Lighting Outlet Requirements in Hotels or Motels

Lighting outlet requirements for hotels and motels are outlined in Sec. 210.70 of the NEC.

Aug. 29, 2014

At least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in every habitable room and bathroom of a guest room or guest suite of hotels, motels, and similar occupancies. A receptacle outlet controlled by a wall switch may be used to meet this requirement in other than _____.

a) bathrooms
b) kitchens
c) sleeping areas
d) both a and b

See answer and applicable Code reference

The correct answer is: d) both a and b

As per Sec. 210.70 of the NEC, "lighting outlets shall be installed where specified in 210.70(A), (B), and (C)." As outlined in 210.70(B), "In hotels, motels, or similar occupancies, guest rooms or guest suites shall have at least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet installed in every habitable room and bathroom." However, as noted in Exception No. 1, "In other than bathrooms and kitchens where provided, one or more receptacles controlled by a wall switch shall be permitted in lieu of lighting outlets."

About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.