Explore the process of adding lighting and switch fixtures to a building design plan. This article provides a detailed walkthrough on how to appropriately locate and install both single pole and three-way light switches in a classroom and hallway scenario.
Key Insights
- The building design includes both single pole light switches for classrooms and three-way switches for hallway areas. Placement of these switches is strategic and important for functionality.
- The lighting device option in the systems menu can be used to choose the classification of light switch and its location. These devices are typically installed at a height of four feet from the ground.
- The installation process involves selecting the appropriate vertical face on the wall and clicking to place the light switch. Once placed, light switches can be replicated across multiple locations, such as in a row of classrooms or along a hallway.
Once we have our lighting in place, we can add switches to control the lights. Again, we’ll turn back to our handout and notice that there is a light switch for a single-pole and a light switch for a three-way. These are shown by circles.
We notice that each classroom has a single-pole or single-throw light switch. In the hallway, there is a three-way light switch to control these lights. We can use this guide for Level One and Level Two to add all the switches to the classroom area.
Let’s take a look at a few tips and tricks before jumping in. First, I’ll zoom into this classroom area. If I switch over to the Systems menu and go to Devices, I’ll notice that Lighting Device is one of the options.
I’ll pick that Lighting Device. Again, I choose where it goes. I have Work Plane, Face, or Vertical Face.
This time, I want to select Vertical Face, essentially the face of the wall, to place the light fixture. It looks like I’m set up for the single-pole light fixture, and that’s perfect for starting. I also notice that it’s at Schedule Level One, and I’m on Level One, so that works.
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I have an elevation of four feet from Level, and that’s perfect. I want all my light switches to be four feet off the ground. Now, I just zoom in, and I can click to place the light switches where I want them.
It makes sense to have a light switch right where we walk in the door so we can find it easily. I just click on the wall, and it places the light switch.
I can work my way down this row of classrooms to place a light switch in each. So, I’ll go down this row and place those light switches all the way. Each group gets a light switch.
It looks like the Nurse’s Office could also use a light switch, so I’ll place one right there. Easy peasy, I’ve got light switches. Now, I need the corridor to have a light switch.
When we walk in from the vestibule, I want a light switch. I want it to be a three-way so it can also be controlled from down the hallway. So, I’ll walk in, and I’ll place a three-way light switch right here, but it can be overridden down the hallway with a second three-way light switch.
Alright, back to you. You can follow those guides or feel free to use your own design. I don’t sweat it.
We’re just adding some lights and light switches and placing them where it seems best for you. Then, we’ll meet back again soon.