Where are three-way switches required?

Three-way switches are commonly used to control a light fixture from two different locations. For example, a long hallway or stairway might use a pair of three-way switches at each end so that lights can be turned on when approaching one end of the hall or stairway, then shut off from the other end.

How many risers require a 3 way switch?





six risers

Because the landing has an entryway and because each stairway between floor levels has at least six risers, at least three wall switches must be installed.

Do I need a 3 way switch?

In order to be able to turn a light on or off from different points in the same room, BOTH switches must be three-way switches. That gives both of them the chance to interrupt the flow, or re-start the flow of electricity.

Do you have to have a light switch at the top and bottom of stairs?

The general rule for an interior stairway is to have at least one wall switch–controlled lighting outlet serving the stairs. If the interior stairway between floor levels has six risers or more, a wall switch is required at each floor level, and landing level that includes an entryway.

Where are 3-way switches required in a stairway CEC?





3-way switching is required on stairway lighting when a stairway has four or more risers AND is leading to a finished area or to an outside entrance.

What are code requirements for the installation of switches?

Even if your local electrical code doesn’t require a specific minimum height, these acts offer guidance when installing your light switch: According to ADA guidelines, wall controls and outlets that can be reached from a forward position need to be a minimum of 15 inches and a maximum of 48 inches above the ground to

Where should a light switch be placed on a staircase?

Where is Stair Lighting Required? Stair Light & Switch Placement guide. Stairway Lighting is Required, with light switches at top and bottom of the stairway if the stairs encompass more than three stair treads (Canada) or six stair treads (U.S.).

What light switch do I need for stairs?

You will need a 2-way light switch in each location – up and down stairs.

How do you wire a 3 way switch for stairs?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Now you're going to connect the neutral wire from the power coming in to the neutral wire in the common cable between the two switches. Now you're going to connect the red wire and the black wire.

How do I light my basement stairs?

One smart way to get light onto your basement stairway is by installing a light on the wall above the door going down into the basement. Placing a light above the door can be an effective way to light all the way down a straight flight of stairs.

What is the code for light switches?

This states that all light switches must be placed between 15 and 48 inches from the floor to ensure that wheelchair users can reach them. With this in mind, builders tend to work to a standard height by placing the switch plate’s bottom 48 inches above the floor.

How many lights do you need in a stairway?



in simple terms, if the light source is placed at 1 foot distance from the stairs then it should provide a minimum of 12 lumens but, if light fixture is placed on the ceiling then it should have a higher lumen value.



ceiling height chandelier length
19 feet 56 inches
20 feet 60 inches

Do stairs need lights?

The general rule for an interior stairway is to have at least one wall switch–controlled lighting outlet serving the stairs. If the interior stairway between floor levels has six risers or more, a wall switch is required at each floor level, and landing level that includes an entryway.

How do you light a stairwell?

Wall lighting



Recessed and mounted spots are popular lighting choices for stairs, usually installed between 15 and 20cm above the steps. Not only do they look extremely flush and subtle, but provide adequate low-level lighting for your stairs, and can create stunning effects too.

How high should stair lights be?

What is the proper height for step lights? If you’re placing your lights on the riser of each step, using engineered wall lights, placed directly under the stair treads at the 6”-7” height will do the trick.

How far down should an entry light hang?



Ideally, a foyer chandelier should hang about 7 feet off the floor for ceilings measuring 10 feet. With a ceiling height of less than 10 feet, you need a smaller chandelier which measures less than 27 inches tall.

How do you install LED lights on stairs?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Which can be fitted underneath the burners of each stair or in the corner where the treads and risers meet for your installation. Line up the profiles where you want them draw the aluminium.

How do you light a dark stairwell?

How do you light up a dark staircase? To light up a dark staircase, you may need different light sources. Create light from above with pendant lighting, which can provide ambient light for the area, or use recessed ceiling lights in a flat ceiling to cast light downwards.