Thread: Exterior lighting at doors

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2006 IRC
E3803.3 Additional locations. At least one wall-switch-controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in hallways, stairways, Attached garages, and detached garages with electric power. At Least one wall-switch-controlled lighting outlet shall be installed to provide illumination on the exterior side of each outdoor Egress door having grade level access, including out door egress Doors for attached garages and detached garages with electric power. A vehicle door in a garage shall not be considered as an outdoor egress door. Where one or more lighting outlets 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 outlets where the stairway between floor levels has six or more risers.

Exception: In hallways, stairways, and at out door egress doors, remote, central, or automatic control of lighting shall be permitted.

E3803.4 Storage or equipment spaces. In attics, under-floor spaces, utility rooms and basements, at least one lighting outlet shall be installed where these spaces are used for storage or contain equipment requiring servicing. Such lighting outlet shall be controlled by a wall switch or shall have an integral switch. 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.

From the 2005 NEC. (same as the 2002 NEC) (bold is mine)
210.70 Lighting Outlets Required.
- Lighting outlets shall be installed where specified in 210.70(A), (B), and (C).
(A) Dwelling Units. In dwelling units, lighting outlets shall be installed in accordance with 210.70(A)(1), (2), and (3).
- - (2) Additional Locations. Additional lighting outlets shall be installed in accordance with (a), (b), and (c).
- - - (a) At least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in hallways, stairways, attached garages, and detached garages with electric power.
- - - (b) For dwelling units, attached garages, and detached garages with electric power, at least one wall switch–controlled lighting outlet 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.
- - - (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.
- - - Exception to (A)(2)(a), (A)(2)(b), and (A)(2)(c): In hallways, stairways, and at outdoor entrances, remote, central, or automatic control of lighting shall be permitted.

Does that light "provide illumination on the exterior side of" the exterior side of that door?

If so, it does say say 'how close' it must be. You could have a rear porch light which not only lights (illuminates) the rear porch, but it could also illuminate several doors which open to that rear porch, possible even a door next to that rear porch. But, if the door is too far away - yeah, it should have another light nearby.

We typically see the light fixtures "luminaires" or what ever you would prefer to call them adjacent to doors. This is usually just because they are relatively cheap fixtures and easy wiring. The code intent is to provide lighting to prevent someone from tripping and falling. A good light in the porch ceiling should serve the purpose and meet the intent. Personally, I think its a more pleasing light when mounted to the ceiling (less glare in your eyes). If you can see the door, stairs,etc. it should be acceptable.

Which would you rather have, a 40 watt bulb in a fixture next to the door, or some high quality lighting at the ceiling providing lumination to a larger area.

Originally Posted by imported_John Smith

The code intent is to provide lighting to prevent someone from tripping and falling.

The code intent is to light the area around the exit/entrance where people would be egressing from, or entering to, the structure. Tripping and falling is just one issue.

Im sure there are many other issues , unlocking doors, feeding Fido, providing a gathering space for insects, etc.

Just out of curiosity Jerry, what other items do you think were considered? I like to have this kind of information when Im telling homeowners why the lighting is required.

Thanks

Originally Posted by imported_John Smith

Im sure there are many other issues , unlocking doors,

Safe egress during emergencies ...

Safe access to ...

I really doubt the code people considered 'feeding Fido' as a 'need for that light'.

This is a great example of what motivates electrical and other code changes.... pretty much one thing... Safety

At times if may seem like convenience but at its root convenience leads to safety. Outlets closer together on a wall seems more convenient, which it it... but that means we don't have to string extension cords all over the place.

Perfect example with the lighting..... The layman homeowner probably thinks it's great that they have light overhead while fumbling for their keys in front of the door..... what isn't totally obvious is that the point is to keep them from doing a face-plant on the sidewalk before they get to the door.

Aside from safety the only other thing that seems to cause code improvements/changes is effeciency of some type... which is energy efficiency and includes earthquake, hurricane and other 'natural disaster' stuff.... Is there another 'biggie' I'm overlooking? I can't think of anything right now.

Seems this was as close to what I am looking for but, no cigar.

Is there a code, or am I imagining again, that calls for a light for an area under the ground level stairs in the garage. This is an modification to a new home where they created a storage space under new stairs that is enclosed and has a doorway but no door.
It is really common sense, but you know builders.
Thanks, Jim

Inspect at night, measure lumens and refer to the IBC

Originally Posted by Jeff Remas

Inspect at night, measure lumens and refer to the IBC

Inspect at night? Nah.
IBC is not used in this area for residential, but I might bluff a builder into doing it rather than argue...

Originally Posted by Jim Luttrall

Is there a code, or am I imagining again, that calls for a light for an area under the ground level stairs in the garage. This is an modification to a new home where they created a storage space under new stairs that is enclosed and has a doorway but no door.

Yes, kinda, sorta, mostly, yada, yada, yada ...

From the 2006 IRC. (underlining is mine)

- E3803.4 Storage or equipment spaces.

In attics, under-floor spaces, utility rooms and basements, at least one lighting outlet shall be installed where these spaces are used for storage or contain equipment requiring servicing. Such lighting outlet shall be controlled by a wall switch or shall have an integral switch. 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.

Undoubtedly, the reason that wall was opened up and the under-stair area made accessible was to be "used for storage", right? Why spend the time and money if it is not to be "used for storage"?

Thus, yes, it needs a light there, either wall switched or integral (pull-chain) and the location of the switch (at least one of the locations) is required to be at the "point of entry". Notice that it does not state "door", no "door" is required.

It is really common sense, but you know builders.
Thanks, Jim[/quote]