Switch location?

[jjhoward]

Is there any code reference that stipulates where a snap switch should be located for the exterior lights of a residential entrance? The usual town inspector was on vacation and the "covering inspector" left the site without a pass or fail notice. He explained that he will leave some notes for regular inspector, but he did not like where the switch was for the entry way exterior lights. The switch is only about 6 feet opposite the door, not to the left or right.

Thank you.

 

[electricman2]

Re: Switch location?

No. See 210.70(A)(2)(b). The only requirement is a wall switch controlled lighting outlet be installed to provide illumination of the entrance(s)

 

[allenwayne]

Re: Switch location?

As stated,the switch could be located anywhere. The homeowner asks to put it in the den for example it is still compliant.yes sir it is
Some homes we have might have 3 sometimes 4 doors to a lanai area,would he say we would have to place a swith at every door .Nope as long as there is one, Although good wiring for convienance but not required.

 

[hurk27]

Re: Switch location?

Exception to (a), (b), and (c): In hallways, stairways, and at outdoor entrances, remote , central, or automatic control of lighting shall be permitted.

In this exception to 210.70 allows the switch to be "remote" or "central" It does not have to be by the door!

 

[allenwayne]

Re: Switch location?

In all of 210 70 the only reference given to where a switch shall be is 210 C and not in regards to habitable areas and 210 A 2 C comes close to saying where a switch will be( a landing level that has an entryway.

 

[jimwalker]

Re: Switch location?

Something is wrong when your inspector goes on vacation and the replacement can't inspect.You could just have a photocell and no switch if you so like.Many fixtures have them built in.

 

[pierre]

Re: Switch location?

210.70(A)(2)

(b) For dwelling units, attached garages, and detached garages with electric power, at least one wall switch?controlled lighting outlet shall be installed to provide illumination on the exterior side of outdoor entrances or exits
with grade level access. A vehicle door in a garage shall not be considered as an outdoor entrance or exit.

Exception to (a), (b), and (c):
In hallways, stairways, and at outdoor entrances, remote, central, or automatic control
of lighting shall be permitted.

Just be careful in regards to some local building codes, as the local building code will have specific location of switches.

Example:
NYS has specific locations for switches and lighting outlets in the Residential Building Code, only most (not all) Building inspectors do not enforce this ... YET!

 

[George Stolz]

Re: Switch location?

Would you say that the NEC is requiring the illumination to strike the door?

210.70(A)(2)(b) For dwelling units, attached garages, and detached garages with electric power, at least one wall switch?controlled lighting outlet shall be installed to provide illumination on the exterior side of outdoor entrances or exits with grade level access. A vehicle door in a garage shall not be considered as an outdoor entrance or exit.

Disclaimer: I didn't rough this house.

I recently had this come up. Picture a back door of a house, with a cantilever beside it, for the dining room. The light was mounted on the back of the cantilever, so the light from the luminaire illuminated the back yard, half the back stoop, but didn't illuminate the step and the door.

I replied, the NEC doesn't care about that--as long as there is a light outside the door, it's satisfied.

They didn't agree.

 

[jimwalker]

Re: Switch location?

Unless they say how much light then this could be a 7 watt buld