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  1. #1
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    Default 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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    Mike Lamb
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    Default Re: Remote Control Instead of Wall Switch for Lighting

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike Lamb View Post
    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.

    Scott Patterson, ACI
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    Default Re: Remote Control Instead of Wall Switch for Lighting

    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.

    "Get correct views of life, and learn to see the world in its true light. It will enable you to live pleasantly, to do good, and, when summoned away, to leave without regret. " Robert E. Lee

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    Default Re: Remote Control Instead of Wall Switch for Lighting

    Quote Originally Posted by Roland Miller View Post
    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

    Scott Patterson, ACI
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    Default Re: Remote Control Instead of Wall Switch for Lighting

    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?

    John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
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    Default Re: Remote Control Instead of Wall Switch for Lighting

    Quote Originally Posted by Robert Meier View Post
    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.

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    Default Re: Remote Control Instead of Wall Switch for Lighting

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

    Mike Lamb
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    Default Re: Remote Control Instead of Wall Switch for Lighting

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike Lamb View Post
    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.

    All answers based on unamended National Electrical codes.

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    Default Re: Remote Control Instead of Wall Switch for Lighting

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Port View Post
    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?

    The beatings will continue until morale has improved. mgt.

  10. #10
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    Default Re: Remote Control Instead of Wall Switch for Lighting

    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.


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    Default Re: Remote Control Instead of Wall Switch for Lighting

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike Lamb View Post
    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.



  12. #12
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    Default Re: Remote Control Instead of Wall Switch for Lighting

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Port View Post
    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.

    Mike Lamb
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    Default Re: Remote Control Instead of Wall Switch for Lighting

    Quote Originally Posted by Robert Meier View Post
    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.

    Scott Patterson, ACI
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    Default Re: Remote Control Instead of Wall Switch for Lighting

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Port View Post
    Robert is correct. Only the outlet is required in the room. It also does not require that a fixture be installed at the outlet.
    Quote Originally Posted by Vern Heiler View Post
    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.


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    Default Re: Remote Control Instead of Wall Switch for Lighting

    Quote Originally Posted by Chris McIntyre View Post
    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.

    The beatings will continue until morale has improved. mgt.

  16. #16
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    Default Re: Remote Control Instead of Wall Switch for Lighting

    Quote Originally Posted by Chris McIntyre View Post
    I think the wording is to cover a switched receptacle in a bedroom that has no ceiling fixture.
    Quote Originally Posted by Vern Heiler View Post
    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.

    Jerry Peck
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