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Illumination as required by NEC 706.10(E)
NEC 706.10(E) states:
Illumination. Illumination shall be provided for working spaces associated with ESS and their equipment and
components. Luminaires shall not be controlled by automatic means only. Additional luminaires shall not be required
where the work space is illuminated by an adjacent light source. The location of luminaires shall not do either of the
following:
(1) Expose personnel to energized system components while performing maintenance on the luminaires in the system
space
(2) Create a hazard to the system or system components upon failure of the luminaire
Existing illumination in a customer’s garage will satisfy this requirement:
“Luminaires shall not be controlled by automatic means only.”
This allows for automatic control so long as there is also manual control available. If the light is switched, it
should meet this requirement
“Additional luminaires shall not be required where the work space is illuminated by an adjacent light source.”
Per 210.70(A)(2)(1): "At least one wall switch–controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in hallways, stairways,
attached garages, and detached garages with electric power.”
A garage is required to have a switch controlled lighting outlet so illumination is available in the same space the battery
will be installed in.
In addition, the language in 706.10(E) mirrors 100.26(D):
Illumination. Illumination shall be provided for all working spaces about service equipment, switchboards, switchgear,
panelboards, or motor control centers installed indoors. Control by automatic means only shall not be permitted.
Additional lighting outlets shall not be required where the work space is illuminated by an adjacent light source or as
permitted by 210.70(A)(1), Exception No. 1, for switched receptacles.
Which suggests that the lighting currently accepted for other equipment associated with the solar installation (notably
the inverter) is also acceptable to meet the requirements of 706.10(E).
