Light switches in public restrooms

Status
Not open for further replies.
M

magicdog

Member
We completed a commercial retail installation where the drawings showed no switching for restroom lighting. The 3rd party inspector says
there has to be a switch in those RR. I haven't looked it up in the NEC, but this seems illogical.
It would seem more logical for mandatory switching
in a dwelling. This inspector has already shown
his ignorance by demanding a 3/0 to the ground rod
on 600a service when the proper grounding has already been established via bldg. steel and cold water. A #6 is sufficient to made electrode. The drawings spec "ground as per NEC". What do you guys think?
 
Re: Light switches in public restrooms

I think that not having a switch in a public restroom is very poor idea and poor design. However, code does not require it for this installation. Ask the inspector to point it out in the book. If he shows you the article, do it. If not, I would listen to who writes your check! It seems to me the the inspector is doing what he likes to see and not what is required of him.

[ February 17, 2005, 08:34 PM: Message edited by: aelectricalman ]
 
Re: Light switches in public restrooms

not required under the NEC, ask him for a code section which he is required to give you, the state I inspect in adopted a model energy code
which does require some extra switching & timeclocks and other things for energy conservation.
 
Re: Light switches in public restrooms

Actually switches in public restrooms can be a safety issue. To allow practical jokers to put people in the dark is stupid. There are occupancy sensors, motion detectors, time clocks, etc... to handle this and still be conservation responsible too.

Roger

[ February 17, 2005, 09:01 PM: Message edited by: roger ]
 
Re: Light switches in public restrooms

Our state energy code requires some type of device-timeclock, occupancy sensor, daylight sensor to control lights.
I would ask for the code section saying a switch is required!
 
Re: Light switches in public restrooms

Is the question whether to put the switch inside the RR or outside the RR? Or is the question whether to leave out the switch entirely, so that the lights are on 24/7?
 
Re: Light switches in public restrooms

Can we say Key Switches. I would never put a toggle in a public restroom, but you need a switch!
 
Re: Light switches in public restrooms

aelectricalman,
but you need a switch!
Click to expand...
why?

Roger

[ February 17, 2005, 10:11 PM: Message edited by: roger ]
 
Re: Light switches in public restrooms

Restrooms are another excellent place to install a clapper. :D

However if that is out of reach and too upscale for you, you can always put in a keyed switch. Here, the fart fan must also come on with the lights.
 
Re: Light switches in public restrooms

There's a thirty dollar 1 gang motion sensor that's perfect for bathrooms. If you don't need a switch at 6'7" or less you can put it in the ceiling.
 
Re: Light switches in public restrooms

This is a building energy code issue not an NEC issue. ASHRAE 90.1 and IECC require switches in all spaces with ceiling height partitions. Now there are exceptions for security and such. Common solution is to put the switch in the janitors closet if nearby. Key switch also works well. I think you need to get the electrical engineer on the horn with your inspector.
 
Re: Light switches in public restrooms

Originally posted by physis:
If you don't need a switch at 6'7" or less you can put it in the ceiling.
Click to expand...
Uhh...if a bullfrog had wings it wouldn't bump it's bottom as it jumped around, but 404.8(A) would still require that switch at 6'7" or less. :D

Unless it came with a hookstick...
Or a winged bullfrog... :D
 
Re: Light switches in public restrooms

404.8 Accessibility and Grouping.
(A) Location. All switches and circuit breakers used as switches shall be located
Doesn't say they have to be there George. If it is there then I agree with your statement. But we can install a sensor in the ceiling for a rr or janitors closet and still use the breaker in the panel 55 feet away as the switch.
 
Re: Light switches in public restrooms

My take on it.
Where we live. The plans are reviewed by the AHJ before a permit is issued. If he has a problem, he needs to take it up with the electrical engineer who certified and stamped the drawings along with the Architect who was overseeing the job, thats why they make the big bucks.

I wouldnt argue with the inspector, simply submit his violations complete with Change Orders to correct the problem to the contractor. Im sure when you sumitted your bid for the job it stated "Per plans"to your GC. So if the engineer left something out, it's his problem.
 
Re: Light switches in public restrooms

What I don't understand is why the inspector didn't catch this when the plans were submitted???? If they were presented to his office and the permit was issued, then it sounds like the inspector will have to pass it.

Ask him what the point is of submitting plans for approval if they are going to get rejected after the job is completed!
 
Re: Light switches in public restrooms

There are not any requirements NEC or Energy Code that I am aware of that require a switch in a non-dwelling unit bathroom.

The NEC is entirely silent on this and the energy codes can be met by a simple time clock located in the electric room.

As has been said, ask the inspector for a code reference.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top