exterior stair lighting and 3ways

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ub8up1

ub8up1

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I am the electrical subcode official for ocean and bay front highin homes. 99% of these homes have roof top decks, some as large as 30 X 40. From time to time, such as 4th. of July fireworks, large numbers of guests gather on the deck to party hardy. Most time the decks are accessed via a staircase or spiral stairs that exits the top floor to a flight of stairs with 17 plus risers up to the roof top deck. I have been requiring that the stairs have lighting at least at the top and bottom and have 3ways at the top and bottom. I have been citing 210.70 (A) (2) (c) to require compliance. Yesterday a "new" EC in the area respectfully reminded me that article only applies to Interior stairs. At this point I am hard pressed to disagree with the fellow. So, I am looking for input from you guys on how to support what I believe to be a common sense requirement that these people are not left in the dark when some one accidentally turns off the switch down stairs and everyone is trying to get down the stairs in the dark with drink in hand. :-?
 
ub8up1 said:
At this point I am hard pressed to disagree with the fellow. So, I am looking for input from you guys on how to support what I believe to be a common sense requirement that these people are not left in the dark when some one accidentally turns off the switch down stairs and everyone is trying to get down the stairs in the dark with drink in hand. :-?
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I don't think the NEC will help you here but perhaps the building code would.
 
ub8up1 said:
I am the electrical subcode official for ocean and bay front highin homes. 99% of these homes have roof top decks, some as large as 30 X 40. From time to time, such as 4th. of July fireworks, large numbers of guests gather on the deck to party hardy. Most time the decks are accessed via a staircase or spiral stairs that exits the top floor to a flight of stairs with 17 plus risers up to the roof top deck. I have been requiring that the stairs have lighting at least at the top and bottom and have 3ways at the top and bottom. I have been citing 210.70 (A) (2) (c) to require compliance. Yesterday a "new" EC in the area respectfully reminded me that article only applies to Interior stairs. At this point I am hard pressed to disagree with the fellow. So, I am looking for input from you guys on how to support what I believe to be a common sense requirement that these people are not left in the dark when some one accidentally turns off the switch down stairs and everyone is trying to get down the stairs in the dark with drink in hand. :-?
Click to expand...

Just who exactly hires you for this inspection? Knowing this changes suggestions.
 
I am not sure what building code is adopted in NJ, but the 2006 IRC (International Residential Code) Section R303.6 requires all interior and exterior stairways to be provided with a means to illuminate the stairs, including the landings and treads.

Chris
 
I only see a few options. Inspect using NEC or Create a local code in writing. Why would the specs not show an extra switch ? This is poor design issue over something cheap that is needed for safety.
 
I am too lazy just now, so later I will provide the section, but the Residential building code does have verbiage on this, and it is not exactly the same as 210.70, it is a little more involved.

Okay, I did look it up...:grin:

As already presented,
R303.6 Stairway illumination.
All interior and exterior stairways shall be provided with a means to illuminate the stairs, including the landings ans treads.
...
Exterior stairways shall be provided with an artificial light source located in the immediate vicinity of the top landing of the stairway.


It does go on to say the the control of the lighting "shall be controlled from inside the dwelling unit."
 
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