3 way switch required - stairs in garage ?

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Stevenfyeager

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United States, Indiana
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electrical contractor
Does NEC or local code require a 3 way switch for a stairs in a detached garage that leads up to a storage room with no window? I have a single switch at the bottom of the stairs that lights up the stairs and upper room altogether. Thank you.
 
Stevenfyeager said:
Does NEC or local code require a 3 way switch for a stairs in a detached garage that leads up to a storage room with no window? I have a single switch at the bottom of the stairs that lights up the stairs and upper room altogether. Thank you.
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Once you get to the upper level are you able to walk outside :? Unless you plan on sleeping up there or staying up there for any length of time without lighting I don't see any reason for having a 3-way switch there (at the top of the stairs).
 
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There is currently no requirement for a 3-way in the NEC. Anywhere. You only need 'a switch' at the top and bottom if there's 6 or more steps. See 210.70(A)(2)(a) and 210.72(A)(2)(c).

3-way use is a matter of design choice and convenience, not a safety issue so it's not addressed by the NEC.
 
480sparky said:
There is currently no requirement for a 3-way in the NEC. Anywhere. You only need 'a switch' at the top and bottom if there's 6 or more steps. See 210.70(A)(2)(a) and 210.72(A)(2)(c).

3-way use is a matter of design choice and convenience, not a safety issue so it's not addressed by the NEC.
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Are both code references to 210.70? (no 210.72 in my code book)
 
jumper said:
Assuming a dwelling unit, a three way is not required but a switched lighting outlet at the top and bottom is needed.

210.70(A)(2)(a) and(c)

Edit: too slow, what 480 said.
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I know that's what part (c) of that code section states but think about the logic of this and the intent of this code section. Again, we're talking about a detached garage. If you're walking up the stairs on your way to the storage space with no means of exit once you get up there, why would you need an additional switch at the top of the stairs ?
 
goldstar said:
I know that's what part (c) of that code section states but think about the logic of this and the intent of this code section. Again, we're talking about a detached garage. If you're walking up the stairs on your way to the storage space with no means of exit once you get up there, why would you need an additional switch at the top of the stairs ?
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I never think about logic when dealing with the NEC, I just do what it says.......unless nobody is looking.:D
 
I think someone in the CMP didn't think this section through thoroughly. They may have to make a change in language to clarify
 
goldstar said:
I know that's what part (c) of that code section states but think about the logic of this and the intent of this code section. Again, we're talking about a detached garage. If you're walking up the stairs on your way to the storage space with no means of exit once you get up there, why would you need an additional switch at the top of the stairs ?
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In case some butt munch turned it off while you are up there? :)
 
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goldstar said:
I know that's what part (c) of that code section states but think about the logic of this and the intent of this code section. Again, we're talking about a detached garage. If you're walking up the stairs on your way to the storage space with no means of exit once you get up there, why would you need an additional switch at the top of the stairs ?
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Because if there's 6 or more steps, the NEC requires one. The fact it's in a detached garage is not relevant.

That said, who says the (one required) switch be at the bottom? Why can't it be up at the top of the stairs?
 
K8MHZ said:
I would think the garage would not be a dwelling unit as defined in the NEC, so "other than dwelling unit" should apply, requiring only one switch at the usual point of entry, no?
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(2) Additional Locations.
Additional lighting outlets shall
be installed in accordance with (A)(2)(a), (A)(2)(b), and
(A)(2)(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 illu-
mination 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 entryway, to
control the lighting outlet(s) where the stairway between
floor levels has six risers or more
 
jumper said:
(2) Additional Locations.
Additional lighting outlets shall
be installed in accordance with (A)(2)(a), (A)(2)(b), and
(A)(2)(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 illu-
mination 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 entryway, to
control the lighting outlet(s) where the stairway between
floor levels has six risers or more
Click to expand...

Thanks!

I see some changes have been made.
 
jumper said:
(2) Additional Locations.
Additional lighting outlets shall
be installed in accordance with (A)(2)(a), (A)(2)(b), and
(A)(2)(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 illu-
mination 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 entryway, to
control the lighting outlet(s) where the stairway between
floor levels has six risers or more
Click to expand...
At least one switch in section (a). The section I'm having a problem with is (C). IMHO One is sufficient at either end. If we are going to nitpick at this, then why not just say three-way switches are required?
 
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