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210.70(A)(2) Lighting Outlet Locations and Limitations

Revision/New

Change Summary

  • This article clarifies what areas require a light switch and limitations on dimmer use

NEC®Text

Article 210 Branch Circuits Not Over 1000 Volts ac, 1500 Volts dc, Nominal
210.70 Lighting Outlets Required.
(A) Dwelling Units.
(2) Additional Locations.
Additional lighting outlets shall be installed in accordance with the following:
(1) At least one lighting outlet controlled by a listed wall-mounted control device shall be installed in hallways, stairways, attached garages, detached garages, and accessory buildings with electric power.
(2) For dwelling units, attached garages, and detached garages with electric power, at least one exterior lighting outlet controlled by a listed wall-mounted control device shall be installed to provide illumination on the exterior side of outdoor entrances or exits with grade-level access. A vehicle door in a garage shall not be considered as an outdoor entrance or exit.
Exception to (2): For an outdoor, grade bulkhead door with stairway access to a sub-grade-level basement, the required lighting outlet that provides illumination on the stairway steps shall be permitted to be located in the basement interior within 1.5 m (5 ft) horizontally of the bottommost stairway riser. This interior lighting outlet shall be permitted to be controlled by a listed wall-mounted control device or by a unit switch of the interior luminaire or interior lampholder.
(3) Where lighting outlets are installed for an interior stairway with six or more risers between floor levels, there shall be a listed wall-mounted control device at each floor level and at each landing level that includes a stairway entry to control the lighting outlets.
Exception to (1), (2), and (3): Remote, central, or automatic control of lighting shall be permitted in hallways, in stairways, and at outdoor entrances.
(4) Dimmer control of lighting outlets installed in accordance with 210.70(A)(2)(3) shall not be permitted unless the listed control devices can provide dimming control to maximum brightness at each control location for the interior stairway illumination.

Material taken from the National Electric Code. is reprinted with permission from NFPA 70., 2023 edition. National Electrical Code®, Copyright 2022, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA. All rights reserved.

Figure 1

Expert Analysis

A revision has been made to clarify that accessory structures are similar to attached and detached garages and have been added to the list in Section 210.70(A)(2). Requiring lighting in these areas enhances safety.

In addition, the exception to (2) recognizes bulkhead doors with stairway access to basements. The NEC clarifies that they want these steps illuminated and controlled by a switch.

Leviton Solution

For dark, less traveled areas, motion sensors can be a safe and convenient option. In addition, when using bulkhead doors people are typically carrying storage items. This also makes motion sensors a good choice.

Features 180° PIR field of view, automatic-on/off, single pole, 3-way or multi-location (multi-way) when used with DD0SR switch companions or multi-sensor with two DOS15 sensors. Can be used to comply with 2019 California Title 24, Part 6 Vacancy Control Device Requirements — White with ivory and light almond faceplates included.

  • CONVENIENT — turns lights on/off automatically based on motion
  • EASY TO INSTALL — slim profile fits in most wallboxes
  • FLEXIBLE — multi-sensor application where two sensors are needed for the coverage area, such as an “L-shaped” room
  • VERSATILE — for higher wattage fixtures and exhaust fan
  • 600W LED/CFL, 1800W Inc/Halogen 1200VA ELV/MLV/FL, 1/2HP Motor, 15A Resistive
 Figure 2

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