Electrical – What type of wiring should bedroom overhead lighting have

code-complianceelectricalenergy efficiencyfanlighting

On the phone with a friend in Cali this morning. He said that some municipalities are requiring /4 (12-3 or 14-3 romex) wiring for all new construction or rewiring for overhead lighting components. Maybe they love the use of fans or know that in the future that the extra wire could help with energy savings when using a central lighting system.

I have personally always used /4 for this because I am always afraid that someone will change their mind and want a fan (I install a fan brace too). I am wondering if there is any code to back up the wiring requirements in different parts of the US or world and what you would offer advice as best practice?

Best Answer

I think you may be referring to the addition of item C to section 404.2 in article 404 of the National Electrical Code (NEC). Which states...

National Electrical Code 2011

ARTICLE 404 Switches

404.2 Switch Connections.
(C) Switches Controlling Lighting Loads. Where switches control lighting loads supplied by a grounded general purpose branch circuit, a grounded circuit conductor shall be provided at the switch location.

Exception: The grounded circuit conductor shall be permitted to be omitted from the switch enclosure where either of the conditions in (1) or (2) apply:

(1) Conductors for switches controlling lighting loads enter the device box through a raceway.

(2) Cable assemblies for switches controlling lighting enter the box through a framing cavity that is open at the top or bottom on the same floor level, or through a wall, floor, or ceiling that is unfinished on one side.

The intention of this code change is to provide a grounded (neutral) conductor in switch boxes, so "smart" devices can make use of it.

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