stair light question

[tdietrich1]

Brain flubbing today.

Where is it written that light switches that control interior stairs must be illuminated. I can only remember BOCA, but that disappeared in Pa when the UCC was implemented. So now it's IBC/IRC time.

Any code references?

thx,

tom

[James F. McKee]

that's a new one on me Tom...never heard of that requirement...jim

[rmaday]

Originally Posted by jmckee

that's a new one on me Tom...never heard of that requirement...jim

ditto - but I've been wrong before - just ask my wife.

[James F. McKee]

Originally Posted by rmaday

ditto - but I've been wrong before - just ask my wife.

if your going to start asking wives, I'd imagine I've rarely been right....jim

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

I know of no such requirement. . .

[bdoles2]

Originally Posted by tdietrich1

Brain flubbing today.

Where is it written that light switches that control interior stairs must be illuminated. I can only remember BOCA, but that disappeared in Pa when the UCC was implemented. So now it's IBC/IRC time.

Any code references?

thx,

tom

or do you mean "stairs must be illuminated with switch locations at the top and bottom of stairs"?

[Speedy Petey]

Originally Posted by bdoles2

or do you mean "stairs must be illuminated with switch locations at the top and bottom of stairs"?

I agree. The stairs must be illuminated, not the switch.

[Bob Elliott]

That brings up a question as to placement of switches.
Is there a required height or placement requirement.?

[Richard W. Washington]

no requirement of height. just needs to be a switch at the bottom and top. i would guess similar to no requirement as to the attic light switch. they can put those things in the darndest of places. i'm 6'2" and almost fell off the attic ladder trying to reach across to the opposite wall to hit the switch.

if the stairs are more than 10 feet high then the light is required, guessing.. maybe someone will correct me on that last part.

[Richard W. Washington]

wait a minute. maybe their is a requirement the light switch be within a certain distance of the ladder. got to be.

[Jim Port]

Attic lights need to have a switch near the point of entrance. This can be a wall switch before climbing the ladder or in the attic area. A pull chain light will also meet this requirement.

[Russel Ray]

What's the definition of "at the top of" and "at the bottom of" the stairs. Can it be at the top of the stairs but around the corner in the third bedroom to the right? Or how about at the bottom of the stairs but through the kitchen and the laundry room, over by the entrance from the garage?

[bdoles2]

IRC - E3803.3 Additioanl Locations...Where one or more lighting outlets are installed for interior stairways, there shall be a wall switch at each floor level and landing level that includes an entryway to control the lighting outlets where the stairway between floor levels has six or more risers.

[Clay Hake]

I think it is six risers and the requirement of a switch at top and bottom come into play, I have stairs at my house and let me tell you what a smart rule this is...

[Joseph Hagarty, CMI]

Originally Posted by jpope

I know of no such requirement. . .

Ditto.
Call me if you have a particular need or reference.