I have a couple questions regarding an electrical plan for the basement below a retail store for it to meet NEC 2005. The 2 stairways are over 6 steps each and go upstairs to the retail space, not to the exterior of the building.

1. Are there any rules pertaining to location of recepatcles for sump pumps? Currently, the sump pump is plugged into a ceiling receptacle directly above the sump pump. The cord hangs down about 7'.

2. Is there a minimum number of receptacles required for the basement or for each room in the basement? I know there has to be at least one receptacle in a basement in a house (210.52(G)) but am wondering if commercial is different.

3. Do the receptacles have to be GFCI protected?

S3-a and S3-b are 3 way switches. One of each is located on the landing of the basement and first floor. The ceiling members are exposed and all wire run is MC 12/2 or 12/3. Please let me know if you see any flaws in this plan.

I thought you had an electrician doing this work? If not, consider the risk your taking.if so, then what does he say about this?

In any case I will be glad to help.

1. Are there any rules pertaining to location of recepatcles for sump pumps? Currently, the sump pump is plugged into a ceiling receptacle directly above the sump pump. The cord hangs down about 7'.

No rule specific to sump pumps, just that an outlet for a stationary appliance be located so that the cord that comes with the unit reach the outlet, and no externsion cord be needed. Common sense or mechanical consideration prevails in a situation such as this.

2. Is there a minimum number of receptacles required for the basement or for each room in the basement? I know there has to be at least one receptacle in a basement in a house (210.52(G)) but am wondering if commercial is different.

There is no requirement for general purpose receptacles for commercial applications, other than one GFI receptacles be located no farther than 25 feet away from each and any HVAC unit or equipment. Common sense needs to prevail and some general purpose outlets should be located at critical or handy locations where the budget allows, but not required.


3. Do the receptacles have to be GFCI protected?
Only the one needed for HVAC units, and any 6 foot or closer from sinks.

S3-a and S3-b are 3 way switches. One of each is located on the landing of the basement and first floor. The ceiling members are exposed and all wire run is MC 12/2 or 12/3. Please let me know if you see any flaws in this plan.


Why 3 way switches at the top and bottom of a stairway? I see no benefit to that. A 3 way switching should be so that can turn on lighting at one entrance of a space, and turn off at another entrance/exit of a space.


Other than the 3 way switches, I don't have any other suggestions.

Thanks for the help. An electrician will submit my finalized plans for a permit and he will do the work.

I like asking you because I want to get advice from someone who is impartial. I trust subcontractors about as far as I can

Throw them. To me, it's like asking a barber if I need a haircut. Many times they will try to convince me to do what I later find out is unnecessary work. When I do not educate myself before dealing with them I am inclined to go along with their suggestions.

I also thought the 3 way switches to be dumb, but I was trying to follow 210.70(A)(2)(c) - "Where one or more lighting outlet(s) are installed for interior stairways, there shall be a wall switch at each floor level, and landing level that includes an entryway, to control the lighting outlet(s) where the stairway between floor levels has six risers or more."

Each stairway is over 6 steps. It made more sense to me to have a switch at the top of each stairway. If I can do this instead, please let me know.

Ok , you have convinced me. Good it is wise to know a little about what the contractors should be doing.

The code can be a little misleading and difficult,it is a LEGAL document! This is why it can takes years to learn this to understand and there are people that make a living teaching how to read and understand it.

Yes ,two switches one at the head of each stair is fine. If the doorway between each space in the basement was not there, only a single pole switch at each stair would be needed. I like the doorway thou, it provides a second fire egress for the basement.

Now there is a switch at the top of each stairway and no 3-way switches. Is there any need for fire exit signs or hardwired smoke detectors in the basement?

Yes, exit signs, and emergency lighting. Not so sure about smoke detectors,but wait, isn't there apartments up above this store? That alone may require detectors in the basement.

Of course, certainly a good idea, but would need to check with the local fire marshall on Life Safety,especially with a mixed occupancy building. Each apartment needs detectors, but may not need to be all connected together. The store may need detectors, may even need a fire alarm system. These requirements vary a bit from state to state.