Building Code Glossary
Lighting Outlet: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009 define lighting outlet, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Lighting outlet is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Electrical Definitions. The code's own words are: “An outlet intended for the direct connection of a lampholder or luminaire.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IRC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 5 chapters of this corpus, most often in Power and Lighting Distribution (IRC 2009), Swimming Pools (IRC 2009), Building Planning (IRC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Lighting Outlet — IRC 2009, Electrical Definitions:
An outlet intended for the direct connection of a lampholder or luminaire.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Lighting Outlet is defined once in this corpus, in the Electrical Definitions chapter of the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009:
An outlet intended for the direct connection of a lampholder or luminaire.
Where lighting outlet is used in the code
The term appears in 5 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Power and Lighting Distribution | IRC 2009 | 16 |
| Swimming Pools | IRC 2009 | 14 |
| Building Planning | IRC 2009 | 4 |
| Branch Circuit and Feeder Requirements | IRC 2009 | 1 |
| Electrical Definitions | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about lighting outlet, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
At least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in every habitable room and bathroom.
Where lighting outlets are installed in interior stairways, there shall be a wall switch at each floor level to control the lighting outlet where the stairway has six or more risers.
The terms lighting outlet is built out of
The definition above leans on 2 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what lighting outlet covers:
- Luminaire — IRC 2009: A complete lighting unit consisting of a light source such as a lamp or lamps together with the parts designed to position the light source and connect it to the power supply.
- Outlet — IRC 2009: A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.
Lighting Outlet: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Electrical Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Power and Lighting Distribution (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Swimming Pools (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Building Planning (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Branch Circuit and Feeder Requirements (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Luminaire | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Outlet | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of lighting outlet?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Electrical Definitions as: “An outlet intended for the direct connection of a lampholder or luminaire.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on lighting outlet?
In this corpus the term is used across 5 chapters, led by Power and Lighting Distribution in the IRC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What is considered a lighting outlet?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Electrical Definitions: “An outlet intended for the direct connection of a lampholder or luminaire.” It is defined in IRC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
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