Thread: Remote Control Instead of Wall Switch for Lighting

Is there anything in the code books that would supersede the installation of a wall switch outlet to operate lighting in a habitable room? Such as a remote for a ceiling light/fan fixture?

210.70 (1)

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Originally Posted by Mike Lamb

Is there anything in the code books that would supersede the installation of a wall switch outlet to operate lighting in a habitable room? Such as a remote for a ceiling light/fan fixture?

210.70 (1)

Not that I'm aware of. Every habitable room must have a wall switch.

And it is interesting that the NEC doesn't require the switch to be in the room. You could have all the switches for every room in the house located in the garage. With some exception such as stairways, hallways, attached and detached garages, attics and such.

Originally Posted by Roland Miller

And it is interesting that the NEC doesn't require the switch to be in the room. You could have all the switches for every room in the house located in the garage. With some exception such as stairways, hallways, attached and detached garages, attics and such.

The IRC does require it in the room. E3903.2

In Canada, the CEC requires minimum 3 feet (1 meter) from a shower or tub to the wall switch. In a small bathroom, that quite often means the light switch and exhaust fan switch are out in the hall. We are used to it, not a problem.

If the manufacturer provides only a remote to control the light, does that eliminate the need for the wall switch? The switch in the circuit would interfere with the use of the remote, such as if someone cuts power at the wall, the remote won't work. I think this is what Mike is asking?

Originally Posted by Robert Meier

The IRC seems to mirror the NEC and as Roland stated only the lighting outlet not the switch are required to be in the room.

Robert, I think you are confused as to what the NEC definition of a, "wall switched lighting outlet," is. An outlet and a receptacle are not necessarily the same thing.

Check out the NEC definitions of each.

I'll take the NEC at its word. A remote is not a wall switched outlet so having just a remote won't suffice.

Originally Posted by Mike Lamb

Robert, I think you are confused as to what the NEC definition of a, "wall switched lighting outlet," is. An outlet and a receptacle are not necessarily the same thing.

Check out the NEC definitions of each.

Robert is correct. Only the outlet is required in the room. It also does not require that a fixture be installed at the outlet.

Originally Posted by Jim Port

Robert is correct. Only the outlet is required in the room. It also does not require that a fixture be installed at the outlet.

Does a ceiling junction box with a blank cover plate satisfy the requirement?

In summary of the prior posts, there must be one wall switched outlet in the room, but the switch can be outside the room. If there is a second circuit for a remote operated fan/light, it does not require a wall switch.

Originally Posted by Mike Lamb

Robert, I think you are confused as to what the NEC definition of a, "wall switched lighting outlet," is. An outlet and a receptacle are not necessarily the same thing.

Check out the NEC definitions of each.

I think this will clear it up or you. This what Robert was referring to as well.

2011 NEC
Section 210.70 (A)(1)

(1) Habitable Rooms. At least one wall switch–controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in every habitable room and bathroom.

Exception No. 1: In other than kitchens and bathrooms,
one or more receptacles controlled by a wall switch shall
be permitted in lieu of lighting outlets.

Originally Posted by Jim Port

Robert is correct. Only the outlet is required in the room. It also does not require that a fixture be installed at the outlet.

Right. Got it. My confusion.

Originally Posted by Robert Meier

I was reffing to Scott's comment that the IRC requires the switch to be in the room which it does not. The IRC and the NEC use the same wording in the requirement that you need a wall switched outlet in the room but that the switch is not required to be in the room.

Good point and another example of a poorly written code.

Originally Posted by Jim Port

Robert is correct. Only the outlet is required in the room. It also does not require that a fixture be installed at the outlet.

Originally Posted by Vern Heiler

Does a ceiling junction box with a blank cover plate satisfy the requirement?

I think the wording is to cover a switched receptacle in a bedroom that has no ceiling fixture.

Originally Posted by Chris McIntyre

I think the wording is to cover a switched receptacle in a bedroom that has no ceiling fixture.

Ok! Does that count? I've been reporting it as not having a switched light source.

Originally Posted by Chris McIntyre

I think the wording is to cover a switched receptacle in a bedroom that has no ceiling fixture.

Originally Posted by Vern Heiler

Ok! Does that count? I've been reporting it as not having a switched light source.

Unfortunately (in my opinion), yes, a wall-switch controlled receptacle outlet is acceptable for the required wall-switch controlled lighting outlet in bedrooms and the like. I just have to keep reminding myself that the codes, all of them, are "minimums" and that even the NEC states that an installation in accordance with its requirements may not provide an installation which is efficient or even adequate for its intended use. What better acknowledgement than that can we get that even the NEC (which many contractors think is a high standard to reach) is a "minimum" code.