Switch rating for lighting loads

[davek99]

I'm wondering if there are any restrictions in the NEC that would dictate the current capacity of a switch (15A vs 20A) if there are other switches 'down stream' of that switch. My reading of 404.14(A) just states that switches shall be listed/used within their ratings and therefore 15A rated should be fine. But does having that switch feed other switches change anything?

Here is the scenario:
-Hotel guestrooms where multiple things in the room are all feed from the same breaker (lighting, receptacles, bathroom fan, etc - all one 20A breaker for the room).
-There is a 'master' switch by the door that would turn on/off all lights in the room. Only hardwired lights (no receptacles). This is the device I'm concerned with.
-Downstream of this master switch would be multiple switches to control the individual lights in the room (the entry downlight has a switch, the bedside reading light has a switch, etc).

If our total connected load is only about 6A, is there anything about having multiple switches down stream of master switch that would require that the 'master switch' be rated for anything over 15A?

 

[LarryFine]

There is a 'master' switch by the door that would turn on/off all lights in the room.

I have never seen that, but it's a good idea..

Only hardwired lights (no receptacles).

So the load is known, as with a single light.

If our total connected load is only about 6A, is there anything about having multiple switches down stream of master switch that would require that the 'master switch' be rated for anything over 15A?

Not that I can see; it's not a disconnect.