Closets and Outlets

[aftershock]

I wonder what the reasoning is.

As far as not permitted in closets, maybe at some time, someone left something plugged in unattended and it caused a spark which in turn caused a fire. Not sure only speculating.

 

[Karl H]

As far as not permitted in closets, maybe at some time, someone left something plugged in unattended and it caused a spark which in turn caused a fire. Not sure only speculating.

For the life of me I can't figure out WHY you could'nt put
a recept in a closet.I can understand a fixture with an exposed
incandescent lamp but a recept? You can have a recept in a bedroom
with carpet,or in a bookcase made of wood and books,or on a counter
were paper towels may be stored,etc etc etc etc...

 

[jeremysterling]

I looked through my local code book today.
I have a 1987 edition and I am unable to obtain a new one, only amendments.
Rule 239(l)
Receptacle oulets installed on general purpose circuits shall not be installed in closets or cabinets, over or under sinks, over or within (2) feet of a bathtub.

The latest amendments I was able to aquire are from 2005 and Rule 239 has not been amended.

So, if the closet recepts were on a dedicated circuit, you'd be OK?

Forgot to add: I see receps for security systems in a lot of closets.

 

[aftershock]

For the life of me I can't figure out WHY you could'nt put
a recept in a closet.I can understand a fixture with an exposed
incandescent lamp but a recept? You can have a recept in a bedroom
with carpet,or in a bookcase made of wood and books,or on a counter
were paper towels may be stored,etc etc etc etc...

I dont argue with inspectors. And since it is in our local code book I always avoid installing one in a closet, unless it is infact for a specific piece of equipment such as a control box for an alarm system.

This is not to say I have never done this. When I get a request for a receptacle outlet to be installed in a closet for general purpose, I do inform the HO or GC that it is considered a code violation per local codes. If still pressed to do so I will inform that that outlet may become a blank plate if the inspector wishes to fail me.

 

[Karl H]

I dont argue with inspectors. And since it is in our local code book I always avoid installing one in a closet, unless it is infact for a specific piece of equipment such as a control box for an alarm system.

This is not to say I have never done this. When I get a request for a receptacle outlet to be installed in a closet for general purpose, I do inform the HO or GC that it is considered a code violation per local codes. If still pressed to do so I will inform that that outlet may become a blank plate if the inspector wishes to fail me.

I understand Aftershock.I don't argue either.Rules are Rules and I'm
OK with that.Every Code is in place for a reason.I just want to know
what the reason is. I try my best to never accept anything just
because SOMEONE say's so.

 

[aftershock]

I understand Aftershock.I don't argue either.Rules are Rules and I'm
OK with that.Every Code is in place for a reason.I just want to know
what the reason is. I try my best to never accept anything just
because SOMEONE say's so.

I always try to remember to ask questions when meeting with inspectors on jobs.
Here is one I found out recently. Now I dont know where it is in our rule, but I was told on this board it is not an NEC requirement.

My local code requires that a ground screw be green and only green. Now I always thought this was an NEC code, but if I remember correctly someone posted that it is not in the NEC. I remembered to ask the inspector a couple of weeks back as to why our ground screws had to be green. His reply.

Have you ever seen a green self tapping screw?

Anyways, I will try to ask as to why we are not allowed to install receptacle outlets in closets next time I meet an inspector on the job.

 

[stickboy1375]

I had one designer install an outlet every six feet, because that's what the NEC said.

I see electricians do that. every 2' at the kitchen counter also!

 

[Karl H]

I always try to remember to ask questions when meeting with inspectors on jobs.
Here is one I found out recently. Now I dont know where it is in our rule, but I was told on this board it is not an NEC requirement.

My local code requires that a ground screw be green and only green. Now I always thought this was an NEC code, but if I remember correctly someone posted that it is not in the NEC. I remembered to ask the inspector a couple of weeks back as to why our ground screws had to be green. His reply.

Have you ever seen a green self tapping screw?

Anyways, I will try to ask as to why we are not allowed to install receptacle outlets in closets next time I meet an inspector on the job.

Finally, in the 2008 NEC Art.250.8 clarifies what can and can not be used
for the connection of "Grounding" and bonding of equipment.
No more just only "Sheet metal screws".

 

[iaov]

I wonder what the reasoning is.

believe hot bulbs starting fires is the reason.

 

[Aledrell]

If the lamp explodes and ignites the clothing, there could be a fire. I believe that is the reason for the code.

Regardless of the reasoning, failure to comply with the minimum requirements of the NEC, especially intentionally, is opening you up to serious consequences in the long run. Do you see her comfort as a good reason to jeopardize her safety, and your peace of mind (staying out of court)?

I would never install anything I believe to be a hazard. I believe the code was implement for more stardard closets where clothing is stuffed in cramped area. This closet is bigger than most bedrooms. 12 by 12 at least, four can lights positioned 31" by 31' in standard square uniformity, ceilings are also 12ft high. I know I will have to put shower trims in for inspector, but will I change them for her afterwards, I don;t know yet. I guess I want to know if I can find I a 6in shower trim that allows allows alot of light to come through. Beside when you think about she is installing a washer and dryer stackable in this closet and it's not enclosed by wing walls or anything, now you want to talk about fire hazards.

 

[steelersman]

If the lamp explodes and ignites the clothing, there could be a fire. I believe that is the reason for the code.

Close but i believe the intent is to prevent from the heat of the bulb while it is on being very close to or touching clothing, boxes, or things of this nature that are combustible. If it were because of the possibility of the bulb exploding and igniting something then why not do away with incandescents altogether (oh wait, I think they are) or make all incandescents have a cover no matter what part of the house it is located.

 

[Karl H]

Close but i believe the intent is to prevent from the heat of the bulb while it is on being very close to or touching clothing, boxes, or things of this nature that are combustible. If it were because of the possibility of the bulb exploding and igniting something then why not do away with incandescents altogether (oh wait, I think they are) or make all incandescents have a cover no matter what part of the house it is located.

I'm not saying your wrong.

From the 2008 Handbook."Tests have shown that hot particles
from broken incandescent lamps can ignite combustibles
below the lamps."

 

[iwire]

I know I will have to put shower trims in for inspector, but will I change them for her afterwards,

Why on earth would you put your license, your reputation and this homeowners safety at risk?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I have always heard the reason for protection on an incandescent was from the exploding bulb, however it seems obvious that the heat from the bulb is also an issue otherwise they would have the regulation about distance from a shelf.

 

[electricmanscott]

believe hot bulbs starting fires is the reason.

Hot bulbs in receptacles?

I wasn't referring to fixtures although I may not have been clear about that. The rule prohibiting receptacles in closets was obviously mabe by some clueless nervous nellie


Edit, It was perfectly clear that I was talking anout receptacles. :grin:

 

[quogueelectric]

If the lamp explodes and ignites the clothing, there could be a fire. I believe that is the reason for the code.

Regardless of the reasoning, failure to comply with the minimum requirements of the NEC, especially intentionally, is opening you up to serious consequences in the long run. Do you see her comfort as a good reason to jeopardize her safety, and your peace of mind (staying out of court)?

I have a personal experience with this. 10 yrs ago I was dating a woman with youg kids. The 5 yr old daughter rolled a sleeping bag up and put it on the top shelf of the closet. Over a half hour the sleeping bag unraveled and rolled out against the light bulb located above the closet door. It did not break but simply ignited the sleeping bag almost burning the house down. This is a real and present danger no joke. Thank god someone was home to put the fire out.

 

[roger]

That was a tall 5 year old.

Roger

 

[stickboy1375]

That was a tall 5 year old.

Roger

I thought the part about putting something away was far fetched too.

 

[aftershock]

That was a tall 5 year old.

Roger

Or a closet with a rather low ceiling.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

That was a tall 5 year old.

I thought the part about putting something away was far fetched too.

These posts qualifies for a 15 yard penalty for roughing the poster. Perhaps this is an ambitious 5 year old but it doesn't matter. The fact is an 18 year old could have done the same. Why are we attacking a members integrity?