Lighting in a stairwell

Status
Not open for further replies.
5

5Spot

Member
For the life of me I am unable to remember, as well as unable to find, where in the '05 code book it addresses the requirements for lighting in a stairwell; or maybe its switching at either end - see, I can't remember. Would someone be so kind as to drop me a hint? Specifically, I'm referring to stairs in a residence going from one floor to another.
 
Re: Lighting in a stairwell

6 steps+ and a landing into another area.The NEC doesn`t set a min. of lighting that must be there though.
 
Re: Lighting in a stairwell

If you are under the IRC or CABO codes in addition to the NEC, they require switching from both levels (top & bottom) of a permanant stairway for the stairway illunination. This would include "dead end" cellar stairs, attic stairs, etc. Fold down stairs & scuttle hatches are not included in this requirement. My state ( RI ) also exempts cellar bulkhead stairs. There is no mention of any number of stairs, switching is required at each level.
Rick
 
Re: Lighting in a stairwell

210.70(A)(2)(c) Where one or more lighting outlet(s) are installed for interior stairways, there shall be a wall switch at each floor level, and landing level that includes an entryway, to control the lighting outlet(s) where the stairway between floor levels has six risers or more.
Exception to (A)(2)(a), (A)(2)(b), and (A)(2)(c): In hallways, stairways, and at outdoor entrances, remote, central, or automatic control of lighting shall be permitted.
Click to expand...
 
Re: Lighting in a stairwell

Originally posted by rickg:
My state ( RI ) also exempts cellar bulkhead stairs. There is no mention of any number of stairs, switching is required at each level.
Rick
Click to expand...
Rick, is this a local code or is RI actually enforcing the IRC? I am aware that RI has a few outdoor lighting ammendments found in the building code, but I saw them on online a while ago and I have no idea where to find them now.
 
Re: Lighting in a stairwell

Rick, don't you think requiring 3-ways for dead end cellar stairs and attics is pretty foolish?

How many people go into an attic or basement and turn the lights off? :roll:
 
Re: Lighting in a stairwell

When the seperate landing into another area was put in the NEC we had a big problem.One model with a upper bonus room has a landing then a turn to the left and 1 step up.All these homes had the 3 way on the second landing and we added I can`t count how many 4 ways after the fact(easier to add the 4 way then change multi gangs la da da da da.)
 
Re: Lighting in a stairwell

Peter d
I am just a mere electric inspector however, I am told by my superior (building official) that we (Rhode Island) are under the IRC. I believe that to be accurate.
I have a copy of that article of the IRC pertaining to stairwat illumination in my code book at town hall. I will try to remember to look for it today or tomorrow at work and get you the article numbers.
I do NOT think it foolish to have 3 way switching on dead end cellar or attic stairways. If someone is in this space & the light is accidentally turned off by another person on the other level the person in the level without the switch will have to traverse the stairs in the dark, (or scream to have the light turned on).
RickG
 
Re: Lighting in a stairwell

Originally posted by rickg:

I do NOT think it foolish to have 3 way switching on dead end cellar or attic stairways. If someone is in this space & the light is accidentally turned off by another person on the other level the person in the level without the switch will have to traverse the stairs in the dark, (or scream to have the light turned on).
RickG
Click to expand...
OK, we will have to agree to disagree. But since it's in the code, I have no choice but to agree. :D

At any rate, I have had the basement lights turned off on me numerous times, and having a switch at the bottom of the stairs would do no good, as it would still require me to walk in the dark for some distance. So requiring another switch at the bottom of the stairs does not greatly increase safety, in my opinion.
 
Take note also that it is an indoor requirement. In your case that is probably the situation, but outdoors for some strange reason does not apply. Now if you ever saw a pole house with a long wooden stairs to an upper deck that is the only way up, (actually most have two stairs like this), and no three way or light down at the bottom end, then you have seen a really bad job that is code compliant.
 
I`ve been around 100`s of homes in 14 ft. flood plains that have exterior as well as interior and either we install 3 ways on the exterior or a motion sensor.Since motion sensors do not do well in Florida enviorment I opt. for 3 ways JMHO :wink:
 
At any rate, I have had the basement lights turned off on me numerous times, and having a switch at the bottom of the stairs would do no good, as it would still require me to walk in the dark for some distance. So requiring another switch at the bottom of the stairs does not greatly increase safety, in my opinion.

Peter, have you ever considered separate switching for other lights in basement? Lites at top and bottom of stairs with 3 way and rest of lites on 1 or more SP sw's.
Click to expand...
 
dlhoule said:
At any rate, I have had the basement lights turned off on me numerous times, and having a switch at the bottom of the stairs would do no good, as it would still require me to walk in the dark for some distance. So requiring another switch at the bottom of the stairs does not greatly increase safety, in my opinion.
Click to expand...

Peter, have you ever considered separate switching for other lights in basement? Lites at top and bottom of stairs with 3 way and rest of lites on 1 or more SP sw's.
Click to expand...
In fact, 210.70(A)(3) requires a wall-switch controlled lighting outlet.

Although, one switchleg could serve both purposes. Then it falls into the realm of design. Most designers would have the required light seperate from the stairs.

Good point, though. :)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top