210.70(A)(1) Lighting Outlets Required. Habitable Rooms.
Code Change Summary: Revised code language addresses lighting control devices other than a hard-wired wall switch.
In the 2020 NEC®, language was accepted to allow a “listed wall-mounted control device” where a wall switch is normally required in habitable rooms. The previous requirement for a “switch” didn’t technically allow for anything besides a hard-wired application since the Article 100 definition of a General-Use Switch is “a switch intended for use in general distribution and branch circuits” (wired applications).
Modern automated or voice-controlled devices on the wall can communicate wirelessly through to a remote lighting contactor which eliminates the need for them to be hard-wired.
The revised code language permits lighting control technology that is currently available and already being installed in dwellings and commercial buildings today. Permitting wireless communication to a controller for lighting in the NEC® also aligns with the application of wireless communication for life safety fire alarms already permitted in NFPA 72.
Below is a preview of the NEC®. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2020 NEC® edition of NFPA 70.
2017 Code Language:
210.70(A)(1) Habitable Rooms. At least one wall switch–controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in every habitable room, kitchen, 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.
Exception No. 2: Lighting outlets shall be permitted to be controlled by occupancy sensors that are (1) in addition to wall switches or (2) located at a customary wall switch location and equipped with a manual override that will allow the sensor to function as a wall switch.
2020 Code Language:
210.70(A)(1) Habitable Rooms. At least one lighting outlet controlled by a listed wall-mounted control device shall be installed in every habitable room, kitchen, and bathroom. The wall-mounted control device shall be located near an entrance to the room on a wall.
Exception No. 1: In other than kitchens and bathrooms, one or more receptacles controlled by a listed wall-mounted control device shall be permitted in lieu of lighting outlets.
Exception No. 2: Lighting outlets shall be permitted to be controlled by occupancy sensors that are (1) in addition to listed wall-mounted control devices or (2) located at a customary wall switch location and equipped with a manual override that will allow the sensor to function as a wall switch.