Sometimes people do not know what they do not know. One such item is an exterior side of outdoor entrances or exits with grade-level access to a detached garage that has power present.

Once someone provides electrical power to these detached garages then there are rules that have to be followed per the codes.

Detached garages with electric power are required to have at least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet to provide illumination on the exterior side of outdoor entrances or exits with grade-level access.

Per the 2014 NEC-

210.70(A)(2)(b) states:

(b) For dwelling units, attached garages, and detached garages with electric power, at least one wall switch–controlled lighting outlet shall be installed to provide illumination on the exterior side of outdoor entrances or exits with grade level access. A vehicle door in a garage shall not be considered as an outdoor entrance or exit.

Exception to (A)(2)(B): In hallways, in stairways, and at outdoor entrances, remote, central, or automatic control of lighting shall be permitted.

Note from the Handbook.

Although 210.70(A)(2)(b) calls for a switched lighting outlet at outdoor entrances and exits, it does not prohibit a suitably located single lighting outlet from serving more than one door.

Remember these are just the minimum requirements per the code.

“The first principle is that you must not fool yourself... and you are the easiest person to fool.”
Richard Feynman

If you find any errors or have additional information that would expand on any code, building standards or manufacture requirements please let me know.

NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…  

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Instructor- Fundamentals of Home Inspection-  Bellingham Technical College

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