NEC 210.70 Lighting Outlet Confusion

[AWinston]

I have a client that is giving pushback on this code section for a custom home. In each habitable room, the architect provides a recessed light. When I told them they need lighting outlets controlled by a switch, they asked if the controlled can light can be considered a "switched receptacle" especially since inspectors never had issues in the past. I always design to exactly what the NEC states. Am I wrong? Does each habitable room need a switched outlet if there is permanent lighting in the rooms?

 

[dkidd]

The light fixture is connected at an outlet. See definitions of outlet and receptacle.

 

[roger]

I always design to exactly what the NEC states. Am I wrong? Does each habitable room need a switched outlet if there is permanent lighting in the rooms?

Each habitable room does require a wall switch controlled outlet per 210.70(A)(1) and the two exceptions don't really change that.

Roger

 

[AWinston]

The light fixture is connected at an outlet. See definitions of outlet and receptacle.

Thanks for the clarification. It looks like a lot of professionals, including myself, have been using receptacle and outlet interchangeable which is WRONG. I've been dinged by plan check saying that there needs to be a switched receptacle in every habitable room even when there is permanent lighting. All receptacles are outlets but not all outlets are receptacles.

 

[LarryFine]

Does each habitable room need a switched outlet if there is permanent lighting in the rooms?

No.

Thanks for the clarification. It looks like a lot of professionals, including myself, have been using receptacle and outlet interchangeable which is WRONG. I've been dinged by plan check saying that there needs to be a switched receptacle in every habitable room even when there is permanent lighting. All receptacles are outlets but not all outlets are receptacles.

You misunderstand. The switched outlet can be either a receptacle or fixed lighting. Only baths and kitchens require fixed lighting only.

 

[hbiss]

Lighting Outlet. An outlet intended for the direct connection
of a lampholder or luminaire.

210.70(A)
(1) Habitable Rooms. At least one wall switch–controlled
lighting outlet shall be installed in every habitable room and
bathroom.

Exception No. 1: In other than kitchens and bathrooms, one
or more receptacles controlled by a wall switch shall be
permitted in lieu of lighting outlets.

Exception No. 2: Lighting outlets [but NOT receptacles] shall be permitted to be
controlled by occupancy sensors that are (1) in addition to
wall switches or (2) located at a customary wall switch location
and equipped with a manual override that will allow
the sensor to function as a wall switch.


-Hal

 

[roger]

Thanks for the clarification. It looks like a lot of professionals, including myself, have been using receptacle and outlet interchangeable which is WRONG. I've been dinged by plan check saying that there needs to be a switched receptacle in every habitable room even when there is permanent lighting. All receptacles are outlets but not all outlets are receptacles.

It sure looks like your plan check people need to be enlightened.

Roger

 

[retirede]

If “permanent lighting” means always on (not switched), then an additional switched outlet would be required.

I admit that it makes little sense to have a permanently-on light in a residence, and that is probably not what the OP means by permanent. But I found it an interesting situation if it were to ever happen.

 

[GoldDigger]

Note however the design point that a non-receptacle lighting outlet can be dimmer controlled instead of just simply switched, but a receptacle meant to be actually used to provide lighting cannot be controlled by a dimmer unless one of the proprietary special receptacle and plug combinations (Leviton?) is used.