Requirements for switches in automated room

[Unregistered]

i know that the electrical code requires a "switch" at the exit of each room to turn on/off the light in that room. Can some sort of automation (i.e. motion sensor, or alarm type switch on the door itself) that turns the light on and off be used that still meets this requirement? I know it must be able to, however, I have been unable to find any specific requirement other than the use of outdoor motion sensors to meet the entrance lighting requirement.

I currently have an inspector who wants a light switch in addition to the automated process.

[Unregistered]

According to NEC 210.70:
Exception #2: Lighting outlets shall be permitted to be controlled by occupancy sensors that (1) In addtion to WALL SWITCHES or (2)
located at a customary wall switch location and equipted with a
MANUAL OVERRIDE that will allow the sensor to function as a WALL SWITCH.

GL Ed

[Wgoodrich]

GL ed has the rule that applies to occupancy switches [aka automated switches] as you queried. However if you are going to clear up the subject with your inspector you will need a further rule and that rule explained that is often misunderstood.

COPIED SECTION OF NEC 2002;

210.70 Lighting Outlets Required.
Lighting outlets shall be installed where specified in 210.70(A), (B), and (C).
(A) Dwelling Units. In dwelling units, lighting outlets shall be installed in accordance with 210.70(A)(1), (2), and (3).
(1) Habitable Rooms. At least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in every habitable room and bathroom.

COMMENTS;

Notice is say installed in every room. The NEC does not tell you that the switch must be located at the entrance of that habitable room.

If you were to read the rest of that rule it gets specific. Switch at top of stairs to basement, switch at entrance to crawl space, switch at entrance to attic. It does not say at entrance to a bedroom or living room or any other habitable room just that the switched controlled outlet must be in each habitable room somewhere and the switch location is not mentioned where in the room.

Best way to approach an inspector on this subject is to copy the rules provided in these two replies. Then mention that there is no rule as to location of that switch in that habitable room that you can discover. Ask him or her if she will please provide a copied section of that certain rule of switch location if he or she plans to enforce it to be located at an entrance and then provide documentation as to which entry into a habitable room with multiple entries.

This should get his or her head scratching

Hope this helps

Wg