24 VAC Lighting in closets, bathrooms, showers, and tubs

[nicknorth]

If we have a remote transformer from 120VAC down to 12/24VAC is this an exception in the NEC so we don't have all the rules of lighting for bathrooms around tubs & showers, closets? We have someone that wants some lighting in this areas and the fixtures comes with transformers on them, but what if we set a remote j-box and used a larger conductors, and transformer would be okay? The one issue is the lighting in the steam shower.

 

[mgookin]

Just what are you looking for exception from? Wet location?

 

[templdl]

In my opinion incandescent lights at any voltage is an issue. Should such lights come into contact with clothing could cause as fire. With incandescent lights whether or not they are 120 or 12/24v they both will get hot.
Where 120v GFCI is an issue because of a shock hazard the LV 12/24v product I believe would be much safer. The 12/24v would actually a newly derived system which should be insulated and isolated from ground that along with being only 12/24v would basically all but eliminate any shock hazard.

 

[augie47]

NEC has an Article to cover that, Art 411. Among other provisions it calls for the SYSTEM to be listed. The listing will most likely provide that info

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Article 410 Part II will cover closets and baths but there is no problem using a 24V light or any other light in a shower as long as it is listed for wet location. Of course, as Gus stated 411 also comes into play

 

[Little Bill]

Among other provisions it calls for the SYSTEM to be listed. The listing will most likely provide that info

So you're saying if it is listed the listing will say it is listed?:blink:

 

[Dennis Alwon]

411 is the shortest article and I think one of the hardest to understand. Actually you can use a system with an assembly of listed parts-- 411.3(B)

 

[kwired]

Changing voltage does not relieve you from using equipment listed for wet or damp locations where required.

In clothes closets the biggest issue driving some of the requirements is operating temperature. Just because a luminaire is low voltage will not necessarily mean it will be low temperature. Glowing filament type lamps of any kind all have high operating temperature.

 

[tom baker]

Its not the voltage thats an issue, its the watts. 100 Watts at 24 volts is the same heat as 100 watts at 120 volts. An incandesent lamp is a heater that gives off a little bit (8%) of visable light.

 

[GoldDigger]

Its not the voltage thats an issue, its the watts. 100 Watts at 24 volts is the same heat as 100 watts at 120 volts. An incandesent lamp is a heater that gives off a little bit (8%) of visable light.

The heat limits what you can put inside an enclosure with any particular ventilation system and wire insulation.
The voltage and wattage both limit the extreme consequences of accidental electrical contact. Limited power and low voltage each play a different role in those consequences.

 

[mwm1752]

Both bathroom & closets have clearances that shall be addressed or else the listing shall be appropriate. Luminaires are luminaires regardless of voltage in these cases.