210.70(A)(1), (2) Dwelling Units. Habitable Rooms, Kitchens, Laundry Areas, and Bathrooms, Additional Locations
The 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) introduces new lighting outlet requirements for laundry areas in dwelling units, addressing long-standing ambiguities and providing clear guidelines for electricians.
Today, we’ll discuss some of the changes to the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC). We’ll be focusing on the new lighting outlet requirements for laundry rooms. This update is a game-changer for electricians who have long-awaited clear guidelines.
In this article, we’ll delve into the importance of defining habitable rooms, the specifics of the new lighting requirements, and how these changes affect electricians and homeowners alike. Plus, find out how you can stay up-to-date with your electrical license renewal through new online courses.
Key Points
- 2023 NEC Update: The National Electrical Code (NEC) now mandates lighting outlets in laundry areas of dwelling units.
- New Lighting Outlet Requirements: Section 210.70(A)(1) requires at least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet in habitable rooms, kitchens, laundry areas, and bathrooms
- Location of Control Device: The control device for the lighting outlet must be near the room’s entrance, mounted on a wall.
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As we mentioned earlier, the 2023 NEC will now require lighting outlets in laundry areas of dwelling units. This is a big change from the previous editions of the code, where there were no specific requirements for lighting in laundry areas.
Many electricians have had to add wall switch-controlled lighting outlets to laundry spaces in homes, even when it wasn’t required by the NEC.
The lack of lighting requirements for laundry areas was frustrating for many electricians, especially since there was no clear definition of a habitable room in the NEC until the 2020 edition.
Why It’s Important to Define a Habitable Room
The definition of a habitable room is important because many electrical requirements from the NEC apply only to habitable rooms in a dwelling.
Prior to the 2020 NEC, there was no definition in the Code for a habitable room.
Fortunately, the 2023 NEC has addressed this issue by adding lighting requirements for laundry areas.
Related: How NEC Code Changes Affect the Texas Electrical Exam
Lighting Outlet Requirements
In addition to laundry areas, the new Section 210.70(A)(1) now includes lighting outlet requirements for dwelling unit habitable rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.
This means that you must install at least one lighting outlet controlled by a listed wall-mounted control device in every habitable room, kitchen, laundry area, and bathroom. The control device must be located near the entrance to the room, on a wall.
Continuing education
Review the Most Important Code Changes to the NEC
If you are ready to renew your license, check out these new online courses At Your Pace Online.
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- TX Master the 2023 NEC (Video)
Texas electricians must renew their licenses on an annual basis, so you should stay on top of the procedure. While most jurisdictions let electrical licensees several years between renewals, you must finish yours every year.
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