110.26 (D), is automatic control REQUIRED?

[me50soup]

(NEC 2014) 110.26 (D) states that lighting for electrical rooms "shall not be controlled by automatic means only."

Does that mean that automatic control is REQUIRED? Can you use a simple on/off switch and not violate this code?

Need multiple answers/opinions on this, got into a deep discussion with a PE about this particular code.

[Dennis Alwon]

Imo, It means if you use automatic means then there must also be lighting that is not controlled automatically.

[Saturn_Europa]

(NEC 2014) 110.26 (D) states that lighting for electrical rooms "shall not be controlled by automatic means only."

Does that mean that automatic control is REQUIRED? Can you use a simple on/off switch and not violate this code?

Need multiple answers/opinions on this, got into a deep discussion with a PE about this particular code.

http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=184453

[Saturn_Europa]

[infinity]

Here's the NECH commentary following the code change in the 2011 NEC:

110.26(D) Illumination. Illumination shall be provided for all
working spaces about service equipment, switchboards, panelboards, or motor control centers installed indoors and shall not be controlled by automatic means only. Additional lighting outlets shall not be required where the work space is illuminated by an adjacent light source or as permitted by 210.70(A)(1), Exception No. 1, for switched receptacles.


This section was revised for the 2011 Code. It now requires
working spaces around service equipment, switchboards,
and motor control centers to have a nonautomatic means to
control the lighting. Automatic lighting control through de-
vices such as occupancy sensors and similar devices would
not be prohibited. However, a manual means to bypass the
automatic control would be required.

[me50soup]

http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=184453

I've looked at this thread. It does not directly address my question.

[me50soup]

Here's the NECH commentary following the code change in the 2011 NEC:

Yes, I have read this commentary before writing the thread.

Do you think this means that automatic control (ie occupancy) is needed/required?

[jwelectric]

Why do people try to make this so hard?

What has happened to common sense?

I have a 2000 amp 480 volt switch gear open with an ACI of 65k and the lights start going off. If I am the one in the suit I am not going to be very happy at all.

It makes perfect sense to me to just install a switched receptacle in the electrical room and call it good, or does it?

To answer your question, no an automatic means is not required to be installed and if one is installed it cannot control the lights in the area of the switch gear, panel board or motor control center. We don’t want to put anyone who might be servicing this equipment in the dark.

[infinity]

Yes, I have read this commentary before writing the thread.

Do you think this means that automatic control (ie occupancy) is needed/required?

Not required by the NEC, but might be required by some energy code especially in Cali.

[publicgood]

(NEC 2014) 110.26 (D) states that lighting for electrical rooms "shall not be controlled by automatic means only."

Does that mean that automatic control is REQUIRED? Can you use a simple on/off switch and not violate this code?

Need multiple answers/opinions on this, got into a deep discussion with a PE about this particular code.

Pretty straight fwd. Not auto only. Must either have separate non-auto or means to override any installed auto. Doesn’t mean you have to have auto. Doesn’t even mean you have to be able to turn off locally - they could be night lights that are always on. Most energy codes have exceptions for any control of utility rooms and security concerns.