First Post, so bear with me. Workin on residential project with basement window/ fire escape ladder. Is a switched lighting outlet required by ladder?
A fire escape is for exit only. No switch would be required unless it can be used as an regular entry/exit Robert
Something sounds.....funny? Basement window? Fire Escape Ladder??? Did I miss something?
John
Basement window? Fire Escape Ladder???
Obviously someone is reusing those empty ICBM missile silos for low profile community housing.
It actually is window in basement office, that will have fire escape ladder leading up to grade level. No other windows or exterior doors in residential basement. H/O asked if it was code to put light by ladder. Just making sure I dont have to.
I think that everyone has been responding to the 'switch' part of the question.
If it is a means of egress, you'll need to provide illumination depending on however the AHJ interprets NFPA 101.
Here in the Chicago area, we need to provide illumination for the egress path out to "the Public Way".
OK, it's an office building! This is the basic 'Jersey Way'...
Comm bldg, means of egress, you need normal illumination. Emergency egress...depending on the Fire Official, or the Building Official...you may need 'emergency lighting' (Battery back-up) in addition to normal illumination.
Use something not in any 'code book'...common sense...ask yourself, and/or the owner if YOU had to use the exit at night...could you see??
All kidding aside, ask your local Building or Fire Inspector, but, I really doubt that they would 'fail' you IF you put it in!
John
The IBC building code requires illumination for the exit discharge, but not for emergency rescue openings. Your exit doors will require lighting with emergency power backup within 10 seconds. (excludes HID lighting without quick strike features) Any windows used for rescue or other openings (such as Bilco basement doors) do not require lighting.
Earl:
I agree with your comments above, but I don't see anything referencing 'rescue'.
He said "resi" first, then "office", and reading it again...'office in basement...HO asked if it's code'. My bad, I only saw 'office' Based on that, resi, basement window, NOT sleeping room, then it's an 'emergency escape'; nothing required by code.
John
In the International Residential Code Section 310 is titled Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings. It is a building code term for the components being discussed.