I know the code requires a light on an attached or detached garage, but can't find if a utility building requires one. Customer has an approx. 30x15 ft. utility bldg. with 2 doors. I'm going to recommend he put lights ( it's pretty far out in the "woods"), but does the code require them?
Thanks

It just says "detached garages with electric power" and a strict reading of 210.70(A)(2)(b) would say it is not required but I agree, if power is there, it is still a good idea. I would go with the motion detector too.

2011

What building code is the building under?

When all you have is a hammer, all your problems look like nails.

Don't over-think this. Would a simple solar light do? Look at this: http://www.lowes.com/pd_387790-40931-14247_0__?productId=4351935&Ntt=solar+light&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dsolar%2Blight&facetInfo=

If you have power, why would you screw with solar and if you don't, the light is not required in the code, even for a detached garage.

Greg...

You can now get a solar powered-w/ battery pack and IR sensor set up for less than $80.

Who can work that cheap?

Good questions, Greg.

Tesla answered one: These solar units cost less then my minimum service charge.

Otherwise, why have a light? Sure makes it easier to fumble for the right key- and even sheds without power have locks. With darkness arriving before dinner these days, that's a real plus.

Maybe solars are getting better but my experience is they don't put out that much light, they don't last all night and the batteries fail pretty fast. The battery costs as much as the whole deal.

Since we were talking about "code" I assume Sparky was already there so this would just be the incremental charge of adding another lighting outlet to whatever job he was on.
That is cheap for a virtual lifetime of trouble free service.

BTW don't you guys sell wiring and equipment?

Why leave that money on the table or send it to a sweat shop in China.

At least I can tell him "the code does not require it, but while I'm pulling wire for the inside, it's a good idea".
Probably won't be long though, before they change the wording to include utility bldgs. with attached garages and detached garages (when up to a certain sq. ft.). This is a big utility bldg.

There are a lot of things that are simply a good idea and not in the code. There is nothing wrong with an up sell.