be controlled. Among other things, Section E3303.6 can additionally regulate the switch location in relation to the stair treads.[/size][/FONT][/size][/FONT]
[FONT=Times-Roman][size=2][FONT=Times-Roman][size=2](At least this is how I read it…)[/size][/FONT][/size][/FONT]
[FONT=Times-Roman][size=2][FONT=Times-Roman][size=2]I do hope this is helpful,[/size][/FONT][/size][/FONT]
[FONT=Times-Roman][size=2][FONT=Times-Roman][size=2]mweaver[/size][/FONT][/size][/FONT]