Dwelling Unit hallway 3 way switches - code?

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olc

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Is there, in the NEC or any of the state codes, a requirement for hallway light switches at both ends of a hallway greater than 10 feet long? (or any other length)

It was brought up for a hallway 10'-6" but I can't find anything.

10' seems like a good length to have switches at either end if longer. My own house has a 13' hall and it is nice to have the switch at both ends.

I'm just looking to see if there is a written code rule.
 
Dennis Alwon

Dennis Alwon

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There is nothing in the NEC that requires a 3 way switch. Practicality you may want one but the NEC is silent on it
 
KnightPower

KnightPower

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Location
US
Like Dennis stated theres no requirement for 3 way switching, but I provided the reference for additional lighting outlets.

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Little Bill

Little Bill

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Tennessee NEC:2017
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Semi-Retired Electrician
KnightPower said:
Like Dennis stated theres no requirement for 3 way switching, but I provided the reference for additional lighting outlets.

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Click to expand...

The "additional lighting outlets" you are referring to are in addition to the required lighting outlets in Habitable rooms. It's just saying there are other required locations for a lighting outlet in addition to habitable rooms. It's not saying to add another in those areas.

(1) Habitable Rooms. At least one wall switch–controlled
lighting outlet shall be installed in every habitable room,
kitchen, 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 the following:
(1) At least one wall switch–controlled lighting outlet shall be
installed in hallways, stairways, attached garages, and
detached garages with electric power.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Dennis Alwon

Dennis Alwon

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lordofthisworld said:
Isn’t there a code for 3 ways for stairways 6 risers or more? Or is that gone?
Click to expand...

The nec never mentioned 3 ways but it does say there must be a switch to control a light at both levels. Usually this is a 3 way but it doesn't have to be. You could have 2 sp switches turning on different lights....

The point is 3 way is never used in the nec but in reality we always use 3 ways on stairs
 
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lordofthisworld

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Location
Massachusetts
Dennis Alwon said:
The nec never mentioned 3 ways but it does say there must be a switch to control a light at both levels. Usually this is a 3 way but it doesn't have to be. You could have 2 sp switches turning on different lights....

The point is 3 way is never used in the nec but in reality we always use 3 ways on stairs
Click to expand...

Ya true it doesn’t say it has to be a three way.
 
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nickelec

Senior Member
Location
US
There is a requirement two have to switches at the top and bottom of any set of stairs 6 risers or more but doesn't necessarily have to be a 3 way

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KnightPower

KnightPower

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Location
US
And as stated previously.. the additional locations say hallways, stairways and attached garages yet no requirement for 3 way switching that answers the OP question. Futhermore this may be one of those instances where common sense gets quoted as Code.

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480sparky

480sparky

Senior Member
Location
Iowegia
The way the NEC is written, one only needs a single switch per level. Ranch house on a slab: 1 switch. Ranch with basement: 2 switches. Two-story with basement: 3 switches.

Single-poles only. No 3-ways.

Legal, yes. Smart? It would be fiscal suicide. Wire houses like that and you'd be out of business pretty quickly.
 
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