Code Q&A

March 5, 2009

What are the NEC lighting and switching requirements for stairways?

Q. What are the NEC lighting and switching requirements for stairways?

A. In dwelling units, not less than one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet must be installed [210.70(A)(2)(a)]. Where the stairway between floor levels has six risers or more, a wall switch must be located at each floor level and at each landing level that includes an entryway to control the illumination for the stairway [210.70(A)(2)(c)].

There are no NEC requirements for lighting or switching in other than dwelling units, because this is a design issue.

About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.