3 way switching for loft

[MagKarl]

I understand that I need 3 way switches for my loft stairs. I plan to 3 way all the loft lights, not just over the stairs. Is there a code requirement for how close to the stairs the bottom switch has to be? The bottom of my stairs is in the middle of my floor, approx. 12 feet from the walls.

 

[gregtwojeeps]

NEC 210.70 will address part of your question about switch placement for stairs. It basically notes that a switch shall be placed "at" each landing of the stair system anytime there is more than six risers...which in your case would be a switch at the top floor level and at the bottom level ...

Without a pic of your stairs I am assuming it is an industrial type loft that will have no walls on either side of the steps...just open handrails ? If there is just handrails, there is not a physical structure like walls...to mount a 3 way switch box at the bottom step... ..

The word "at" is subjective and will depend on your inspector's personal discretion, as to where the location of the switch is allowed. They usually allow some leeway with property owners whenever the construction/physical location of buildings walls are of "special" design or location...

I feel that the inspector would be o.k. with the 3- way being on the wall directly right across from the bottom step... 12 ft. away ........which then by its location ....would help designate its purpose. Opposing views will now chime in. Good luck on your project. JMO

 

[MTW]

The relevant code section is 210.70 A, 2, c

(c) Where one or more lighting outlet(s) are installed
for interior stairways, there shall be a wall switch at each
floor level, and landing level that includes an entryway, to
control the lighting outlet(s) where the stairway between
floor levels has six risers or more.
Exception to (A)(2)(a), (A)(2)(b), and (A)(2)(c): In hallways,
in stairways, and at outdoor entrances, remote, central,
or automatic control of lighting shall be permitted.

So there is no dimension listed, only the entryway is listed.

As a practical matter, all stairways are required to have a handrail.
Whatever supports the handrail could be used to support the switch as well.

Most inspectors would frown on the switch being 12' away, as well as it being a pain in the **** for the user. Install a post for the handrail support and mount the switch on it, problem solved.

MTW Ω

 

[gregtwojeeps]

Like I said, a pic would be in order here to help give him a better answer....

Not so easily solved... if the OP has a contemporary/industrial metal handrail/pickets/ balusters ....and wants to keep his balustrade industrial looking or even open contemporary style, neither that have a big "post" at the bottom step. A post at the bottom ...would stick out like a sore pecker on the aforementioned balustrades. JMO

 

[MagKarl]

It's a pole barn, the loft is supported by posts on 12 foot spacing. The bottom of the stairs is about 12 feet from the exterior walls. My plan right now is to have all the light switches grouped right next to my entry man doors, with an additional switch at the top of the loft stairs. So I will have switches on each level. Mainly concerned if there was a requirement for proximity of the switch to the stairs. I would prefer to have my switches grouped and 3/4 ways at the man doors. It's an open barn and loft, I only plan to have 3 zones and no interior walls. I could add another switch at the bottom of the stairs but really don't want to if I don't have to.

 

[soj]

I can see what you are describing, but a pic would really help.

But without a pic, I am assuming a pole barn has wooden stairs. Hopefully it has at least one hand rail. If the bottom newel post is just hand rail height, it could be extended to the ceiling and be used to mount conduit and a switch box. The conduit / wiring could also be routed along one of the stair stringers from the second floor, all the way to the bottom of the stairs and back up the newel post to a switch box.

All these suggestions are for in case the ahj requires you to mount a switch "at" the lower landing.
jp

Oops, I missed your 12' spacing. Since your stairs are 12' from the wall, is there already a post at the base of the stairs?