Are 3-way switches code or just convenience?

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Re: Are 3-way switches code or just convenience?

A landing (IMO) only needs a switch if it provides entry to something other than next flight of stairs. :roll:
 
Re: Are 3-way switches code or just convenience?

Originally posted by celtic:. . . "how are my bathrooms passing w/o a switch IN them?"
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I believe there are some jurisdictions that require the bathroom's light switch to be in the hallway. That has always annoyed me, particularly in hotel rooms. If, in the middle of the night, someone gets up to use the facilities, it is not possible for the door to be closed before the light goes on, or the light to be turned off before the door is opened again. That makes the light shine on the person trying to sleep. :mad:
 
Re: Are 3-way switches code or just convenience?

Originally posted by websparky:
The NEC also does not require switches at hallways, stairways and at outdoor entrances.
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Is that your tongue I see firmly planted in your cheek? For dwelling units the NEC requires switches at (but not necessarily IN) all of the above. 210.70(A)(2)(a) & (b).

As for the 3-way that the OP asked about:

210.70(A)(2)(a) Requires at least one switch controlled lighting outlet in a stairwell. 210.70(A)(2)(c) says that outlet shall have a switch at every floor level if there are six or more risers. That certainly requires a three-way.

Now, what about your design choice to install more than one outlet? It says "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 entry way, to control the lighting outlet(s). . ."

I read that as the required switch per floor controlling however many are installed.

[corrected numerous spelling errors]

[ January 25, 2006, 02:03 PM: Message edited by: Mike03a3 ]
 
Re: Are 3-way switches code or just convenience?

Ya gotta love this place. We can take a simple question and turn it into a 2 page thread. :cool:
 
Re: Are 3-way switches code or just convenience?

Originally posted by Mike03a3:
As for the 3-way that the OP asked about:

210.70(A)(2)(a) Requires at least one switch controlled lighting outlet in a stairwell. 210.70(A)(2)(c) says that outlet shall have a switch at every floor level if there are six or more risers. That certainly requires a three-way.
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That would be a good design but is not required.

Single pole switches at each floor controlling a lighting outlet on each floor would meet code.

As far as other switches you could place them all at the panel in the basement and still meet the NEC requirements.

Tom Baker said it well in this thread.

If you installed switches per the NEC, that would be the last house you would wire.
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Re: Are 3-way switches code or just convenience?

Originally posted by iwire:
Originally posted by Mike03a3:
[qb]As for the 3-way that the OP asked about:

210.70(A)(2)(a) Requires at least one switch controlled lighting outlet in a stairwell. 210.70(A)(2)(c) says that outlet shall have a switch at every floor level if there are six or more risers. That certainly requires a three-way.
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That would be a good design but is not required.

Single pole switches at each floor controlling a lighting outlet on each floor would meet code.

As far as other switches you could place them all at the panel in the basement and still meet the NEC requirements.
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What I'm saying is that the code requires a light. If you install that single light, then the code requires three-ways, since you need a switch at each floor.

If you install more than one, then we can argue about the need for something other than a single pole at each floor. I read it as requiring you add one or more lights, and then requiring a switch at each landing to control what you installed. I agree the wording leaves some degree of ambiguity (that's hardly news, right?) If the NEC was written with crystal clarity we would all have to find a new hobby.

[ January 25, 2006, 04:14 PM: Message edited by: Mike03a3 ]
 
Re: Are 3-way switches code or just convenience?

Originally posted by Mike03a3:
What I'm saying is that the code requires a light. If you install that single light, then the code requires three-ways, since you need a switch at each floor.
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This thread is named;

Are 3-way switches code or just convenience

And the answer is that there is no place in the NEC that ever requires a 3 way.

It is a design choice, if your design at the stairs has only one light for both floors than an easy solution would be three ways.

Or you could use a single two lamp fixture with one single pole switch at each floor controlling one lamp in the fixture.

Or you could use single poles with a fixture on each floor.

My only point is the code is a rock bottom minimum that will not make happy customers. :)

90.1(B) Adequacy. This Code contains provisions that are considered necessary for safety. Compliance therewith and proper maintenance will result in an installation that is essentially free from hazard but not necessarily efficient, convenient, or adequate for good service or future expansion of electrical use.
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Re: Are 3-way switches code or just convenience?

Am I the only one with this in my code book?

210.70(A)(2)
Exception to (A)(2)(a), (A)(2)(b), and (A)(2)(c): In hallways, stairways, and at outdoor entrances, remote, central, or automatic control of lighting shall be permitted.
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No switches required!
 
Re: Are 3-way switches code or just convenience?

Just to add fuel to this thread, when are 4 ways required?
 
Re: Are 3-way switches code or just convenience?

Yes Jim you can .But cost to me would stop that from being an issue.The old wives tale thread is taking off think I will go there to see the next round of senceless jiberish.
 
Re: Are 3-way switches code or just convenience?

ROFL this is the funniest thread I've read in a long time! I feel so much clearer on the subject now though.
 
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