210.70 Required lighting outlets
What changed in 210.70
Battery wording was removed, laundry lighting was clarified, and switches were added back in.
Point by point
- The battery language is gone. Controls no longer need a way to turn lights on automatically if their battery dies.
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Get the whole breakdown
- 3 more points on exactly what changed
- The 2023 rule next to the 2026 rule, side by side
- Why it changed
- What to do and check on the job
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This section across NEC® editions
2020 NEC®Revised
Wall switch became listed wall-mounted control device, that control has to be near an entrance to the room, and storage and equipment space lighting rules now cover all occupancies in one place.
Open the 2020 page →2023 NEC®Revised
Laundry areas now need a lighting outlet, battery-powered controls and bulkhead doors are addressed, and stairway dimmer rules were clarified.
Open the 2023 page →2026 NEC®RevisedYou're here
Battery wording was removed, laundry lighting was clarified, and switches were added back in.
More 2026 changes in Article 210
This is a plain-English summary, not the NEC®'s exact wording. Always check the full section in the NEC® edition your area has adopted, plus any local amendments.
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