Closet Luminaires

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jeff43222

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Minneapolis, Minnesota
I recently got a call from a potential client who would like an additional light fixture installed in an upstairs closet. There is currently one exposed-bulb porcelain fixture on one end of the closet, and she would like another one added on the other side of the closet.

The problem is that the closet is actually converted attic space, so the back wall of the closet slants sharply along the roofline, and it meets the front wall of the closet just inside and above the doorway.

I've read through 410.8 and looked at Figure 410.8 in the 2002 Handbook, and it seems to me that with the layout of the closet, there is no legal space in which to mount any kind of light and not be in violation of 410.8(D). The existing light is already in violation of 410.8(C) at a minimum.

Anyone have any suggestions as to how I might be able to legally put a light in there? I already told the client that it probably cannot be done, but I thought I'd double-check with the experts in case I'm missing something. I'd like to make it happen, if possible.

[ March 18, 2005, 05:16 PM: Message edited by: jeff43222 ]
 
Re: Closet Luminaires

Why not a surface mounted flourescent fixture along the ceiling of the closet? It would require only 6 inches of clearance between it and the nearest point of a storage space. See 410.8(D)(2).
 
Re: Closet Luminaires

When I originally talked to her and looked over the space, I suggested that fluorescents might be the way to go because of code requirements, and she seemed OK with the idea.

Unfortunately, there really is no "ceiling" in the closet. The front wall is vertical, and the back wall slants up from the floor and meets the front wall about 6-8 inches above the the inside of the closet entrance. As such, just about everywhere inside the closet is considered storage space, making it impossible to put a fixture the required distance from the storage space.

I think she might be amenable to Brian's suggestion of a battery-powered light, as that's what she has in the kid's closet downstairs. She wanted me to see about putting something more permanent in that closet, too.

[ March 18, 2005, 05:54 PM: Message edited by: jeff43222 ]
 
Re: Closet Luminaires

Originally posted by jeff43222:
There is currently one exposed-bulb porcelain fixture on one end of the closet, and she would like another one added on the other side of the closet.
Click to expand...
This may sound a little vigilante, and I may catch some heat for this (no pun intended): The light she has now is more dangerous than if you replaced it with a fluorescent. I'd let that fact be my guide in your unfortunate shoes. :D
 
Re: Closet Luminaires

What is the call if you place a flouresent fixture in a closet? Is it 2 feet from a shelf?

[ March 18, 2005, 07:46 PM: Message edited by: aelectricalman ]
 
Re: Closet Luminaires

410.8(D) allows a fluorescent 6" from the edge of the shelf to the edge of the fixture.

Edit: 8, 10, whatever. :D

[ March 18, 2005, 07:50 PM: Message edited by: georgestolz ]
 
Re: Closet Luminaires

I know the existing light is not code, and personally I'd prefer to see it removed or at least replaced with a compact fluorescent bulb.

So it looks like the only possibility for legal light is a battery-operated one. There aren't any shelves, but 410.8 requires us to assume that some will be installed at some point and make accommodations accordingly.
 
Re: Closet Luminaires

My first thought was a florescent mounted directly above the door on the vertical wall above the door.
 
Re: Closet Luminaires

If there's an area you can legally put the light in now, maybe you could install a guard to keep stored things out of the zone required for the light.
 
Re: Closet Luminaires

I don't see the problem with a fluorescent in the space right above the door. What am I missing?
 
Re: Closet Luminaires

No bare bulb fixtures at all in a closet guarded or not :D .Install these and we pass our finals.... :cool:
 
Re: Closet Luminaires

Originally posted by aelectricalman:
What is the call if you place a flouresent fixture in a closet? Is it 2 feet from a shelf?
Click to expand...
I goofed, I meant to say recessed cans in a closet.
 
Re: Closet Luminaires

Why not use a RECESSED fluorescent fixture that has the lens flush with the wall surface above the door? This would meet your clearances. It would require more in the way of plaster or drywall cutting and patching but from a safety standpoint it is the best thing for her situation.
 
Re: Closet Luminaires

So, can I place the recessed can directly above the shelving as long as it has a shower trim? Or shall both the 2 ft rule and the glass trim be imposed? Thank you.
 
Re: Closet Luminaires

No, by 410.8(D)(4) you need the 6" clearance from the shelf. I think the intent is avoiding hot bare bulbs from flammable clothing, as well as not accidentally striking a bare bulb in a confined closet and being showered in hot glass. :D

I'd avoid calling it a "2' rule", as if the shelf is more than 12" you need to add the distances given in 410.8(D) to that shelf size. The distance could be more than 2'.
 
Re: Closet Luminaires

What I was actually trying to get at is, if I place a shower trim over this can, does this 6" rule go out the window. Sorry for not being clear. Our inspectors here require 2 ft from the shelf, at least thats what one of them says. What im trying to do is please him. SInce the light is installed and there is drywall up, I can't move the light. So, I want to place a Shower trim over it. Should this appease the gods. Note, the light in question is 1.5 ft off the wall, 6" off the shelf. Thanks.
 
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