Ek's Home   |   Forum   |   Chat   |   Electrical Links   |  





Subject - Attic Lighting
Electricman I am in the R.I. stage at a residence that has an attic above the 2nd floor. The stairs leading up to it has 10 treads, at the top of the stairs there is no walls or partitions for a 3 way switch setup. According to 210.70(3) am I correct in assuming that I only have to switch (single pole) at the point of entry (ie. the bottom) or must I 3 way the lights? The reason I ask is because of 210.70(2)(c).
JimmyDee You should be OK with one switch. The area you are controlling with this switch is not considered a habitable area.

quote:
210.70(3) Storage or Equipment Spaces. For attics, underfloor spaces, utility rooms, and basements, at least one lighting outlet containing a switch or controlled by a wall switch shall be installed where these spaces are used for storage or contain equipment requiring servicing. At least one point of control shall be at the usual point of entry to these spaces. The lighting outlet shall be provided at or near the equipment requiring servicing.

I would say the bottom of the stair way would be considered the point of entry for the attic.
Jim
lctrc789 Jimmy, correct me if I am wrong but wouldn't a pull chain light at the satirs to the attic be considered a switched light as well.
The code states that switch controlled or wall switch light either /or.
I know it used to be Ok.
JimmyDee
quote:
Originally posted by lctrc789

Jimmy, correct me if I am wrong but wouldn't a pull chain light at the stairs to the attic be considered a switched light as well.
The code states that switch controlled or wall switch light either /or.
I know it used to be OK.

Yes but I'm not sure about the 10 stairs. That kind of muddies the situation. Actually there might be a need for a light on the stair way with a switch at the bottom and once inside the attic, a pull chain would suffice.
I would probably, now that you bring this up, have 2 lights. One on the stairs and one in the attic both operated by the same switch.
I think this is a situation where there is a door way that leads to an enclosed stair way that leads to the middle of an attic.
Jim
Electricman Jimmy, You been spying on me? thats exactly the situation the stairwell comes up out of a bedroom into the middle of the attic. Thanks for the response guys I thought I was right but I like to check myself. Thanks again..

Craig
JimmyDee
quote:
Originally posted by Electricman

Jimmy, You been spying on me? thats exactly the situation the stairwell comes up out of a bedroom into the middle of the attic. Thanks for the response guys I thought I was right but I like to check myself. Thanks again..

Craig

Nope. Been there done that.
Jim