Hallway.. 3way switchs

[olly]

When is a 3way switch required for a hallway? How long does the hallway have to be to require a 3 way switch? I need answers tomorrow... I know I can count on my brothers on this site! You all have helped more than you know!

 

[MD84]

Perhaps someone else can confirm but I do not believe there is a requirement for switch placement in hallways.

I think the only requirement is for dwelling unit stairways with six or more risers. In this case a switch shall be placed at each floor level and landing level that includes an entryway.

 

[user 100]

When is a 3way switch required for a hallway? How long does the hallway have to be to require a 3 way switch? I need answers tomorrow... I know I can count on my brothers on this site! You all have helped more than you know!

There is no NEC requirement for 3 way switches, it's simply a design issue.
You may want to take a look at (2014) 210.7(A) (1&2) for light switch requirements.

 

[Pizza]

There is no NEC requirement for 3 way switches, it's simply a design issue.
You may want to take a look at (2014) 210.7(A) (1&2) for light switch requirements.

Required in stairways with 6 treads or more.

 

[user 100]

Required in stairways with 6 treads or more.

:dunce:Yeah, forgot about 210.7(A)(2)(C):

"Where one or more lighting outlets are installed for interior stairways, there shall be a wall switch at each floor level, and the landing level that includes an entry way, to control the lighting outlet(s) where the stairway betweeb the floors levels has six risers or more."

However, that can be open to interpretation- of course 3 ways would make the most sense, but do you have to use them? Not seeing where you would have to- still seems like more of a design issue.

 

[kwired]

Required in stairways with 6 treads or more.

Does not require use of 3 way switches though, it just requires a switch at each floor level for one or more lighting outlets that are installed for lighting interior strairways with 6 treads or more.

If you had 6 or more treads and a single pole at top as well as bottom each controlling a separate lighting outlet that illuminates the stairway - I think it would be NEC compliant, might not be the most convenient for users but still meets the requirements.

 

[GerryB]

Does not require use of 3 way switches though, it just requires a switch at each floor level for one or more lighting outlets that are installed for lighting interior strairways with 6 treads or more.

If you had 6 or more treads and a single pole at top as well as bottom each controlling a separate lighting outlet that illuminates the stairway - I think it would be NEC compliant, might not be the most convenient for users but still meets the requirements.

Also not one of those things you want to go back and forth with the AHJ about. It's been more then a few years they have required 3ways for the basement stairs around here.

 

[infinity]

However, that can be open to interpretation- of course 3 ways would make the most sense, but do you have to use them? Not seeing where you would have to- still seems like more of a design issue.

You are not required to use 3-way switches even if there are six or more stair risers.

 

[kwired]

Also not one of those things you want to go back and forth with the AHJ about. It's been more then a few years they have required 3ways for the basement stairs around here.

Most cases the owner would want the three way switches as well, so such set up would be pretty rare, but does meet the wording of NEC.

 

[jusme123]

You are not required to use 3-way switches even if there are six or more stair risers.

with respect to using switches, if there is only one light fixture, I disagree

 

[iwire]

with respect to using switches, if there is only one light fixture, I disagree

You can phrase is anyway you want but there is no place the NEC requires the use of three or four way switches. It is a design decision.

 

[rippledipple]

3way

3way

if you walk out of a doorway and there is no switch between 8 to 10 ft you should put a 3way just the convenience,no one wants to be in the dark.

 

[goldstar]

Aside from any requirements, NEC or otherwise, think about this logically. If you walk into a room or a hallway you should be able to turn on a light. That said, if it's a short hallway and you have to reach 3' or so to reach a light switch I would say that you don't need a 3-way at a second point of enrty. However, if you have to walk 8 or 10 feet to turn on a switch I would say you should install one. Just my opinion.

 

[jusme123]

You can phrase is anyway you want but there is no place the NEC requires the use of three or four way switches. It is a design decision.

with respect to switches, as I stated, how do you plan to make it code compliant?

 

[iwire]

Guys, no one is saying three ways and four ways are not good ideas.

But the OP asked specifically when they are required and the answer to that is no, they are not required by the NEC.

 

[iwire]

with respect to switches, as I stated, how do you plan to make it code compliant?

The number of fixtures is a design decision, you can make the design NEC compliant without three or four way switches.

There is no instance where the NEC mandates the use of three or four way switches.

It may be more practical or desirable to use three or four ways but not required.

 

[roger]

Food for thought, we can install as many single pole, threeways, and fouways as we want in hallways and stairwells but the NEC doesn't even require luminaires for these spaces, just lighting outlets. IOW's, a box with a blank plate.

Roger

 

[kwired]

Food for thought, we can install as many single pole, threeways, and fouways as we want in hallways and stairwells but the NEC doesn't even require luminaires for these spaces, just lighting outlets. IOW's, a box with a blank plate.

Roger

The luminaire doesn't have to be in the stairwell either, you just need a switch at each level for luminaire(s) that illuminate the stairwell.

A light at the top level and a light at the bottom level each having switch on their same level meets code as long as each light illuminates the stairwell - and is easy to achieve with an open stairway design,

 

[domnic]

Hallway light

Hallway light

So in a unfinished basement with 6 or more risers I must have a switch at the top and the bottom of the risers 3 way or 2 single switches and lights ?

 

[Little Bill]

So in a unfinished basement with 6 or more risers I must have a switch at the top and the bottom of the risers 3 way or 2 single switches and lights ?

Yep