not a 3 way system but maybe a coach light or motion detector (for saftey reasons)

I'm with Alan's suggestion of a motion detector.
Saves fumbling around in the dark for a switch.
And depending what is around the corner, I'd suggest looping a slave fitting off of the motion detector for the section of walkway around the other side, with a generous off delay to make sure that no-one is left in the dark.

Is the question do we think it needs lighting outlet or is the question does the NEC require a lighting outlet?

I ask because we seem to have trouble separating what we think is 'right' from what is actually required.

In my opinion the NEC does not specifically require lighting for these exterior stairs.

Perhaps we could stretch 210.70(A)(2)(b) that requires illumination on the exterior side of outdoor entrances or exits with grade level access to this set of stairs assuming their is a door into the house somewhere at the top of these stairs.

But if we say 210.70(A)(2)(b) requires us to light these stairs where exactly would 210.70(A)(2)(b) stop?

At the bottom of the stairs?

At the end of the walk?

At the street?

In the end some amount of common sense needs to used.

However as I said I do not believe the NEC requires these stairs o be illuminated.

Keep in mind minimum building codes may require lighting here.

Bob

We don't have to wait until the local code orders us to something sensible. Those stairs could definitely use a light ( is that triangular thing on the wall a light? )

In this case convincing the customer to pay extra for a stair light would be easy. Anyone can see that you could break your neck trying to negotiate those stairs in total darkness.

The triangular thing liiks like the exit point for the range hood or clothes dryer.
/mike

N1, you are correct; that is the vent for the range hood.

As for "around the corner;" there is a full concrete deck, with three entrances and a variety of lights. As arranged, though, the only 'light' that has a chance of reaching the stairs is whatever spills out of that window.

Illumination of these exterior stairs are required by the building code. The 2003 IRC sect. R-303.6 says "Exterior stairways shall be provided with an artificial light source located in the immediate vicinity of the top landing of the stairway."
R-603.6.1 says "the illumination of exterior stairways shall be controlled from inside the dwelling."
EXCEPTION: "lights that are continuously illuminated or automatically controlled."

It's like smoke detectors. Required by the building code for electricians to install.

You mean may be required by building codes.

Not everyone works under the same building codes.

That said I bet most building codes or minimum habitation rules will require a light.

iwire...you got me there. In my jurisdiction the IRC is code for residential. It is code in Virginia. At least for today!

HLC- you made me look! Here we use the UBC, and for the life of me I cannot find any requirement to light such a stair from a "single residence." Now, were the place to be divided into apartments- well, then maybe! (I'd have to cross-reference the different types of "Type "R" Construction" to see what is covered by the exception).

Reno,
We also use the IRC for residential construction...unless it is an omitted item. Then we turn to the NEC for guidance. Oh what a tangled web we weave!

The 2005 NEC states " At least on wall switch controlled lighting outlet shall be installed to provide illumination on the exterior side of outdoor entrances or exits with GRADE LEVEL ACCESS.

The picture shows the stairs to have grade level access, I say there has to be illumination provided. If the stairs were not there, then the lighting would not be required. This is a good example of the extremes that some code sections may not be prepared to deal with.