Definition Question - Totally Enclosed

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stete

stete

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Vail Colorado
I have a project with an indoor pool. I have recessed cans approximately 8' above the pool. The inspector came by today telling me they wouldn't work because they aren't "totally enclosed". I intend on putting lensed wet location rated trims on these cans, and GFCI protecting the circuit. To me that would be totally enclosed. I searched article 90 for the definition of "totally enclosed" to no avail. I also searched the first section of 680 but nothing. Can someone tell me where I can find the definition of "totally enclosed luminaries?"

Thanks,

Seth Peterson
Dave Peterson Electric
 
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Take a look at 680.22(C)(2) for the requirement. Can't help you with the definition.
 
stete said:
I have a project with an indoor pool. I have recessed cans approximately 8' above the pool. The inspector came by today telling me they wouldn't work because they aren't "totally enclosed". I intend on putting lensed wet location rated trims on these cans, and GFCI protecting the circuit. To me that would be totally enclosed. I searched article 90 for the definition of "totally enclosed" to no avail. I also searched the first section of 680 but nothing. Can someone tell me where I can find the definition of "totally enclosed luminaries?"

Thanks,

Seth Peterson
Dave Peterson Electric
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*I meant article 100. oops
 
infinity said:
Take a look at 680.22(C)(2) for the requirement. Can't help you with the definition.
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Looked at 680.22(C)(2)
If you can install a paddle fan with same rating "for use beneath ceiling structures such as provided on porches or patios"
Why wouldn't you be able to install a recessed can with same intended use?
 
What part of the fixture does the inspector think is not enclosed???

I would consider a standard 2x4 lay-in to be totally enclosed. And I would consider a wet location can light to be even better (for this application).

I don't have any references to back this up, but it seems to me that all the "live" parts of any light have to be enclosed to prevent contact. The only exceptions I can think of are sockets or contacts for the lamps.

The only other thing that I can think of that might not be "enclosed" would be the lamps.

But, IMO, your wet location fixture encloses both the lamp and the socket. So I think this meets the intent.
 
steve66 said:
What part of the fixture does the inspector think is not enclosed???

I would consider a standard 2x4 lay-in to be totally enclosed. And I would consider a wet location can light to be even better (for this application).

I don't have any references to back this up, but it seems to me that all the "live" parts of any light have to be enclosed to prevent contact. The only exceptions I can think of are sockets or contacts for the lamps.

The only other thing that I can think of that might not be "enclosed" would be the lamps.

But, IMO, your wet location fixture encloses both the lamp and the socket. So I think this meets the intent.
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I just spoke with the inspector.
He told me that he needs the manufacture of the fixture to provide some literature that the fixture is "totally enclosed". Further more I asked him what the definition of "totally enclosed" meant. He told me vapor proof. But why wouldn't code require "vapor proof luminaires"?

Any advice on how to fight this?
 
stete said:
I just spoke with the inspector.
He told me that he needs the manufacture of the fixture to provide some literature that the fixture is "totally enclosed". Further more I asked him what the definition of "totally enclosed" meant. He told me vapor proof. But why wouldn't code require "vapor proof luminaires"?

Any advice on how to fight this?
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Inspector is misinforming him or her self and you. Put the lens trim kit on the cans and call it a day. What is Vapor proof? They are not thinking of Vaportight as under 410.10(C)(2) ? Hope not.
 
dcspector said:
Inspector is misinforming him or her self and you. Put the lens trim kit on the cans and call it a day. What is Vapor proof? They are not thinking of Vaportight as under 410.10(C)(2) ? Hope not.
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I agree with Greg, and not just becasue I'm his new bestest friend.:smile: Are you in the 2008 code? I ask because my reference is 680.22(B)(2). So I would say that a shower trim would be fine.
 
Thanks John....."my best good friend" I have no idea where that came from when I said that? Oh well it sounded good....:smile: And agree with the section number you posted.
 
ironman3452 said:
article 680.22 exhibit 680.6 of 2008 nec. may help
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Exhibit 680.6 is located in the 2008 NEC Handbook. This is a good illustration of the areas surrounding the pool.

Unfortunatly it doesn't help with the question of what qualifys as a "totally enclosed luminaire".

Chris
 
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