According to the Black & Decker Wiring book, the NEC indicates that each room should include at least one "switch-operated lighting outlet". Is that true even in rooms that have overhead lighting, or does that count as the "outlet"?
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TLDR: an overhead light is a fine "outlet" here.
I think the issue is NEC definition of outlet vs receptacle
Outlet. A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.
Receptacle. A contact device installed at the outlet for the connection of an attachment plug, or for the direct connection of electrical utilization equipment designed to mate with the corresponding contact device. A single receptacle is a single contact device with no other contact device on the same yoke. A multiple receptacle is two or more contact devices on the same yoke.
The NEC requirement for lighting is:
210.70(A)(1) Habitable Rooms. At least one wall switch–controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in every habitable room, kitchen, and bathroom.
You need an outlet, which can be a hard wired fixture, or could but not necessarily be a receptacle.
(Quotes 2017 NEC)
Harper - Reinstate Monica
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NoSparksPlease
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A "lighting outlet" in NEC terms (or possibly black&decker rewording, or old NEC language that may have been updated since that book) includes an overhead light.
Ecnerwal
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Each entrance to a room needs a switch that can operate a light. It can be by an wired overhead junction box in the ceiling or a switched duplex outlet.
JACK
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