Location of Lighting Controls
Location of Lighting Controls
(OP)
I am designing the lighting system for an outdoor public rest room and outdoor stands (for viewing sports events). I placed the lighting controls (switches) for the restroom on the outside door of the rest room and those for the stands at the bottom and top of the stairs that lead up to the seating.
The client queried the proposed location for the switches and suggested putting them in an independent adjoining room to prevent members of the public having access.
I am designing in accordance with NFPA, NEC 2002; ICC International Energy Conservation Code 2003; ICC International Building Code 2003.
Am I permitted to place the switches for the bathroom and the stairs in an adjoining room, which will be locked? Can anyone refer me to the section of the above codes that would prevent me placing the switches in this room?
The client queried the proposed location for the switches and suggested putting them in an independent adjoining room to prevent members of the public having access.
I am designing in accordance with NFPA, NEC 2002; ICC International Energy Conservation Code 2003; ICC International Building Code 2003.
Am I permitted to place the switches for the bathroom and the stairs in an adjoining room, which will be locked? Can anyone refer me to the section of the above codes that would prevent me placing the switches in this room?






RE: Location of Lighting Controls
RE: Location of Lighting Controls
RE: Location of Lighting Controls
Second and more important, you should know that the codes are ALL ABOUT SAFETY. So ask yourself, in this case which is safer: public access to the switches or restricted access as points out by your client?
It's a no brainer. Your client is right in this instance.
RE: Location of Lighting Controls
Section 805.2.1 of ICC International Energy Conservation Code 2003 states:
Each Area enclosed by walls or floor-to-ceiling partitions shall have at least one manual control for the lighting serving that area. The required controls shall be located within the area served by the controls or be a remote switch that identifies the lights served and indicate their status.
Exception:
1) Areas designated as security or emergency areas that must be continuously lighted.
2) Lighting in stairways or corridors that are elements of the means of egress.
My comment:
I noted the comments and they were quite valuable. However, how would you all interpret the above?
RE: Location of Lighting Controls
RE: Location of Lighting Controls
Your viewing stands are quite another issue. Depending on level of occupancy this may be deemed an Assembly area by your AHJ. The controls may still be remote,but you need to consider egress issues,etc..., to locate the controls. These certainly cannot be where the general public could access them.
Good luck,
EEJaime
RE: Location of Lighting Controls
If he gets hurt under these conditions you and your client may get hit with a law suite. Then you will see how the code is applied. Clients will not alway back you up when the chips are down.
I would check with your local building department on how this code is applied since the client has made it an issue.