stairway lighting

[Rich.Dickherber.Jr.]

Where do lights have to be in a stairway? I have an inspector who makes me break the plane of the stairs at the top and the bottom? Also, if the stairs have a landing in the middle of it, is the light in the landing good enough?

 

[Hendrix]

Where do lights have to be in a stairway? I have an inspector who makes me break the plane of the stairs at the top and the bottom? Also, if the stairs have a landing in the middle of it, is the light in the landing good enough?

Best to do what the AHJ suggests. The NEC dosen't deal with "placement" of luminairs. (I don't think).

 

[charlie b]

Best to do what the AHJ suggests.

I don't agree with this statement. I would say it is best that the AHJ enforce what is in the code, and nothing else. The NEC does not have a rule to back up this person's requirement. So I suggest you get him to give you the basis for his requirement.

 

[iaov]

Some local building codes may specify a certain amount of lumens for a stairwell, but to the best of my knowlege the NEC has no posistion on this.

 

[wbalsam1]

I've run into inspectors like this a lot. They're the kind that say:

• No more than 2 receptacles on each SABC;
• Can't have 14 ga wire on a circuit where 12 ga is, even if it's fused at 15 amperes;
• Can't have a panelboard in a commercial bathroom;
• Got to run your metal pipe bond all the way back to within 5 feet of where the water pipe comes in (when it comes in as plastic and transitions to metal where it comes in);
• Refrig has to be on its' own circuit;
• Outdoor coach lights have to be 72" AFF;
• Receptacles are to be mounted 16" AFF;
• Switches are to be mounted 48" AFF;
• Smoke alarms have to be on with lights;
• blah, blah, blah, ad infinitum.............

 

[rcarroll]

Stairway lighting is in the building code. If you have access to the IRC, see R303.6.

 

[Hendrix]

I don't agree with this statement. I would say it is best that the AHJ enforce what is in the code, and nothing else. The NEC does not have a rule to back up this person's requirement. So I suggest you get him to give you the basis for his requirement.

When it is something as simple as adding a light? The code is a minimum guideline for safty. That said, the AHJ can add a lot to it, if he want to be a PITA. I still say diplomacy is the EC's friend.:smile:

 

[anbm]

Stairwell lighting can be considered as egress lighting, Also NFPA-101, chapter 7, light at the top and bottom of stair well should be fed from two separate breaker (or circuit). I have run into this rule on several projects especially in Florida state.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

If you use sconces make sure they are placed so that no part of the sconce extends into the minimum required height of 6'8" (I believe). This is a building code issue not an NEC issue.

 

[steelersman]

Stairwell lighting can be considered as egress lighting, Also NFPA-101, chapter 7, light at the top and bottom of stair well should be fed from two separate breaker (or circuit). I have run into this rule on several projects especially in Florida state.

how can you still turn them both on together on a set of 3-ways if they have to be on a seperate circuit? I've never heard of this being enforced.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

how can you still turn them both on together on a set of 3-ways if they have to be on a separate circuit? I've never heard of this being enforced.

You can do it with contactors but it sounds like a dumb rule. If the contactor goes bad then you still have no lights. I guess you could have 2 sets of 3 ways-- sounds like a commercial job to me.

 

[radiopet]

210.70(A)(2) Additional Locations. Additional lighting outlets shall
be installed in accordance with (A)(2)(a), (A)(2)(b), and
(A)(2)(c).

(a) At least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet
shall be installed in hallways, stairways, attached garages,
and detached garages with electric power.

FYI- ofcourse i will assume you are speaking of an Residential Application....

 

[ivsenroute]

R303.6 Stairway illumination. All interior and exterior stairways
shall be provided with a means to illuminate the stairs,
including the landings and treads. Interior stairways shall be
provided with an artificial light source located in the immediate
vicinity of each landing of the stairway. For interior stairs the
artificial light sources shall be capable of illuminating treads
and landings to levels not less than 1 foot-candle (11 lux) measured
at the center of treads and landings. Exterior stairways
shall be provided with an artificial light source located in the
immediate vicinity of the top landing of the stairway. Exterior
stairways providing access to a basement from the outside
grade level shall be provided with an artificial light source
located in the immediate vicinity of the bottom landing of the
stairway.
Exception: An artificial light source is not required at the
top and bottom landing, provided an artificial light source is
located directly over each stairway section.
R303.6.1 Light activation. Where lighting outlets are
installed in interior stairways, there shall be a wall switch at
each floor level to control the lighting outlet where the stairway
has six or more risers. The illumination of exterior
stairways shall be controlled from inside the dwelling unit.
Exception: Lights that are continuously illuminated or
automatically controlled.

 

[LarryFine]

how can you still turn them both on together on a set of 3-ways if they have to be on a seperate circuit?

Two 3-way switches at each end of the stairway. Nobody says they have to switch together.

 

[anbm]

how can you still turn them both on together on a set of 3-ways if they have to be on a seperate circuit? I've never heard of this being enforced.

Why do you need to turn them on at same time? Stair lighting can be on 24/24, no switching... or split one lighting circuit on emergency power and the other on normal power, provide light switch for normal power circuit.

 

[steelersman]

Why do you need to turn them on at same time? Stair lighting can be on 24/24, no switching... or split one lighting circuit on emergency power and the other on normal power, provide light switch for normal power circuit.

I was referring to residential.

 

[Jesse7623]

I don't agree with this statement. I would say it is best that the AHJ enforce what is in the code, and nothing else. The NEC does not have a rule to back up this person's requirement. So I suggest you get him to give you the basis for his requirement.

The failure of a single bulb shall not leave the area in total darkness.Either 2 or more fixtures or a 2 bulb fixture should make AHJ happy.

 

[augie47]

I've run into inspectors like this a lot. They're the kind that say:

• No more than 2 receptacles on each SABC;
• Can't have 14 ga wire on a circuit where 12 ga is, even if it's fused at 15 amperes;
• Can't have a panelboard in a commercial bathroom;
• Got to run your metal pipe bond all the way back to within 5 feet of where the water pipe comes in (when it comes in as plastic and transitions to metal where it comes in);
• Refrig has to be on its' own circuit;
• Outdoor coach lights have to be 72" AFF;
• Receptacles are to be mounted 16" AFF;
• Switches are to be mounted 48" AFF;
• Smoke alarms have to be on with lights;
• blah, blah, blah, ad infinitum.............

You stole my rejection list and right here at Christams in a State where we get paid for re-inspections, you know.

 

[sparkchaser1961]

seems pretty obvious to me where lights go in a house, stairs or not. Even if there ain't any plans should be able to figure where lights go.

 

[sparkchaser1961]

The failure of a single bulb shall not leave the area in total darkness.Either 2 or more fixtures or a 2 bulb fixture should make AHJ happy.

I can see where this would apply to emergency lights, but not a house.