Lighting Requirement for Closets

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kar108

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Are there any requirements in the code requiring lighting in closets?

IRC Section E3803.4 Storage or Equipment Spaces requires lights in attics, utility rooms, and basements but makes no mention of closets.

We generally provide them in walk-in closets, but not 2' coat closets. We have a 3' closet that falls in between, and were wondering if the code has any specific requirements.
 
kar108 said:
Are there any requirements in the code requiring lighting in closets?

IRC Section E3803.4 Storage or Equipment Spaces requires lights in attics, utility rooms, and basements but makes no mention of closets.

We generally provide them in walk-in closets, but not 2' coat closets. We have a 3' closet that falls in between, and were wondering if the code has any specific requirements.
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In the IRC at Table 3604.3(1) it requires 3 watts per sq ft lighting, and at 3604.5 the computed area is said to not include open porches, garages, or unused or unfinished spaces not adaptable for future use.

I believe the closets should have the 3 watts per sq ft lighting. For a small closet, this might be accomplished by indirect lighting from an adjacent space (hallway closet), but it seems like a walk-in would certainly require the 3 watts per sq ft.:)

Also see NEC 220.12
 
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wbalsam1 said:
I believe the closets should have the 3 watts per sq ft lighting. For a small closet, this might be accomplished by indirect lighting from an adjacent space (hallway closet), but it seems like a walk-in would certainly require the 3 watts per sq ft.:)
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How would this interlace with the NEC's allowance for a switched receptacle in lieu of a lighting outlet? How would a blanked lighting outlet mesh with this?
 
wbalsam1 said:
In the IRC at Table 3604.3(1) it requires 3 watts per sq ft lighting, and at 3604.5 the computed area is said to not include open porches, garages, or unused or unfinished spaces not adaptable for future use.

I believe the closets should have the 3 watts per sq ft lighting. For a small closet, this might be accomplished by indirect lighting from an adjacent space (hallway closet), but it seems like a walk-in would certainly require the 3 watts per sq ft.:)

Also see NEC 220.12
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Section 220.12 of the NEC is used for calculating the number of required lighting and general purpose receptacle branch circuits for a dwelling unit, and also for calculating the required VA for the service and feeders. This section does not require that we have 3 watts per foot of illumination.

Illumination requirements come from the building codes, and typically only apply to habitable rooms.

Chris
 
Most of us in this foram use the NEC not the IBC for the requierments for wiring. but if the building department is going to requier this then that sould be what needs to be done but there is nothing in th NEC that requires a light to be installed in a clothes closet. In Art,410.2 of the 2008 NEC it has the requierments for the types & the clearances required.
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wbalsam1
In the IRC at Table 3604.3(1) it requires 3 watts per sq ft lighting, and at 3604.5 the computed area is said to not include open porches, garages, or unused or unfinished spaces not adaptable for future use.

I believe the closets should have the 3 watts per sq ft lighting. For a small closet, this might be accomplished by indirect lighting from an adjacent space (hallway closet), but it seems like a walk-in would certainly require the 3 watts per sq ft.:smile:

Also see NEC 220.12


raider1 said:
Section 220.12 of the NEC is used for calculating the number of required lighting and general purpose receptacle branch circuits for a dwelling unit, and also for calculating the required VA for the service and feeders. This section does not require that we have 3 watts per foot of illumination.

Illumination requirements come from the building codes, and typically only apply to habitable rooms.

Chris
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After a lot of research, I tend to agree with you. Closets are not habitable space (I obviously knew that much) and need not be considered by Table 220.12 or 220.12(J) or 210.70(A)or(B). Illumination is a design criterion established by the building code in concert with general lighting principals but not specifically by Table 220.12

Thanks for getting me thinking. It's good for me....since I do so little of it.:smile:
 
The OP mentioned IRC not IBC ( IBC mentions Luminaire patterns or foot candles in egress) and then see NEC 410.16 for luminaires in clothing closets (Only if one choses to install)
 
wbalsam1 said:
After a lot of research, I tend to agree with you. Closets are not habitable space (I obviously knew that much) and need not be considered by Table 220.12 or 220.12(J) or 210.70(A)or(B). Illumination is a design criterion established by the building code in concert with general lighting principals but not specifically by Table 220.12

Thanks for getting me thinking. It's good for me....since I do so little of it.:smile:
Click to expand...

Your very welcome.

Chris
 
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