Light fixture depth requirement for installation

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anbm

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Due to constraint ceiling space, owner has asked below question: if the light fixture is 10" depth, should 10" is enough space to install it? Or we need to add some additional "safety factor depth" like 6" or 8" into this overral depth for conduit run, box installation, etc? Is there a code requirement for this or some rule? Or this is just common practice rule? Thanks!
 
I think this is kind of a installation question, the light can be recessed 2x4 fixture or can light, no matter what above it, the question is really how much exatra space we need above light fixture housing to do the installation either using cable or EMT conduit, I guess.
 
With few exceptions, recessed cans have J-boxes mounted well below the top of the can, so they shouldn't matter.

Lay-ins usually have top-mounted cable plates, but also have end KO's, but have to have a little headroom to install.
 
anbm said:
Is there a code requirement for this or some rule? Or this is just common practice rule?
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I think your question might be too open ended. The type of construction and the amount of thermal insulation the locale requires and whether the luminaires you are choosing, or forced to accept and install, are any where in the insulation.
 
You can always go with a downlight that has a horizontal lamp configuration (if it is a compact fluorescent). These will be ~6" as opposed to 10-12" for a vertical lamp. You should be fine with a 2x4 (side-entry conduit) as they are typically only a little over 5" deep. Your depth can decrease even further if you choose a T5 fixture... For example the RT5 2x4 from Lithonia has a depth of 3.125".

In a nutshell there are numerous options that can keep you at or under 10" you just have to look for them.
 
I do not see where the op is asking about recessed lights. I think perhaps he is talking about a clearance for a flush mounted light with obstructions below it. I would say plain old common sense would rule, not what any particular customer wants to slap together.
 
Sorry for the confusion...Let me try again:

What is the clrearance requirement on the top of recessed light fixture housing (vertical)?

If there is no code requirement...what is typical vertical clrearance (inches) you need in order to terminate the conduit /cable to the light fixture housing? Assuming the connection shall be made at the top by using either EMT or cable.
 
anbm said:
Sorry for the confusion...Let me try again:

What is the clrearance requirement on the top of recessed light fixture housing (vertical)?

If there is no code requirement...what is typical vertical clrearance (inches) you need in order to terminate the conduit /cable to the light fixture housing? Assuming the connection shall be made at the top by using either EMT or cable.
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Manufacturer's instruction and fixture rating labels inside the can determine space minimums for 'IC" rating insulation and sealing interface for fire code and energy code compliances that are partially covered in the NEC. The only reference to recess installation 410.66 [2005] that was mysteriously eliminated and changed in the 2008 NEC can be found in XI. Special Provisions 410.116 Clearance and Installation.

As far as conduit or NM wiring clearance above a recess, that depends on if this is a drop ceiling vs. a blind or closed joist area above the housing. All are side entry for closed structure that I have run into for residential. rbj
 
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