two jamb switches wired in parallel for operating one closet light

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david.millenniumconstruct

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Hi, brand new here. The job we are currently contracting the electrician is unsure about using two (single pole) jamb switches wired in parallel to operate a closet light with double doors. I know we could have used an occupancy switch but I just would like to know if two jamb switches would be code acceptable (even if we go the occupancy switch route).
 
Sure you can wire two switches in parallel, just realize that both doors need to be closed for the light to go out.
 
I've done it a couple times, over the years. I've never had a call back. The nice features of hardwire switches are that the light doesn't time-out, and the motion of people outside the closet won't false-trigger light.
 
In regards to jamb switches,
The biggest complaint or gripe from my customers was that their children would not close the closet door to the point that the switch would open.
 
It's nice to open the door and the lights come one but if there is a situation where the door will not be closed immediately after use I prefer a push button timer switch.
 
infinity said:
It's nice to open the door and the lights come one but if there is a situation where the door will not be closed immediately after use I prefer a push button timer switch.
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Don't know if there is a product marketed for this, but is possible to have an inline timer that would open the circuit after a set time and would be reset with loss of power, so close the door to reset it if it times out.
 
Something I've done for myself several times is to mount a 4' fluorescent over the double door, and drill and mount a pull-chain switch in the center of the floor-facing side of the channel, so opening either door exposes the string.
 
wwhitney said:
I think I'm going to like these:

www.functionaldevices.com

Details - Functional Devices, Inc.

Functional Devices is the established leader in the HVAC, Building Controls, and Energy Management industries for American designed and manufactured building automation and control devices.
www.functionaldevices.com www.functionaldevices.com

Cheers, Wayne
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The one you linked to has a 60 minute delay, but the spec sheet mentions another version with a 15 minute delay. Unless you're rooting through Fibber McGee's Closet you shouldn't have to spend more than 15 minutes searching for something.
 
gadfly56 said:
The one you linked to has a 60 minute delay, but the spec sheet mentions another version with a 15 minute delay. Unless you're rooting through Fibber McGee's Closet you shouldn't have to spend more than 15 minutes searching for something.
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Even better than I expected - class 2 wiring to door jamb switch, or could even use magnetic switches like some security systems use for detecting an open door.

I was thinking of HVAC and industrial control timers that have been around for some time and adapting those, but this is already set up for such an application
 
gadfly56 said:
The one you linked to has a 60 minute delay, but the spec sheet mentions another version with a 15 minute delay. Unless you're rooting through Fibber McGee's Closet you shouldn't have to spend more than 15 minutes searching for something.
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Yeah, it's a tradeoff between how often you expect to want the door open and lit more than 15 minutes, versus how often you expect to leave the door open accidentally and would benefit from reducing the energy wasted by a factor of 4. I just wanted a failsafe so the light isn't on for days and days. Still under construction.

Cheers, Wayne
 
gadfly56 said:
The one you linked to has a 60 minute delay, but the spec sheet mentions another version with a 15 minute delay. Unless you're rooting through Fibber McGee's Closet you shouldn't have to spend more than 15 minutes searching for something.
Click to expand...
does an extra 45 minutes of a 5-15 watt load really matter that much? I figure it cost maybe around $.00135 to run 15 watts for that long
 
I think an occupancy (motion) sensor would be the best choice for all of the desired parameters.
 
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