Where to mount light switch

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1

Originally Posted By: jmyers
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Need some help with a switch requirement.


Is there any code reference for where you have to mount the switch to control the light/receptacle for a room?

If I am not mistaken, the NEC goes as far as to say you need to have one for each room, but does not require it be mounted in any given space within, or even outside of the room.

Is that correct?

Joe Myers

2

Originally Posted By: Ryan Jackson
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The NEC doesn’t address it because it is a design issue, not a safety issue.

–
Ryan Jackson, Salt Lake City

3

Originally Posted By: jpope
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The ADA addresses it, but it may not apply in your situation Joe.

–
Jeff Pope


JPI Home Inspection Service


“At JPI, we’ll help you look better”


(661) 212-0738

4

Originally Posted By: dvalley
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–
David Valley


MAB Member


Massachusetts Certified Home Inspections
http://www.masscertified.com

"Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go."
5

Originally Posted By: jmyers
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JP,


Is that Americans with Disabilities?

Thanks for all the help.

David thanks for the IRC reference but I was specifically looking for NEC references. ![icon_cool.gif](upload://oPnLkqdJc33Dyf2uA3TQwRkfhwd.gif)

Ryan,

You are saying that is no NEC requirement stating where the switch has to be placed? At least there is none that I am aware of!

Joe Myers

6

Originally Posted By: jpope
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jmyers wrote:
JP,

Is that Americans with Disabilities?



Yes, American Disabilities Act (ADA).

--
Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738
7

Originally Posted By: roconnor
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As long as that is not a required light for equipment or stairs, I would agree with Ryan that it’s a design/opperational issue.


What is your practical concern?

--
Robert O'Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee

I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong

8

Originally Posted By: jmyers
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Bob,


I was asked by a fellow inspector about the requirements for lighting/switched receptacles in rooms. To my knowledge, I only know of the requirement that it has to be there, none about the location of the switch.

I was pretty certain that the NEC only addresses the fact that every room needs one, not where the switch is located. Basically that means if you have a 25 foot hallway with three rooms off that hallway, you could have the lighting switches for all three rooms located at the beginning of the hallway, regardless of where in the hallway the rooms are positioned.

Come to think of it, I don't even think there is a requirement for them to be controlled by switches, they could be controlled by breakers, as long as you can turn them on and off from where ever the "switch" is located.

Joe Myers

9

Originally Posted By: bbadger
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Staying with the NEC references here is what the section says. icon_smile.gif


Quote:
210.70 Lighting Outlets Required.

Lighting outlets shall be installed where specified in 210.70(A), (B), and (C).

(A) Dwelling Units. In dwelling units, lighting outlets shall be installed in accordance with 210.70(A)(1), (2), and (3).

(1) Habitable Rooms. At least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in every habitable room and bathroom.

Exception No. 1: In other than kitchens and bathrooms, one or more receptacles controlled by a wall switch shall be permitted in lieu of lighting outlets.

Exception No. 2: Lighting outlets shall be permitted to be controlled by occupancy sensors that are (1) in addition to wall switches or (2) located at a customary wall switch location and equipped with a manual override that will allow the sensor to function as a wall switch.

(2) Additional Locations. Additional lighting outlets shall be installed in accordance with (a), (b), and (c).

(a)At least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in hallways, stairways, attached garages, and detached garages with electric power.

(b)For dwelling units, 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 outdoor entrances or exits with grade level access. A vehicle door in a garage shall not be considered as an outdoor entrance or exit.

(c)Where one or more lighting outlet(s) are installed for interior stairways, there shall be a wall switch at each floor level, and landing level that includes an entry way, to control the lighting outlet(s) where the stairway between floor levels has six risers or more.

Exception to (a), (b), and (c): In hallways, stairways, and at outdoor entrances, remote, central, or automatic control of lighting shall be permitted.

(3) Storage or Equipment Spaces. For attics, underfloor spaces, utility rooms, and basements, at least one lighting outlet containing a switch or controlled by a wall switch shall be installed where these spaces are used for storage or contain equipment requiring servicing. At least one point of control shall be at the usual point of entry to these spaces. The lighting outlet shall be provided at or near the equipment requiring servicing.

(B) Guest Rooms. At least one wall switch?controlled lighting outlet or wall switch?controlled receptacle shall be installed in guest rooms in hotels, motels, or similar occupancies.


A breaker would not qualify as a wall switch, however you could put the wall switch any where you want in many of the sections[/quote]

--
Bob Badger
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Moderator at ECN
10

Originally Posted By: jhagarty
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Bob:


Does the NEC differentiate between Residential vs. Commercial & Institutional Properties?

--
Joseph Hagarty

HouseMaster / Main Line, PA
joseph.hagarty@housemaster.com
www.householdinspector.com

Phone: 610-399-9864
Fax : 610-399-9865

HouseMaster. Home inspections. Done right.

11

Originally Posted By: lfranklin
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Some good reading at


http://www.nachi.org/bbsystem/viewtopic.php?t=6109

12

Originally Posted By: jhagarty
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Thanks Larry.

–
Joseph Hagarty


HouseMaster / Main Line, PA
joseph.hagarty@housemaster.com
www.householdinspector.com

Phone: 610-399-9864
Fax : 610-399-9865

HouseMaster. Home inspections. Done right.
13

Originally Posted By: bbadger
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jhagarty wrote:
Bob:

Does the NEC differentiate between Residential vs. Commercial & Institutional Properties?


"Dwelling Units" or "Other than Dwelling Units. ![icon_smile.gif](upload://b6iczyK1ETUUqRUc4PAkX83GF2O.gif)

The code section I posted above applies to "Dwelling Units"

To the NEC a dwelling unit may be a single family home or a 50 floor Hi rise hotel.

Here is the 2002 NEC definition of dwelling unit.

Quote:
Dwelling Unit. One or more rooms for the use of one or more persons as a housekeeping unit with space for eating, living, and sleeping, and permanent provisions for cooking and sanitation.


Some hotel rooms, fire stations, apartment buildings, retirement homes could all be "Dwelling Units"

If the building is "Other Than Dwelling Units" there are almost no requirements for switches or receptacles.

You will not see a row of light switches on the way in the door of your local "Target, Walmart, Kmart etc.

--
Bob Badger
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Moderator at ECN
14

Originally Posted By: jhagarty
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Thanks Bob.


That was what I was looking for.

--
Joseph Hagarty

HouseMaster / Main Line, PA
joseph.hagarty@housemaster.com
www.householdinspector.com

Phone: 610-399-9864
Fax : 610-399-9865

HouseMaster. Home inspections. Done right.

15

Originally Posted By: jmyers
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Bob,


Sorry, I did not specifically mean "dwelling units".

Joe Myers

16

Originally Posted By: bbadger
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jmyers wrote:
Bob,

Sorry, I did not specifically mean "dwelling units".

Joe Myers


No problem at all ![icon_cool.gif](upload://oPnLkqdJc33Dyf2uA3TQwRkfhwd.gif)

Are you interested in switch requirements for "other than dwelling units"?

There are very few required switches or outlets in other than dwelling units.

I can post that info if you would like to see it.

Bob

--
Bob Badger
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Moderator at ECN
17

Originally Posted By: rcooke
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Be careful I do not believe all breakers are designed to be used as switches. I think ( I could be corrected )sq D are the only ones that are approved to be used as a disconnect . The rest are for isolation only.


I am a retired Sparky and am going from memory of a Looong time ago.


Roy Cooke sr.

18

Originally Posted By: Kenneth Hartman
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breakers can be used as a disconnect as long as the item being disconnected is whith sight of the breaker box or the breaker has a lock out. There are some exceptions to this. That is per code now the manufacturer instalation instruction may something different and they should always be followed first.