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Joined: Jun 2005
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(2) Additional Locations
(C) Where one or more lighting outlets are installed for interior stairways, there shall be a wall switch at each level, and landing level that includes an entry way, to control the lighting outlets where the stairway between the floor levels has six risers or more.
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Would this require a 3-way switching device in both an unfinished attic and basement?
I don't think it would because is clearly says "landing level that includes an entry way."
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Joined: Jan 2005
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If the stairs are permanent, I'd say 'yes.' I would not apply this to 'pull-down' attic ladders, or to 'root cellar' type covered steps to the basement.
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IMO the NEC never requires 3 ways.
You could meet that requirement with single poles controlling lights on each respective landing.
Your customer will not like it but it is more of a design issue than a code issue.
Bob Badger Construction & Maintenance Electrician Massachusetts
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Shock,
I would consider the basement or attic a level regardless of entry way. The entry way wording is a modifier to landing, not level.
Following iwire's letter of the law interpretaion, where are we even required to have stairway illumination according to NEC?
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210.70 (A) (2) (A) requires the need for a switch-controlled lighting outlet on stairways.
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Shock:
I have to agree with Reno, and Bob (Iwire)
Basically, a 'good' design (also referred to as common sense) would want a switch at each level of permanent stairs.
I can't remember when I saw an attic with stairway, or a basement NOT have a 3-way system.
John
John
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Sorry, misplaced my 2002 CD and'99 is layed out suprisingly different. (got lazy and didn't open a book or even think... short-lived mistake around here)
John, how could you agree with reno and iwire? Reno say's a 3-way is required and Bob says it isn't.
You have to have a switch on each level. So your options are:
(2) single poles operating (2) or more seperate lighting openings,
(2) 3-ways operating (1) or more lighting openings
Occupancy sensor or some other automatically controlled system.
[This message has been edited by Jps1006 (edited 12-07-2006).]
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JPS:
OK, perhaps I have to clear the fog.....
3-ways are NOT required by the NEC, as Bob said, leading to the SP at each 'level', and multiple lampholders/luminaires.
Design wise, and common sense, and basically what a 'good ec does is install 3-ways, 4-ways, etc.
John
John
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I agree the 3 way on the steps is really a design issue but I would want the EC to try to explain this design choice, with a straight face. "OK so the plan is, you turn on the bottom light, go upstairs, turn on the top light, then go down and turn off the bottom light and go back up, turning off that light as you go on down the hall".
If the EC can say "yes that was my plan" without one of us laughing I guess I have to accept it.
Greg Fretwell
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I remember living in a 2 floor apartment once that didn't have 3 ways... the stairs were right as you walk in the door to the right, so the entryway light covered the bottom floor.. but then once you got upstairs, you had to get to the opposite wall of the hallway to turn on the upstairs light... I always did think it was annoying having to walk down or up in the dark, or just leave it on
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