Ceiling Height and Light Fixture Clearance

[Ragin Cajun]

What is the minimum clearance to the bottom of a light fixture? Which code is it in? (If any?)

We have an apartment building where in the individual apartment hallways, the ceilings are at 6'-8" so the HVAC ducts can run above the ceiling.

The electrician recalls there is some requirement in some code that there is no room left for a surface mounted fixture and he must use a recessed fixture. Neither of us can recall what the minimum is or where it appears.


Anyone?


Thanks,

RC

 

[construct]

In the 2006 IBC section 1003.3.1 Headroom. "Protruding objects are permitted to extend below the minimum ceiling height required.......provided a minum headroom of 80 inches shall be provided for any walking surface, including walks, corridors, aisles and passageways."

 

[Dennis Alwon]

6'-8" --- 72 + 8 = 80 inches-- oops. :grin: BTW there is no NEC rule.

 

[Ragin Cajun]

Thanks!!
Rc

 

[kwired]

Where is the recessed fixture(s) going to go if there are HVAC ducts above the ceiling?

How about installing wall fixture(s)?