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| Subject - stairway lighting | |
| kenirons |
 I need a simple explanation of the theory behind switch placement for stairway lighting. There is heated debate between my QC manager, our engineer, and a master electrician in our Maintenance Dept. about this; and I need to put a stop to it. One contention is that the requirement for a light switch at any entry onto a landing REPLACES the requirement for a switch at any landing separated by MORE THAN SIX risers. The other, and I think accurate , belief is that any landing separated by more than six ALWAYS requires a switch, whether there exists another entry onto it or not. And any landing with an entry onto it requires a switch regardless of how many risers separate it from other landings. Rather than seeing the simplicity of the clarification that came out in 2002 they keep arguing the point.So- one simple question to finally stop the foolishness: (a question that several folks who've had to listen to this argument have asked me)...WHY IS THE STAIRWAY LIGHTING SWITCH REQUIRED AT A LANDING THAT IS SEPARATED BY MORE THAN SIX RISERS? In other words- the theory behind it. |
| Electricman | There are many codes that make electricians scratch their heads but they all have one thing in mind and that is safety. My guess, and its just a guess, is that the code panel that decieded this one must have had that in mind when they determined this one. |
| kenirons | quote: |
| JimmyDee | 210.70 (c) Where one or more lighting outlet(s) are installed for interior stairways, there shall be a wall switch at each floor level, and landing level that includes an entry way, to control the lighting outlet(s) where the stairway between floor levels has six risers or more. One of the things that I have been told as to how a rule comes into existence is, if anyone has been killed or property damage is caused by an electrical situation, it will be in the code eventually. The code book is put together by a very diverse group of persons with electrical knowledge and even though I don't agree with everything in it, they have put together a book,if followed, will promote safety and protect life and property. Looking at the safety aspect of the stairway, makes sense. The only reason a landing is typically in a stairway is to change direction of he stairs and would need no switch. A landing that has an entry way would need a switch to turn on the stairway lights weather a person were to go up or down from there. Jim |
| cal_sparky | It seems obvious to me--the requirement exists so that someone entering the stairway from any landing does not have to go more than six steps in the dark to reach a light switch! Cliff |