3 way switches

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tennistec

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does the NEC determines the minimum number of steps for 3 way switching for stairway.
I could not find a code for it.
 
Here is one I always question, basement stairs having six or more steps, require a switch at top and bottom? I never do this, I always install a 3 wire at the top for future, but never rough a switch at the bottom... the way I look at it, what are you going to do, turn the lights off on yourself after you get to the bottom? :)
 
stickboy1375 said:
Here is one I always question, basement stairs having six or more steps, require a switch at top and bottom? I never do this, I always install a 3 wire at the top for future, but never rough a switch at the bottom... the way I look at it, what are you going to do, turn the lights off on yourself after you get to the bottom? :)
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Inasmuch as the basement lighting also lights the stairway going down to the basement, I don't see any way around it. I always ruff a 3way in a 4 square at the bottom of basement stairs, normally on the cement wall. For that matter, I also ruff a 3way at the top and bottom of Bilco door stairways leading into basements.

Read 210.70(A)(2)(c) word for word, and see if you come to that conclusion too.
 
mdshunk said:
Inasmuch as the basement lighting also lights the stairway going down to the basement, I don't see any way around it. I always ruff a 3way in a 4 square at the bottom of basement stairs, normally on the cement wall. For that matter, I also ruff a 3way at the top and bottom of Bilco door stairways leading into basements.

Read 210.70(A)(2)(c) word for word, and see if you come to that conclusion too.
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Luckily for us guys in MA, there is an exception here in unfinished basements.:grin: Some guys don't know that one.

Tom

Edited for spelling
 
Pierre C Belarge said:
The NEC does not require 3 way switches at the top and bottom of stairs. It requires a switch at the top and bottom of 6 risers or more. :wink:
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Yep, and it says those switches need to control "...the lighting outlets...". We are to assume that they mean the required stairway lighting outlets referenced in the sentence before. For jollies, you could switch some other set of lighting outlets with those switches and meet the letter of the code.
 
stickboy1375 said:
Yep... thats correct... 3-ways are a luxury item only...:)
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How do those peasants get by with out them? Good thing they don't have them , they would not understand the finer points of all "up" or all "down" three way controlling technology.
 
stickboy1375 said:
I always install a 3 wire at the top for future, but never rough a switch at the bottom... the way I look at it, what are you going to do, turn the lights off on yourself after you get to the bottom? :)
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If the basement has an exterior opening, it's a must.

I like 3-ways for the stairs, and a switch at the bottom for basement lights, if the basement is large enough.
 
mdshunk said:
For jollies, you could switch some other set of lighting outlets with those switches and meet the letter of the code.
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Speaking of meeting the letter of the code, the switches don't even have to be at the top of, bottom of, and landings w/entranceways to stairways of 6 or more risers. The letter of the code specifies at each level... and if you don't read it that way, the Exception puts it a bit more straightforward: "...remote, central, or automatic control of lighting shall be permitted." And if one takes the Exception to the letter, they could install one switch anywhere they like, i.e. a remote switch, and still be code compliant.

IMO this "requirement" is very poorly written.
 
Smart $ said:
Speaking of meeting the letter of the code, the switches don't even have to be at the top of, bottom of, and landings w/entranceways to stairways of 6 or more risers. The letter of the code specifies at each level... and if you don't read it that way, the Exception puts it a bit more straightforward: "...remote, central, or automatic control of lighting shall be permitted." And if one takes the Exception to the letter, they could install one switch anywhere they like, i.e. a remote switch, and still be code compliant.

IMO this "requirement" is very poorly written.
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Most of NEC is poorly written.If it was clear we would not even be here.
 
Jim W in Tampa said:
Most of NEC is poorly written.
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No!
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Jim W in Tampa said:
Most of NEC is poorly written.If it was clear we would not even be here.
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And you could do better?

You know that really upsets me to see people say that.

Until we have been in the CMPs shoes we have no idea how it is.

You should try to read other codes and laws before you go assuming the NEC is poorly written.
 
LarryFine said:
If the basement has an exterior opening, it's a must.

I like 3-ways for the stairs, and a switch at the bottom for basement lights, if the basement is large enough.
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Yes, I agree 100%, but, only if it is a walk-out... I don't count bilco's...
 
Jim W in Tampa said:
Most of NEC is poorly written.If it was clear we would not even be here.
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confusing yes at times. "Poorly written" I disagree the many variables to any installation, make it impossible to write in black or white terms. I think there is more "I think it should be this way or that way" from inspectors then from the NEC. This thread is a good example of that the reason the code dosn't say "at the top and bottom of the stairs" is every building is not the same.If you came in an entry door and it was 400' down a corridor to a stair case then another 400' to where you needed to be with nothing in between why say you have to put the switch at the stairs? To many choices on how to do the installation, and none of them wrong. ;)
 
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