Lighting track in clothes closet

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JohnE

JohnE

Senior Member
Location
Milford, MA
Occupation
Electrical Contractor, Inspector
Do you feel that lighting track is permitted in a clothes closet if installed with proper clearances and fixture types? 410.8(B) does not permit it, and 410.8(C) does not prohibit it. The definition of lighting track defines it as "a manufactured assembly designed to support and energize luminaires that are capable of being readily repositioned on the track." Seems to me that track fixtures are inherently surface mounted fixtures, and as long as they are meet the proper clearances and have enclosed lamps if incandescent, then it should be permitted. What's everyone else's take on it in terms of NEC compliance?
 
Re: Lighting track in clothes closet

Would it be permitted to install the track so that the heads could be repositioned into the storage space? Or would the track itself need to be clear of the storage space?
 
Re: Lighting track in clothes closet

In code theory the reason for enclosing incandescant was due to a bulb/lamp being struck and a hot filament dropping on combustible items such as clothes. A pendant not being permitted is probably due to clearances. I would think tracks with COMPLETELY enclosed lamp would be acceptable.
 
Re: Lighting track in clothes closet

One more note. As long as the proper clearances under 410.8 are maintained.
 
Re: Lighting track in clothes closet

From an aesthetic or a practical point of view, I can't think of a good reason to install such a thing. I mean, does the homeowner really need to be able to reposition a light such that it shines on his tie collection?
 
Re: Lighting track in clothes closet

track lights have open bulbs where is it permitted to have open bulb fixtures in a closet.Recessed can lights have to be shower/covered trimmed in a closet so where is it permissable to have open track light fixtures?
 
Re: Lighting track in clothes closet

Charlie, funny you bring that up just had a final Inspection the other day approx. 400 sq. ft. master closet and they installed a chandelier, "huge and all exposed lamps" I guess he had some "big ties". What they told Me was they will remove and call for reinspect and as soon as I leave reinstall. " Oh well"
 
Re: Lighting track in clothes closet

I may be in the minority here, but I would say track lights aren't allowed in a closet. 410 specifically lists recessed fixtures and surface fixtures with an enclosed lamp. I don't think a track fixture meets either of those.

My biggest concern is that you may install totally enclosed lamps, but the homeowner can go out to Home Depot and buy any other type of fixture and snap it onto the track. No wiring or tools required.

Steve
 
Re: Lighting track in clothes closet

Steve, a track light is a surface mounted fixture, which is allowed in closet if the lamp is enclosed.

Also, 410.100(C) does not prohibit track lighting in a closet.

As far as the home owner doing something, what if a home owner breaks a globe on a surface mounted fixture in a closet and does not install a replacement?

We can't control what happens after we leave.

As an aside, we have installed a good number of enclosed track lighting fixtures over food serving areas such as salad and hot bars.

Roger
 
Re: Lighting track in clothes closet

Originally posted by steve66:410 specifically lists recessed fixtures and surface fixtures with an enclosed lamp. I don't think a track fixture meets either of those.
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The opinions so far seem to be that a track light is surface mounted. Clearly the track itself is surface mounted. The lamp (i.e., bulb) is screwed into a component (what is this part called?) that is then snapped into the track. Is that component surface mounted, or track mounted? The central issue comes down to this: What part of all of this stuff comprises the luminaire, and is it "surface mounted"?
 
Re: Lighting track in clothes closet

Charlie, good point most track lighting systems are "buss" track mounted on surface with removable or added luminaire type holders. Note: Can I use Buss?
 
Re: Lighting track in clothes closet

410 addresses three types of fixed mounted luminaires: recessed, surface, and pendant.

410.8(B) only cares if the lamp is completely enclosed or is a fluorescent one. 410.8(C) retiterates "no open lamps" and adds "no pendants"

So as long as the track fixture, with a completely enclosed incandesecnt lamp, is not a hanging style then it should be allowed subject to 410.8(D).
 
Re: Lighting track in clothes closet

I think 410.100 (2002) makes it clear that the track is not part of the luminarie.

"Lighting track. A manufactured assembly designed to support and energize luminaires (lighting fixtures)..."

That makes the fixtures "track mounted" per Charlie's reasoning. And "track mounted" fixtures aren't listed as being allowed in a clothes closet.

You are all entitled to your own opinions, and I'm not going to try to convince everyone I'm right, but I still think they aren't permitted.

Steve

Steve
 
Re: Lighting track in clothes closet

410.100 (NEC2005) says that track luminaires are repositioned ON the track.

I don't have a better description of surface mounted other than ON. 410.27 says pendants are HUNG. 410.64 says recessed is IN.

Also 410.101(D) has a specific list of areas where lighting track may not be used.
 
Re: Lighting track in clothes closet

Thanks to those who replied for the opinions. The discussion came about during the walk-through for a higher end home with a very large walk-in closet with custom cabinets, etc. The thought of a couple of tracks, possibly flexi-track came about, and I wanted some other opinions on it.
 
Re: Lighting track in clothes closet

Just think of all the clothes they could hang from that track John. :eek:
 
Re: Lighting track in clothes closet

Originally posted by electricmanscott:
Just think of all the clothes they could hang from that track John. :eek:
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That reminds me. Track can be surface mounted, or hung with pendants. Can one be allowed and not the other?

Steve
 
Re: Lighting track in clothes closet

I was just flipping through a magazine when I came across a house in Alpine, NJ which just sold for $40 million. Most expensive residential sale in NJ. It showed the master closet complete with track lighting. I have no idea when the house was built, but it made me think of this thread.
 
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