closet storage space

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wyboy

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I am confused about closet storage space, (NEC 410.2). The part about a closet that allows access to both sides of a hanging rod defines storage space below the rod but not above it. As there is no wall when a closet allows access to both sides of a hanging rod, and as storage space is defined off the walls, (if there is no shelf) is there no restriction (except on fixture type) above a rod when the closet allows access to both sides? If there is defined storage space above the rod, where is it stated?
 
You can go to the NEC for a definition of Clothes Closet.
It says: A non-habitable room or space intended primarily for storage of garments and apparel. I have to say, this could?t be more lucid!
 
The minimum clearance between luminaires installed in clothes closets and the nearest point of a closet storage space shall be as follows:

(1)
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12 in. for surface-mounted incandescent or LED luminaires with a completely enclosed light source installed on the wall above the door or on the ceiling.

(2)
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6 in. for surface-mounted fluorescent luminaires installed on the wall above the door or on the ceiling.

(3)
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6 in. for recessed incandescent or LED luminaires with a completely enclosed light source installed in the wall or the ceiling.

(4) 6 in. for recessed fluorescent luminaires installed in the wall or the ceiling.

(5)
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Surface-mounted fluorescent or LED luminaires shall be permitted to be installed within the closet storage space where identified for this use.

 
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More on reference to closet storage space: In addition to the space in which clothing is hung from the closet pole or rod, this definition of also establishes a 12-in.-wide shelf space to cover those installations where shelving is not in place at the time of fixture installation. If shelving is installed and the shelves are wider than 12 in., the greater width must be applied in establishing this space.The 24-in. dimension in the definition of closet storage space is intended to cover the clothes-hanging space, even if no clothes-hanging rod is installed. If such a rod is installed, the space extends from the floor to the top of the highest rod. If no clothes-hanging rod is installed, the space extends from the floor to a height of 6 ft. The storage space for closets that permit access to both sides of the clothes-hanging rod is based on a horizontal plane extending 12 in. from both sides of the rod, from the rod down to the floor. This equates to the 24-in. space required for the closet rod where there is only one direction of access.
 
Even if there is no shelf we must assume one can be installed over the clothing. IMO, you cannot use the space above the rod. Assume a 12" shelf on both sides of the rod then stay clear the required distance. The idea is to to try and keep the lighting from being over the clothing or anywhere that a shelf can be installed.

Look at the last sentences in 410.2, it defines exactly what you are talking about.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
Even if there is no shelf we must assume one can be installed over the clothing. IMO, you cannot use the space above the rod. Assume a 12" shelf on both sides of the rod then stay clear the required distance. The idea is to to try and keep the lighting from being over the clothing or anywhere that a shelf can be installed.

Look at the last sentences in 410.2, it defines exactly what you are talking about.
Click to expand...

410.2 does not say anything about the space above the highest rod when there is access from both sides of the rod. The only storage space it defines in this situation is 12 inches on both sides of the rod down to the floor.

The OP has already stated this, yet everyone that has replied seems to overlook it. His question is if there is luminaire restrictions in this particular space in this application. I say this is not the restricted space where no luminaire is allowed at all, but it still needs to be enclosed luminaire if incandescant.
 
kwired said:
410.2 does not say anything about the space above the highest rod when there is access from both sides of the rod. The only storage space it defines in this situation is 12 inches on both sides of the rod down to the floor.

The OP has already stated this, yet everyone that has replied seems to overlook it. His question is if there is luminaire restrictions in this particular space in this application. I say this is not the restricted space where no luminaire is allowed at all, but it still needs to be enclosed luminaire if incandescant.
Click to expand...

I read that wrong-- mea cupa. No shelf so go for it. In some areas of NC they would state if a shelf could be put there then they will not allow that light
 
kwired said:
410.2 does not say anything about the space above the highest rod when there is access from both sides of the rod. The only storage space it defines in this situation is 12 inches on both sides of the rod down to the floor.

The OP has already stated this, yet everyone that has replied seems to overlook it. His question is if there is luminaire restrictions in this particular space in this application. I say this is not the restricted space where no luminaire is allowed at all, but it still needs to be enclosed luminaire if incandescant.
Click to expand...
Can you draw us a picture, as I still don?t get it???.>>>>>>>









Joke :D
 
Dennis Alwon said:
I read that wrong-- mea cupa. No shelf so go for it. In some areas of NC they would state if a shelf could be put there then they will not allow that light
Click to expand...

Then same AHJ should also declare an entire store that sells clothes a clothes closet and then you will have all kinds of trouble determining where you can place luminaires in this store:happyyes:
 
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