Walk-in closet switch location

petey_c · 10-16-2008, 06:46 AM

If you've got a walk-in closet that's about as big as your average bathroom, (5'X8') why can't the switch be located inside the closet (at the door)? What if you've got a really large walk-in closet with a desk, make-up mirror, and want to add an outlet for a blow dryer? Does it then become a "dressing room," instead of a closet? Just wondering...

kbsparky · 10-16-2008, 07:22 AM

We install a sensor in the door and a Remcon unit for automatic operation.

Works the same as your fridge: open the door, light comes on!

Bubbagump · 10-16-2008, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petey_c

If you've got a walk-in closet that's about as big as your average bathroom, (5'X8') why can't the switch be located inside the closet (at the door)?

Who said it can't? Lots of large walk ins have the switch on the inside.

petey_c · 10-16-2008, 04:54 PM

Bubbagump, Took a hit on it during an inspection (here on Long Island, NY). I figured that if the luminaire aspect was good, a switch should be no problem. That's what I get for thinking....

chris75 · 10-16-2008, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petey_c

Bubbagump, Took a hit on it during an inspection (here on Long Island, NY). I figured that if the luminaire aspect was good, a switch should be no problem. That's what I get for thinking....

Put the switch anywhere you want, and ask for the actual violation and get back to us.

Bubbagump · 10-16-2008, 05:02 PM

You lost me. What did you get dinged on specifically in the inspection?

The reason I ask is that there is no screwier batch of codes than in NYC or California. So I am wondering if there is something local that you have to worry about that I have no knowlege of.

**Termite** · 10-16-2008, 05:13 PM

Agreed, NY may have some screwy addition to the code. But, based on the IRC and the NEC, there's no violation in putting it in the closet.

proofer · 10-16-2008, 07:12 PM

What type of place could I find this switch? We're considering installing one/having one installed in our pantry. Is it also called a door jamb switch? When searching the Internet, all I find are switches for vehicles. I just got back from Lowe's and they don't carry them. Is it something simple to install?

Speedy Petey · 10-16-2008, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petey_c

Bubbagump, Took a hit on it during an inspection (here on Long Island, NY).

Are you saying what these guys (and I) think you are? That you got gigged for a switch in a closet????
Jeeze, things have gotten bad since I moved from there.

kbsparky · 10-16-2008, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by proofer

What type of place could I find this switch?

Go back to message #2 in this thread, and click the link.

Quote:

We're considering installing one/having one installed in our pantry. Is it also called a door jamb switch?

Not exactly. This "switch" is a combination power supply, and low voltage relay mechanism. Mounted on the junction box, or inside of a fluorescent strip on the wall above the door.

It operates with an external switch. You can use magnetic contacts embedded in the door and the jamb, or surface mounted on the outside of the door.

Or you can always use the bulky "door jamb" switch, but those are more labor intensive to install.

petey_c · 10-16-2008, 10:05 PM

This is a job that I started in 2005 for a neighbor. She bought and gutted the house with plans of renovating it. I did the service (completely inspected) and had the rough inspection done with no problems. Money ran tight and I had to go to the desert for several months (which turned into 22 months). They had to file for the inspections themselves and this was one of the things the new inspector turned up. One violation: "This is something your electrician should've known. It's been on the books since day one. No switches inside a walk-in closet." Hmmm.

Speedy Petey · 10-16-2008, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petey_c

One violation: "This is something your electrician should've known. It's been on the books since day one. No switches inside a walk-in closet." Hmmm.

What a complete and utter MORON!

petey_c · 10-16-2008, 11:42 PM

I was thinking things more colorful.

proofer · 10-17-2008, 06:15 AM

I found another idea on-line. Instead of doing all this electrical work to get light in a closet/pantry, they just simply put a motion sensor lightbulb in there. That sounds like an easy solution.

Silk · 10-17-2008, 06:28 AM

Your inspector is an idiot. Tell him he's an idiot. Call his boss (everybody has one) and tell him that he's an idiot. If enough people call his boss, you won't have to deal with him anymore.

We had the same problem here, the guy was gone within 6 months, contractors just have to stick together.

10-16-2008, 06:46 AM	#1
petey_c Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 100	Walk-in closet switch location If you've got a walk-in closet that's about as big as your average bathroom, (5'X8') why can't the switch be located inside the closet (at the door)? What if you've got a really large walk-in closet with a desk, make-up mirror, and want to add an outlet for a blow dryer? Does it then become a "dressing room," instead of a closet? Just wondering...

10-16-2008, 04:54 PM	#4
petey_c Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 100	Walk-in closet switch location Bubbagump, Took a hit on it during an inspection (here on Long Island, NY). I figured that if the luminaire aspect was good, a switch should be no problem. That's what I get for thinking....

10-16-2008, 05:02 PM	#6
Bubbagump Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 104	Walk-in closet switch location You lost me. What did you get dinged on specifically in the inspection? The reason I ask is that there is no screwier batch of codes than in NYC or California. So I am wondering if there is something local that you have to worry about that I have no knowlege of.

10-16-2008, 05:13 PM	#7
Termite Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 6,520	Walk-in closet switch location Agreed, NY may have some screwy addition to the code. But, based on the IRC and the NEC, there's no violation in putting it in the closet.

10-16-2008, 07:12 PM	#8
proofer Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 321	Walk-in closet switch location What type of place could I find this switch? We're considering installing one/having one installed in our pantry. Is it also called a door jamb switch? When searching the Internet, all I find are switches for vehicles. I just got back from Lowe's and they don't carry them. Is it something simple to install?

Walk-in closet switch location