Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: jtinge, Location: Hampton, VA
Asked on: Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 2:42 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 4:39 am EDT
Question: Art. 210.70(A)(2)(c) requires a light switch at each floor level for lighting outlets installed for interior stairways in dwelling units. The explanatory note in the hdbk mentions hotels, motels, and so on. In industrial or administative builidngs, does the NEC also require a light switch at each floor level in stairways or is it silent for these locations? My safety office wants to remove installed light switches for stairway lighting in an office building. What code may address this if the NEC doesn't?
NEC Requirements for Stairway Lighting Switches
NEC Article 210.70(A)(2)(c) requires a light switch at each floor level for lighting outlets installed for interior stairways in dwelling units.
Exceptions
The code does not specifically address stairways in industrial or administrative buildings. However, Section 90.3(B) states that the provisions of this code do not apply to "building components that do not contribute to the electrical system, such as the structural members of buildings." Therefore, the NEC does not have any direct requirements for light switches in stairways in industrial or administrative buildings.
Code that May Address the Removal of Light SwitchesNFPA 101, Life Safety Code
NFPA 101, Section 7.2.
1.1.1 requires that means of egress stairs be adequately illuminated. While it does not specifically address the location of light switches, it could be argued that removing light switches at each floor level could impair the adequacy of illumination in case of an emergency.
Local Building Codes
Local building codes may have additional requirements for lighting controls in stairways. These codes should be consulted to determine if there are any specific requirements for light switches at each floor level in industrial or administrative buildings.
Safety Considerations
While the NEC may not have specific requirements for light switches in stairways in industrial or administrative buildings, there are still important safety considerations to keep in mind: Removing light switches can make it difficult to quickly and easily turn on the lights in case of an emergency. Stairways are often used for emergency evacuation, and adequate lighting is essential for safe movement. Relying solely on motion sensors or other automated lighting controls may not be sufficient to ensure that the stairs are adequately illuminated in all situations.
Recommendation:
It is generally recommended that light switches be provided at each floor level in stairways in industrial or administrative buildings for the safety and convenience of occupants. While the NEC may not specifically require them, local building codes or safety regulations may require them. Flag for review