Lighting outlet requirements in the 2026 national electrical code

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Wall mounted light switches have been a modern convenience since we started the electrification of occupancies. In the early years, light switches rotated to open and close the circuit. That is where we got “turn the light on” from. The 2026 National Electrical Code has little to say about lighting in most occupancies except for dwelling units. Most lighting requirements for commercial and industrial establishments are regulated by necessity and building codes. In section 210.70 you can find the minimum lighting outlets required and the control options permitted.

First, let’s start with all occupancies where working space is provided for electrical equipment in accordance with 110.26. In 110.26(D) there is a requirement for illumination for electrical equipment such as service equipment, panelboards, switchboards, switchgear, and motor control centers. The one restriction is that the lighting cannot be controlled by automatic means for the lighting located within the working space. You might be able to predict what might happen if someone is troubleshooting energized electrical components and have the lighting shut off.

Looking at section 210.70, Lighting Outlets Required. (A) is requirements for dwelling units, (B) is for guest rooms and guest suites, and (C) applies to all occupancies.

The lighting can be controlled by a wall mounted switch or a listed wall mounted control device. Switch locations are still required to have a grounded conductor (neutral) for future use. This requirement was in 404.2(C) but was relocated to Part III of Article 406. Article 406 was renamed to “Wiring Devices” and a new definition for wiring devices was added to Article 100. Grounded (neutrals) are require in accordance with 406.30(C). Unless one can be installed in the future a neutral is still required. All switches are required to be grounded with an equipment grounding conductor or bonded to metallic boxes.

Dwellings are required to have lighting outlets controlled from the wall nearest to the entrance of the room at all habitable rooms, kitchens, laundry areas and bathrooms. Half-hot receptacles or switched receptacles are permitted in rooms other than kitchens, laundry and bathrooms. Permissive rules allow for occupancy sensors at switch locations with manual override and laundry areas are permitted to be illuminated by adjacent lighting. This would allow a laundry closet to have the lighting outlet located outside of the closet and not necessarily inside the closet.

At least one lighting outlet controlled by a wall switch shall be in hallways, stairways, attached garages, and if you bring power to the detached garage or accessory building then a lighting outlet must be installed. If there is a door on the garage then an outdoor lighting outlet must be installed. The garage door used for the vehicle is not counted for the rule.

Three-way switches are required at stairways with six or more risers or steps between levels or floors. If a dimmer is used at these locations, then the dimmers must be at all locations and capable of dimming up or down at all locations.

Guest rooms and guest suites of hotels and motels shall have a wall mounted switch located in every habitable room. Like dwelling units, receptacles controlled by switches are permitted except in kitchens and bathrooms.

In all occupancies switch controlled lighting outlets shall be provided for attics, underfloor spaces, utility rooms and basements when those spaces are used for storage or contain equipment that could require servicing.

The switch must be located at the entrance to those locations, and the lighting outlet must be near the equipment. Automatic controls shall be permitted only if a manual override is provided for.

Additional requirements for switches can be located in Article 404 as well as 406. Article 406 was the place for receptacles, cord connectors, and attachment plugs (caps) but was restructured in the 2026 NEC and renamed to “Wiring Devices.”