Light switches at egress points

Status
Not open for further replies.
P

peterug13

Member
Im in Rhode ISland...I have a new commercial building that is in the punch list stage. In one room of the building (office) there are two entrances at the opposite ends of the room (about 30 feet apart). There are light switches at one door but not the other. So if i come into the room on the north end Im fine...hit the switch and the lights are on. If I come in thru the south door I have to walk all the way across the room to turn the lights on. Both the electrician and the architect say code doesnt require switches at both entrances to the room because "commercial codes" apply, not residential. I kinda find this hard to beleive. Anyone have any comments or direction?
 
peterug13 said:
. Both the electrician and the architect say code doesnt require switches at both entrances to the room because "commercial codes" apply, not residential. I kinda find this hard to beleive. Anyone have any comments or direction?
Click to expand...

What would be the code that would apply if it was residential?
 
All there has to be is a switch to control the lighting outlet in a room.Nothing says where it shall be located.210.70.Kind of funny though the only place that actually dictates where a switch will be located is under(other than dwelling units for attics and underfloor spaces) to be at the usual point of entry.210.70 C
 
It's amazing how cheap some designers can be. Does anyone think that it is a good design to have to walk 30' to turn the lights on or off? Seems like a rather large inconvenience to save 50' of three wire cable, a box and a three-way switch. If I were the owner of this space I wouldn't be happy.
 
Trevor I agree,but it is a design issue cut and dry.All an EC can do is wire per print maybe send a FYI to the GC and point it out.Aside from that it is compliant as far as the NEC goes.
 
allenwayne said:
Kind of funny though the only place that actually dictates where a switch will be located is under(other than dwelling units for attics and underfloor spaces) to be at the usual point of entry.210.70 C
Click to expand...
What about stairways?
 
As long as this room isn't a stairway, it is code compliant.

We do some large offices with no light switches at all (by special request of the owner). Just the breakers in the panelboard, and the panelboard isn't by any entry doors.

Bad design in my opinion, but the customer is always right (as long as it is code compliant).

But on second thought, some of the energy codes might have something to say about switch locations (if any energy codes are required in your area).

Steve
 
peterug13 said:
If I come in thru the south door I have to walk all the way across the room to turn the lights on.
Click to expand...
The NEC is limited in scope to the minimum requirements for a safe installation. It has nothing to say on issues of convenience (e.g., having to walk across a room to turn on a light).

This is the sort of thing that is best resolved during the design phase, and not after construction. If the owner or the tenant (and I surmise that you might represent one of these two entities) want a second light switch, or a motion sensor, or some other light control, you won't be able to use "failure to comply with the NEC" as a means of forcing the electrical contractor to install it at no additional cost.
 
I have heard of the so-called "California first switch rule". I think that it is part of their Title 24 rules, but I'm not sure. I'd be interested in learning more about that rule of there is someone here that operates in Cali. I struggle to let the first switch inside every door into a room be the switch that substantially lights that room. It isn't always possible or permitted (by the owner or occupant).
 
I fed an inspector egg few weeks ago.He thought he could require a light fixture on a rear door of an office.He even sited the number and suggested i read it.Itold him i have read it and went to truck and read it to him in front of 2 gc supers.I think he will be more carefull in the future in who he takes on.For most of commercial nec does not even require switches.Not saying i agree but that how its written.
 
mdshunk said:
I have heard of the so-called "California first switch rule". I think that it is part of their Title 24 rules, but I'm not sure. I'd be interested in learning more about that rule of there is someone here that operates in Cali..
Click to expand...


I am in the S.F.bay area , you are correct that the title 24 here has an affect on the switch location in residential,bath and kitchen.First switch being the one to opperate a fluorecent fixture. They just revised it starting last oct. to be 50% of lamp wattage in kitchen must be energy efficient lights,this is a real pain in the a$$ I had a designer actually scream today when she heard this. also all exterior lights must be fluorecent or on a motion sensor,the bedrooms must have dimmers and the bath room needs manual on auto off motion sensors on incandesant lights.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top