ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Help me get an A

I am enrolled in the electrician program at a college in my hometown and I would like to know the opinion of a few people on a question that we had on a quiz. The question reads, "Which rooms in a dwelling unit must have a switch-controlled lighting outlet?"
a. every habitable room
b. bathrooms
c. hallways and stairways
d. all of these

Our teacher had answer "d" as the correct answer, but I think that "b" is correct. Although article 210.70 reads, "At least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in every habitable room and bathroom" in Exception No. 1, it says "In other than kitchens and bathrooms, one or more receptacles controlled by a wall switch shall be permitted IN LIEU of lighting outlets." So to me, that means that his "all of these" answer would not be correct. While this one problem won't kill my grade, I would really like to get it right. I think that both me and my teacher have had fun with our argument.

Lee

Both "b and c", not "a" (per the "exception No 1" that you mentioned--but which doesn't apply to hallways and stairways).
Remember, all general use receptacles in a residence are considered lighting loads. But they are not "lighting outlets", they are "receptacle outlets".

Lee,

I think you've got it on a technicality.

The question reads, "Which rooms in a dwelling unit ...

Hallways and Stairways are not rooms.
b) would be the most correct answer


Bill

Ahh, You're on your game today, Bill! Good call!

It is tricky, but if "room" was replaced with "area", I would see his point. Strictly speaking, the intent of the switch-controlled receptacle is for use of a plug-in table or floor lamp. So, even though it is a receptacle outlet, it's intended to be used to illuminate the room.
I'll call it a tie score.

I have a question on this what is inhabitable? by the stanards of the NEC.

I think you have to define "habitable" negatively..by what they list separately (as not habitable) in 210-70(2) & (3). Keep in mind that the NEC committees are trying to phrase everything in positive language, trying to eliminate any exceptions, any "not this or not that" language. Sometimes this revamping effort makes the definition or application of the code more ambiguous.