fluorescent lighting in closet

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chet11ak

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I have read through entire Section 410.8, and I have a question specific to fluorescent light fixtures in closets.

The way I read the code, a light fixture cannot be installed in a 36" wide closet. More exactly, the minimum width of a closet to have a fluorescent fixture would be 36" plus the length of the fixture.

I come up with this by adding 12" from either side wall for storage space plus the 6" clearance requirement from a fluorescent fixture to the nearest point of the storage space, thus 12"+6"+6"+12"=36".

In the past, I have only considered clearances from the back wall (for 24" deep closets), but when including the side walls, a fixture would not be allowed in a 36" wide closet.

Am I interpreting this correctly?
 
Re: fluorescent lighting in closet

If the closet were 36" wide with a 12" shelf along the back wall the fixture could go over the door or on the ceiling above the door as long as the 6" clearance is met as in 410.8(D)(1). The storage space in front of the shelf would end at either 6' or the height of the clothes hanging rod which ever is higher. So if your rod and shelf were at 6' you would have 18" of vertical space to install your fixture if the closet had an 8' ceiling.
 
Re: fluorescent lighting in closet

The storage space in front of the shelf would end at either 6' or the height of the clothes hanging rod which ever is higher.
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help me, infinity. I don't read that.
 
Re: fluorescent lighting in closet

If the shelf 12" deep and is only along the back wall then the storage space encompasses the area above the shelf to the ceiling and 12" out from the rear wall. The area in front of the shelf above 6' is outside of the storage space. Unless that rod is higher than 6', then the storage space would end at the top of the rod. The area in front of the shelf above 6' is not storage space and the fixture is permitted to be installed in that space. Providing the rules of 410.8(D) are followed.
 
Re: fluorescent lighting in closet

Thanks for your reply. This is the way I have interpreted the code in the past.

However, in Section 410.8 (A), it defines storage space as "The volume bounded by the sides and back closet walls ... and continuing vertically to the closet ceiling parallel to the walls at a horizontal distance of 12" or the width of the shelf, whichever is greater.

Based on this, you would have to consider 12" from the side walls as storage space also, even if there is no shelf, and the fixture would have to be 6" away from the storage space.

Maybe I am interpreting it incorrectly. I hope more people chime in.
 
Re: fluorescent lighting in closet

Based on this, you would have to consider 12" from the side walls as storage space also, even if there is no shelf, and the fixture would have to be 6" away from the storage space.
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I don't see how it's saying that you need the 12" on the sides if no shelf is present. If you look at the illustration Figure 410.8 it says 12" or shelf width. This would only apply if the shelf were actually on the side(s).
 
Re: fluorescent lighting in closet

I think side shelves is the clue here.
If there are no shelves when one inspects, do you assume side shelves?
 
Re: fluorescent lighting in closet

it also looks like a six foot six inch clearance from floor to bottom of lamp is ok, if the hightest hanging rod is six foot or less to the ground.
 
Re: fluorescent lighting in closet

I am presently looking at the New York City Electric Code 2004, based on 2002 NEC. I don't have the NEC book available at the moment.

Anyway, Section 410 includes Figure 410.8 Closet storage space. (I don't know if this figure is in the NEC book.) This figure clearly shows the volume 12" (or shelf width) from the side walls is included in storage space.
 
Re: fluorescent lighting in closet

Sorry infinity, I pretty much repeated what you wrote regarding the figure. Except that I believe it's 12 inches or the width of the shelf, whichever is greater (repeating what jbwhite wrote).
 
Re: fluorescent lighting in closet

I have to agree that is the way the code is worded.

But consider a 2' wide door in the front of the closet. It is unlikely that a shelf will be installed on the sides in such a way that it protrudes into the doorway.

Steve
 
Re: fluorescent lighting in closet

The way I read the code, a light fixture cannot be installed in a 36" wide closet. More exactly, the minimum width of a closet to have a fluorescent fixture would be 36" plus the length of the fixture.
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I agree.


(2) Surface-mounted fluorescent luminaires (fixtures) installed on the wall above the door or on the ceiling, provided there is a minimum clearance of 150 mm (6 in.) between the luminaire (fixture) and the nearest point of a storage space.
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closet.jpg
 
Re: fluorescent lighting in closet

Thanks for all the responses.

In reality, I believe that lights are installed in 36" and narrower closets all the time. I agree with infinity, that you should be able to put a light in a 36" wide closet the way he explains, but the code may not allow it.

In your opinions, is this an oversight in the code that may be addressed in a future revision or is there a good reason that the code would not allow it?

Do you do or allow it now? Would you still do or allow it after reading this thread?

Thanks again for all the responses.
 
Re: fluorescent lighting in closet

An inspection can only be done for what is installed at the time of the actual inspection,You meet 6 in from front of shelf all1s good no side shelves installed still good.An inspector can only inspect what is there at the time of the inspection,not what bight be done later :D
 
Re: fluorescent lighting in closet

As far as above the shelf it self there is nodistance above the shelf in which clearances cease.If there are side shelves rear or anywhere you must maintain a 6 in horizontal clearance in all directions.
 
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