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iBoaterer[_3_]

In article ,
says...

On Wed, 1 May 2013 13:26:54 -0500, Boating All Out
wrote:

In article ,
says...

On Wed, 01 May 2013 07:49:07 -0400, "F.O.A.D." wrote:

You can get CFLs in a number of different colors from cool white to a
warmer almost red/yellow. I use them where they will work but a lot of
my interior lighting is on occupancy sensors and they don't like CFLs.
The "off state" load is not enough to power the occupancy sensor
properly and you end up with a flickering light that burns out
quickly.
They had to change the National Electric Code on the last code cycle
to force people to bring a neutral to every switch so you could use a
3 wire switching device. That is another cost for this "saving".

That code change has nothing to do with CFL's. It's to cater to
lighting control freaks who think using a simple switch is too arduous.

It has everything to do with CFLs and LEDs. They do not support line
powered switching devices. It is to allow smart switching devices so
lights turn off when you leave a room. I believe they are mandated in
the newer energy codes.

Know anybody like that?

Me, I have occupancy detectors all over my house.

So basically it's your lighting desires which
might add costs to those who were happy just flipping a switch.

and the energy code

And NEC was no doubt lobbied for the code change by the special
interests who will financially benefit from the code. NEC should stay
out of design, especially for this type of frill.

This actually came from the IAEI (electrical inspectors) who were
concerned that installers were using the EGC (safety ground)
That was actually allowed if the standby current was 500 ua.

Further, nobody is being "forced" to use the neutral unless they're
having inspected switch work done, or they're putting in fancy lighting
control devices that need it. It doesn't apply to existing switches.

It applies to any circuit extension and all new construction.

And some states have their own exceptions. NC excepts most residential.

There are a lot of states that cave in to builders and write code
exceptions.

Lighting control outside of commercial building timing and entertainment
venues is about the most prissy and self-indulgent crap I can think
of...wait...isn't there a toilet that costs about 5 grand and wipes your
ass? Maybe that wins.

Maybe you should talk to the people who write the energy codes.

Which addition of the code is this in and what section? Does it specify
that the addendum was because of CFL's?