Code Change Summary: Revisions were made to require lighting outlets in attics, underfloor spaces and basements of all occupancies.

This code section requires a careful read in order to apply it properly.

Until now, attics, underfloor spaces and basements in other than dwellings were required to have a lighting outlet only if these spaces contained equipment that required servicing such as HVAC units.

In the 2017 NEC^®, this applies to dwellings and also includes areas used for storage. Now, attics, underfloor spaces, utility rooms, and basements, must have at least one lighting outlet containing a switch or controlled by a wall switch, located where these spaces are used for storage or contain equipment requiring servicing. At least one point of control must be at the usual point of entry to these spaces. The lighting outlet itself must be at or near the equipment requiring servicing.

Proper interpretation and application of this code section is key to avoiding the inspectors red tag.

Here are a few things to keep in mind in order to pass inspection:

• The lighting outlet must contain a switch or be controlled by a “wall switch”. Sometimes, there are no walls to put a “wall switch” on in the area requiring a lighting outlet (see image).
• At least one point of control must be at the usual point of entry to the space. If a permanently installed pull down type attic ladder is installed, then many inspectors will say the point of entry is at the bottom of the ladder after it has been extended. For that situation, locate the switch on a wall adjacent to where the pull down ladder will be when extended.
• For a sheetrock lid type attic access, locating a pull chain type luminaire just above the attic access lid is code compliant as long as the luminaire is also adjacent to the equipment requiring servicing.

Below is a preview of Article 210. See the actual NEC^® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2017 NEC^® edition of NFPA 70.