3-Way Controlled Lights

[nwagner]

Is there an NEC or other national code that dictates that the control of permanent lighting must be by two 3-Way switches or motion sensors for areas other than staircases? I am curious about long hallways and rooms like hallways where it is often entered from significantly spaced opposite ends (ex- my kitchen has the rear entrance door and the basement staircase on one end and the hallway entrance to the kitchen on the opposite end 15 feet away). It makes sense for safety reasons that my kitchen has a 3-Way controlled fixture but I'd like to hear what NEC and IRC have to say.

[Michael Larson]

Nick,

This doesn't directly answer your question but is good info anyway for a similar issue . Perhaps some of the code guys will address your question directly. The attachment below is from Mike Holt's site http://www.ecmweb.com/nec/electric_stumped_code_3/ which is very useful for electrical questions.

[nwagner]

The NEC doesn't specify the switch location for room lighting outlets, nor does it require 3- or 4-way switches to accommodate multiple room entries or exits. This is an issue left to the designer, not the electrical inspector.

This may explain why I wasn't finding any code on this manner. I was hoping for code justify 3-Way switches in such areas. Considering that, does anyone have any good verbage to write up a room like my kitchen that lacks 3-Way or motion sensor control? I'm not satisfied with the verbage in my report...

The room has functional permanent lighting that is operated by only one accessible switch. Three-way switches control a fixture at two different locations and are strongly recommended for staircases and areas with two far-spaced entrances. Upgrading the lightning to include three-way switch controls at each entrance is strongly recommended.

[nwagner]

And thanks for the link Michael.

By the way, where were you on the day of the WiNACHI Well Sampler Course? You missed out on an inexpensive yet highly informative and enjoyable course.

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by nwagner

And thanks for the link Michael.

By the way, where were you on the day of the WiNACHI Well Sampler Course? You missed out on an inexpensive yet highly informative and enjoyable course.

I was in Greenbay for WAHI the week before and had enough credits in after that for my license renewal. I do hope to take Joe's course when it's a bit closer to me perhaps in the Minneapolis area or somewhere in central or West Wisconsin. I just didn't want to make the 5 hour trip twice a week apart. Hope to met you some other time.

[nwagner]

According to David Nice, one of our upcoming seminars is slated for the Eau Clare area. That's not too far away from you?

[Greg Fretwell]

It is an inconvenience issue, not a code issue. There are retrofit options that do not require rewiring but the devices are fairly expensive and most require a neutral in the box.

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by nwagner

According to David Nice, one of our upcoming seminars is slated for the Eau Clare area. That's not too far away from you?

Great! Eau Claire is about an hour away from me. Hope to hear about it from David. I met him at WAHI.

[nwagner]

Originally Posted by mlarson

Great! Eau Claire is about an hour away from me. Hope to hear about it from David. I met him at WAHI.