ceiling fixture in closet

[whistling ed]

I have just been informed by the inspector that I can't put a ceiling fixture in a closet, which is sized 4'x7' with double doors. There is a wire shelf 19" from the ceiling, but the inspector said if there wasn't a shelf I still couldn't have a light in the ceiling; he would approve a small florence light on the wall above the door. Is this code or just a local ruling? Thanks.

 

[bphgravity]

Re: ceiling fixture in closet

Luminaires installed in storage spaces must meet the requirements of 410.8 of the 2002 NEC. The main issue to this section is distance between the nearest point of storage and the fixture itself. See this section and the possibiity that local codes have even tighter restrictions to determine where and een if a fixture can be installed in this storage area.

 

[david]

Re: ceiling fixture in closet

Ed
I?m going to assume that you shelf space is above 6 ft. if not please disregard this post.

The restricted space as I read this section is the 19 in plus 12 in for Surface-mounted incandescent luminaries.
48? ? 31 in = 17 in. The space 17? measured from the door and left and right walls should be safe

And 19 in plus 6 in for surface-mounted fluorescent luminaries, recessed incandescent luminaries & recessed fluorescent luminaries.
48 ? 25 = 23? The space measured 23? from the door and left and right walls should be safe.

410.8 Luminaires (Fixtures) in Clothes Closets.

 

[jxofaltrds]

Re: ceiling fixture in closet

Ed

Without seeing your application he is correct.

Install a recessed can. If you did not bid for this eat it and consider it a learning experience. That would still be cheaper than paying a Code Forum Fee.

Mike P.

 

[whistling ed]

Re: ceiling fixture in closet

Thanks for the info, it all helped. I ended up going to see the inspector and he explained that I should go straight up from the front edge of the shelf, which was 12" wide, and then come out another 12" for incandesent or 6" for flor. Since I only had 25" as the depth in the closet, I chose, with the owners permission, to use a 5"x12"x1" flor. fixture, which doesn't give as much light but remains within the limit of the code. And your're right, it was a learning experince.

 

[gwz2]

Re: ceiling fixture in closet

Not a NEC comment, but why does most everyone want to put the CC light in the middle of the 24" or 30" deep CC?

With any type of wall shelf, the light in the middle of the room will cast a shadow on the floor.

Just by moving the light as near a practicle to the door of the typical CC, the light will light the floor better and in many cases be code compliant with 410.8.