Does NEC (code) require hardwired 3-way switches?

I say they are not three-way switches - there is a standard switch with a remote, which is not wired to the circuit and the NEC "three-way switch" code does not apply as the remotes are not switching loads - they are simply signalling devices.

Screw 'em. Have them put in a regular switch in one place, and after he leaves, put your HA switches in.
 
All,

Thanks for the replies - very helpful, and appreciated. I think the electrician is out to lunch on this one, but I fully agree that the inspector is the guy to worry about. They seem willing to help homeowners in our township, and I don't anticipate problems there. It's the electrician who has been the initial challenge.

Also, to answer Marc - I have not checked the Smarthome forum. Frankly, I've stayed away from it for about a year as I had little success there solving my early Insteon problems. But I'll check to see if they have some ready-made code answers. Thanks for the idea.
 
You are quoting 210.70(2)(a). But Further in the same article [210.70(2)©], the code does require a switch at each end of a stairway, but does no mention hallways. However, there is an exception that follows which says this:
Exception to (a), (:(, and ©: In hallways, stairways, and outdoor entrances, remote, central, or automatic control of lighting shall be permitted.

Ask you electrician to look at this section. He ought to have his code book handy.

And this exception was in 1999 and 2002 editions also. so newness ought not be an excuse/reason/factor.

(One potential Gotcha is that some jurisdictions have hard-wired a particular version of the NEC into their building codes. This seemed to be particularly prevalent during the period when new regulations-- of all sorts, not just building -- typically meant more stringent regulations. I ran into that with the 'liberalization's' in the 2002 NEC with respect to low-voltage wiring.)

... Marc
 
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