Commercial corridor require switch?

[Mr. Pickle]

Working on a couple of projects, Multi-family and a senior living facility. Owner would like to have the corridor lights unswitched. These are the main "public" corridors. Owner is thinking they will just be on all the time. Is there a code which would require a switch to be provided for the corridor lights?

 

[Rick 0920]

There is none that I'm aware of. If you do put a switch in, I would recommend a keyed switch so only employees could turn them off. If the corridor is a means of egress, you will need enough illumination on generator or battery backup ballasts to allow residents to safely exit. wouldn't be a bad idea to have every 3rd or 4th light to be unswitched as a night light. These could be on your Life Safety circuit.

 

[rc/retired]

Not required

 

[kwired]

NEC doesn't require any "wall switch" here. Doesn't prohibit any either.

Other codes could impact what you can or can't do, particularly energy codes or life safety codes.

 

[ron]

As pointed out, the adopted Energy Code will require automatic control.

 

[qcroanoke]

As pointed out, the adopted Energy Code will require automatic control.

There's one that requires that 1/2 can be turned off while the other 1/2 is on. But i cant tell you where it is