Light switch location
- Thread starter vinnyrpb
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bphgravity
Senior Member
- Location
- Florida
Re: Light switch location
The code only specifies switch location for interior stairwells and storage or equipment space. (Article 210.70(A)(2)(c) & (3))
Other than that, the code does not specify exact switch location for required lighting outlets. Always check local codes, job specifications, and blueprints.
Also, I think the ADA and NFPA 101 has some specs on this, not sure what they are exactly.
[ May 04, 2004, 02:46 PM: Message edited by: bphgravity ]
The code only specifies switch location for interior stairwells and storage or equipment space. (Article 210.70(A)(2)(c) & (3))
Other than that, the code does not specify exact switch location for required lighting outlets. Always check local codes, job specifications, and blueprints.
Also, I think the ADA and NFPA 101 has some specs on this, not sure what they are exactly.
[ May 04, 2004, 02:46 PM: Message edited by: bphgravity ]
hbendillo
Senior Member
- Location
- South carolina
Re: Light switch location
Nothing in the NEC of which I am aware. However, a bad choice for a location. If I was the owner that would have been on my punch list. You must have had a better alternative to the location if the inspector flagged you for it but since it is not a code situation maybe you can get it passed based on promise to solve the problem.
Nothing in the NEC of which I am aware. However, a bad choice for a location. If I was the owner that would have been on my punch list. You must have had a better alternative to the location if the inspector flagged you for it but since it is not a code situation maybe you can get it passed based on promise to solve the problem.
electricmanscott
Senior Member
- Location
- Boston, MA
Re: Light switch location
This is an odd statement. There is no violtaion therefore there is no "promise to solve the problem" neccesary.(At least according to the NEC) NEC calls for at least "one wall switch controlled lighting outlet". That's it! No location specified. Now what about your local code or building code. Either way the inspector should be able to cite a specific code rule if their is a problem.
This is an odd statement. There is no violtaion therefore there is no "promise to solve the problem" neccesary.(At least according to the NEC) NEC calls for at least "one wall switch controlled lighting outlet". That's it! No location specified. Now what about your local code or building code. Either way the inspector should be able to cite a specific code rule if their is a problem.
A
a.wayne3@verizon.net
Guest
Re: Light switch location
Vinny where are you in florida,I too have had some serious issues but have been able to resolve them for the most part.Others here will rell you I comply but have trouble with a gray area installation that is tagged at the end of the job.For spacing ?? A wall is a wall in rough or trim. Last week my inspector tagged a final for spacing.I considered it a hall way,but he stated usable wall spacing.I went out to the board and he signed off the rough???? Did it change no.Just B_ _ _ _ _ _ ng about the way it has become,thanks guys for the ear to bend.
Vinny where are you in florida,I too have had some serious issues but have been able to resolve them for the most part.Others here will rell you I comply but have trouble with a gray area installation that is tagged at the end of the job.For spacing ?? A wall is a wall in rough or trim. Last week my inspector tagged a final for spacing.I considered it a hall way,but he stated usable wall spacing.I went out to the board and he signed off the rough???? Did it change no.Just B_ _ _ _ _ _ ng about the way it has become,thanks guys for the ear to bend.
A
a.wayne3@verizon.net
Guest
Re: Light switch location
I forgot to answer the post...A switch for any light can be anywhere the code only says it must be switch controlled(or motion sencored under exception)If you want to control all lighting from one point that is code compliant residentialy.Even if it`s you master bedroom.
I forgot to answer the post...A switch for any light can be anywhere the code only says it must be switch controlled(or motion sencored under exception)If you want to control all lighting from one point that is code compliant residentialy.Even if it`s you master bedroom.
electricmanscott
Senior Member
- Location
- Boston, MA
Re: Light switch location
This one comes up alot. The kicker is the NEC says nothing about "Usable wall space". Some people think you don't count the space behind a door for receptacle spacing because it is not usable wall space. Those people are wrong. By the way, Allen, was it a hallway or not?
pierre
Senior Member
- Location
- Westchester County, New York
Re: Light switch location
I know this has been mentioned many times before, but the NEC is a safety document, and not a design document. And as well there are some inspectors who still insist on installations according to their own thoughts.
The NEC does not have too many locations mentioned as far as switch locations - such as say a living room, dining room or kitchen - which is permitted to have one switch located in any part of the room. As far as customer satisfaction .
Another thought to keep in mind is the other codes that are relevant to construction, such as ADA, building codes, life safety, etc... The NEC is only one of the codes and standards the installer/contractor is responsible for.
Pierre
I know this has been mentioned many times before, but the NEC is a safety document, and not a design document. And as well there are some inspectors who still insist on installations according to their own thoughts.
The NEC does not have too many locations mentioned as far as switch locations - such as say a living room, dining room or kitchen - which is permitted to have one switch located in any part of the room. As far as customer satisfaction
.Another thought to keep in mind is the other codes that are relevant to construction, such as ADA, building codes, life safety, etc... The NEC is only one of the codes and standards the installer/contractor is responsible for.
Pierre
ryan_618
Senior Member
- Location
- Salt Lake City, Utah
Re: Light switch location
I did an inspection today on a rough and called about 25 box fill violations. Again, I've been called hard. Now, if I do the final on this house and there just happens to be a 2' section of wall without an outlet in it...well, that 2' section of wall just doesn't get an outlet.
Hi Allen. You really struck a nerve with me here. As an inspector myself, one of things that I refuse to do is embaress myself at the final. I have been called hard before (man, many, many times), but I have never been called unfair. If I miss an outlet at the rough, than that is my fault as much as it is yours.
I did an inspection today on a rough and called about 25 box fill violations. Again, I've been called hard. Now, if I do the final on this house and there just happens to be a 2' section of wall without an outlet in it...well, that 2' section of wall just doesn't get an outlet.
pierre
Senior Member
- Location
- Westchester County, New York
Re: Light switch location
Ryan
I understand how one may feel about an inspector missing some item during a roughing, making the contractor not responsible for the requirement at the final, but I do not agree with that thought.
An inspector spends a very small proportion of time at the job compared to the installer, and cannot be accountable for every item that is 'not' installed. Maybe that wall space was added? The contractor is ultimately responsible and should be aware of the codes as well as the inspectors.
As you know, I have started an inspection company - prior to that I have been in the industry almost 30 years, the last 16 years as an electrical contractor.
I have always tried to stay on top of the code, and it has been my best weapon against those inspectors who want it their way. It has also helped to keep me in the position of passing my finals.
My very short experience has shown me that there are some contractors who will fail inspections with the idea that the inspector is laying the job out for him so he does not have to open his code book, as a matter of fact most of them have never owned a code book.
I was taught that as an electrical contractor, I am ultimately responsible for the job, and I feel that way as an inspector as well.
Pierre
Ryan
I understand how one may feel about an inspector missing some item during a roughing, making the contractor not responsible for the requirement at the final, but I do not agree with that thought.
An inspector spends a very small proportion of time at the job compared to the installer, and cannot be accountable for every item that is 'not' installed. Maybe that wall space was added? The contractor is ultimately responsible and should be aware of the codes as well as the inspectors.
As you know, I have started an inspection company - prior to that I have been in the industry almost 30 years, the last 16 years as an electrical contractor.
I have always tried to stay on top of the code, and it has been my best weapon against those inspectors who want it their way. It has also helped to keep me in the position of passing my finals.
My very short experience has shown me that there are some contractors who will fail inspections with the idea that the inspector is laying the job out for him so he does not have to open his code book, as a matter of fact most of them have never owned a code book.
I was taught that as an electrical contractor, I am ultimately responsible for the job, and I feel that way as an inspector as well.
Pierre
A
a.wayne3@verizon.net
Guest
Re: Light switch location
Ryan I admire you being stand up like that.To me if it passed on rough for wall spacing then how on a final can it get tagged for the same wall.I have no problem with an inspector citing articles that are in violation of the nec.Box fill,spacing,1 1/4",etc.To answer the other question was it a hallway or not.To me no you exited the laundry room turned right the dining room was on the right this area led to the family room and kitchen.In this model I now have crews spacing to code.Just a question who here uses the 2 ft. rule in a kitchen ??Lets say a 26 in wall as you enter the kitchen with a 4 gang box for lighting.This wall is backing a refridgerator then counter space.We are having to add a receptacle to every wall in a kithen that is 2 ft.
Ryan I admire you being stand up like that.To me if it passed on rough for wall spacing then how on a final can it get tagged for the same wall.I have no problem with an inspector citing articles that are in violation of the nec.Box fill,spacing,1 1/4",etc.To answer the other question was it a hallway or not.To me no you exited the laundry room turned right the dining room was on the right this area led to the family room and kitchen.In this model I now have crews spacing to code.Just a question who here uses the 2 ft. rule in a kitchen ??Lets say a 26 in wall as you enter the kitchen with a 4 gang box for lighting.This wall is backing a refridgerator then counter space.We are having to add a receptacle to every wall in a kithen that is 2 ft.
- Location
- Massachusetts
Re: Light switch location
I am sure Ryan looks at the big picture when making his decisions.
Is the missing outlet going to be missed or will it not make a difference.
Me too.
I am sure Ryan looks at the big picture when making his decisions.
Is the missing outlet going to be missed or will it not make a difference.
wayne123
Senior Member
- Location
- North Carolina
Re: Light switch location
I just had the same situation with the location of a switch in a loft area. I put a 4-way for two fan lights on the stairway leading up to the loft because there are no walls on the loft. The owner is installing picket railing around the loft so there is no place to put a switch. The inspector sited me for this and told me that a switch must be up there somewhere since it is a second level. So I put one in a hip wall about three ft. off of the floor. He passed the rough in anyway.
I just had the same situation with the location of a switch in a loft area. I put a 4-way for two fan lights on the stairway leading up to the loft because there are no walls on the loft. The owner is installing picket railing around the loft so there is no place to put a switch. The inspector sited me for this and told me that a switch must be up there somewhere since it is a second level. So I put one in a hip wall about three ft. off of the floor. He passed the rough in anyway.
electricmanscott
Senior Member
- Location
- Boston, MA
Re: Light switch location
I don't get the example. If the fridge is there it's not wall space. Otherwise spacing requirements apply and I install receptacels there.
bphgravity
Senior Member
- Location
- Florida
Re: Light switch location
The 2' rule doesn't apply to every wall in a kitchen, just the walls at counter spaces?
- Location
- Illinois
- Occupation
- retired electrician
Re: Light switch location
210.52(A)(2) will require a receptacle on this 26" wall even if there is no countertop at that location.
Don
210.52(A)(2) will require a receptacle on this 26" wall even if there is no countertop at that location.
Don
hurk27
Senior Member
- Location
- Portage, Indiana NEC: 2008
Re: Light switch location
I think this says it all:
I think this says it all:
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