Homeowners rarely think about their closet lights as long as it comes on when they flip the switch. Folded clothes, cardboard boxes and plastic wrappings are stuffed and stacked around a glowing light bulb. Every time you turn that closet light fixture ON, ignition temperature of a combustible material next to the light bulb will gradually drop. If these items get too close to the hot light they could ignite and burn your house down. It is imperative that all homes have properly installed and proper type of closet lights.
You should always update to the latest building / electrical code, this is what 2008 NEC (National Electrical code) says about the closet lights.
Types of permitted closet light fixtures:
- • Surface mounted or recessed type incandescent light fixtures with a completely enclosed light bulb
- • Surface mounted or recessed fluorescent type light fixtures
- • Surface mounted fluorescent of LED type light fixtures that are listed / identified as permitted in a storage area
Not permitted closet light fixtures:
- • Open or partial open incandescent type light fixtures, and pendants
Locations / minimum clearances between the closet light fixtures and the closest storage space:
- • Closet light installed on the wall above the closet door or on the ceiling
- o Completely enclosed surface-mounted incandescent or LED closet light – 12�
- o Surface mounted fluorescent – 6�
- • Closet light recessed in the wall or ceiling
- o Completely enclosed incandescent or LED light source – 6�
- o Recessed fluorescent – 6�
- • Surface mounted fluorescent or LED closet lights are permitted only if identified for such installation.
Closets do not require a light fixture. This topic is not addressed in any of the residential codes.
Here is what the 2006 IRC says about required lighting outlets for storage spaces.
E3803.4 Storage or equipment spaces. In attics, under-floor spaces, utility rooms and basements, at least one lighting outlet shall be installed where these spaces are used for storage or contain equipment requiring servicing. Such lighting outlet shall be controlled by a wall switch or shall have an integral switch. At least one point of control shall be at the usual point of entry to these spaces. The lighting outlet shall be provided at or near the equipment requiring servicing." You will notice that is is identical to section 210.70(A)(3) from the 2005 NEC. The power source for closet lighting can be obtained from several locations including an existing inside outlet or an existing lighting fixture provided that an non-switched source of power can be obtained and both a hot, a neutral, and a ground can be obtained at that location to feed the new closet switch / light installation. Closet lighting is a low amp usage area that can be added getting power from any general lighting source including nearby general use receptacles.
Safety Rule and Additional Clearance
Please keep in mind that if you have a clothes closet so designed that you can install an incandescent luminaire [light fixture] on the wall or ceiling near the point where the wall meets the ceiling, then you are required an additional clearance from any adjoining wall and the fixture must be so designed so that the temperature of the adjoining wall must not exceed 194 degree F or 90 degree C that is flammable such as the adjoining point of the ceiling and wall in your clothes closet. This additional clearance says that you must use a type of luminaire that is so designed to prevent any temperature exposure in excess of 194 degree F or 90 degree C due to that light fixture’s hot bulb. NEC Article 410.5
In my opinion, if you maintain a minimum of a 6" clearance from an incandescent light bulb and any adjoining wall surface you should meet that temperature limitation. Just thought I would be safe and add this additional safety rule in case you approach this adjoining wall condition with your luminaire. If you have any questions about the safety of your closet lights you should have a Colorado Home Inspection.
Wade Williamson is the President of Axium Inspections which is located in Denver, Colorado. He is an ASHI (American Association of Home Inspectors) and NACHI (National Association of Certified Home Inspectors) Certified Inspector, IAC2 certified, member of Environmental Solutions Association, accredited member of the Better Business Bureau, Certified Mold Inspector and Assessor, Certified Mold Inspector, Qualified Radon Measurement Provider, Certified Indoor Air Quality Tester.
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