While replying to this thread, a question popped up in my mind. I have smart bulbs in a flood light fixture for my back yard. Since I no longer wanted the switch to disconnect them from my hub, I removed the load wire from the switch and tied it directly to line. Then I used the Smart Lighting Smart App to turn the floods on and off when the switch is pushed. I’m wondering if this creates any code violations. I wouldn’t even know what search terms to put in to research it in the NEC.
I’m guessing someone unfamiliar with my setup could turn off the switch, see that the lights are off and remove the bulbs and stick their fingers in there. Not a smart thing to do, but you never know.
NEC allows for automated control of most single-family home lighting for hallways, and outdoor lighting, without a switch.
Exception: Lighting outlets for hallways, stairways, and outdoor entrances can be switched by a remote, central, or automatic control device.
However, the code also requires that “habitable rooms“ (bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, living room, etc.) have at least one wall switch. (210.70(A)(1) )
,
There are some jurisdictions which do require that there be a switch for every fixture because they do worry about someone trying to replace the fixture while the line as hot. But in most places outdoor lights are exempted from the switch requirement all together.
And some jurisdictions do allow for fully automated lighting, no switch even in bedrooms and kitchens.