Sign In  |  Register Now  Why Register?

Section 210-70 contains requirements that specify where lighting outlets are required. It also specifies the use of wall switches to control the lighting outlets. Habitable rooms in dwelling units must have a lighting outlet that is controlled by a wall switch. This requirement does not specify where the switch must be located. Section 380-8(a) requires that all switches be located so that they may be operated from a readily accessible place. Readily accessible is defined in Article 100 as being capable of being reached quickly for operation without requiring climbing over, removing objects, or resorting to portable ladders. Being readily accessible does not necessarily mean that the switch be located at the entrance to the room. In fact, Code Making Panel 2 has always resisted specifying where the wall switch is located. It is felt that this is a design consideration and best left up to the installer or user as to where the switch should be located.

Even in locations such as hallways, stairways, garages, and at outdoor entrances and exits Section (210-70(a)(2)) the required wall switch is not specified as to location. Note that interior stairway of six steps or more are required to have a switch at each floor level to control the lighting outlet. The location of the wall switch is not specified as to where on the floor level it should be located. Again, a design consideration.

Section 210-70(a)(3) takes a different approach for switch location for storage or equipment spaces in dwelling units. A switch must be installed at the point of entrance to attics, under-floor spaces, utility rooms, and basements to control the lighting outlet. For a space that has more than one entrance, the switch is to be located at the "usual point of entry." I suppose that the "usual point of entry" is the entrance that one would usually use to access the space. Also, a lampholder with a pull chain can be used if the lighting outlet meets both requirements of being near the equipment requiring servicing and at the entrance to the space. A long string on the pull chain is not considered the switch.

Section 210-70(b) addresses guest rooms of hotels, motels, and similar occupancies and also does not specify where the switch be located. This section just requires that a wall switch be provided to control the lighting outlet. Note that in these occupancies, as well as in dwelling units, that a switched receptacle is permitted in lieu of lighting outlets. The location of the switch is a design consideration.

Section 210-70(c) addresses other locations, attic and under-floor spaces containing equipment requiring servicing, other than dwelling units. The same approach as for the location of switches for attic and under-floor spaces in dwelling units is used for these occupancies. A wall switch to control the lighting outlet must be located at the point of entrance.

I have seen many apprentice and journeyman training manuals with recommended locations and mounting heights for switches that control lighting outlets. They are good common sense recommendations and certainly provide for a safe and convenient wiring system. I would certainly want my bedroom light switch to be on the latch side of the door just as I entered the room. But the Code does not require it. Only in storage or equipment spaces are switch locations specified.

Maybe Grandmother had a good idea. At least she didn’t have to get out of bed to cut off the light.

James Carpenter is the Chief Electrical Engineer, State Electrical Inspector for the Engineering Division of the Office of State Fire Marshal, North Carolina Department of Insurance. He has been with the Department for nineteen (19) years with 20 years electrical experience prior to coming to the State. A member of CMP-2 since the 1990 edition and Chairman for the third cycle. He has been a member of IAEI since 1972. He is also a member of NFPA and on the UL Electrical Council.

Home  | Join | Advertising | Seminars | Contact Us | Privacy Statement | Legal Notices
Copyright © 1997-2008 IAEI. All Rights Reserved.