Lights in Clothes Closets

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charlie b

charlie b

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Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
This is not a DIY electrical question. Rather, it is a DIY closet shelving question.

I am about to buy some new shelving for a bedroom closet. There is a light fixture in the closet already, and I will not be changing it or moving it at all. It's a relatively common incandescent fixture with a globe surrounding the bulb. The old shelving comes within one inch horizontally from the fixture, but is 13 inches below the bottom of the fixture. I would like to put the new shelf a bit higher than it is now, and I will want two clothes rods.

I don't have an NEC handy, but I am looking at the on-line version. It seems to me that I have to design the shelving to keep any storage space (shelf or rod) at least 12 inches from the existing light. Is that right? If so, I may have to get fancy with the layout of shelves and clothes rods.
 
yup,.. 12" ,..The shelf needs to be 12" away from that totally enclosed light fixture
 
This is a question about the storage space not wiring . I don't think charlie is an electrician:smile:
 
charlie b said:

I The old shelving comes within one inch horizontally from the fixture, but is 13 inches below the bottom of the fixture. I would like to put the new shelf a bit higher than it is now, and I will want two clothes rods.
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Charlie -- if the shelf was 3' off the ground and the fixture was on the ceiling and 1" away it would still be a violation. The plane must be used-- the shelf measurement up to the ceiling. From that line you would need 12" clearance Clarence:smile:
 
How long have those rules been in the NEC? My 60's house has keyless incandescent fixtures in every clothes closet. There is 12" from the shelf front to the closet front but the light is in part of that space. I've seen many 60's house like this, so it must have been less restrictive back then (perhaps a 6" clearance requirement)?

Finally, what codes apply when you're modifying a shelf in 2009 and the wiring was done in 1960? Must the shelf meet current NEC distance requirements? Certainly modifying the electrical circuit would require the latest code be followed, but I'm not so sure the shelf puts you there (but would be a good idea -- probably many closet fires with linens/pillows touching incandescent lamps). Replacing the incandescent lamp with a compact fluorescent is also wise, but may not count code wise as a fluorescent fixture.
 
suemarkp said:
How long have those rules been in the NEC? My 60's house has keyless incandescent fixtures in every clothes closet. There is 12" from the shelf front to the closet front but the light is in part of that space. I've seen many 60's house like this, so it must have been less restrictive back then (perhaps a 6" clearance requirement)?

Finally, what codes apply when you're modifying a shelf in 2009 and the wiring was done in 1960? Must the shelf meet current NEC distance requirements? Certainly modifying the electrical circuit would require the latest code be followed, but I'm not so sure the shelf puts you there (but would be a good idea -- probably many closet fires with linens/pillows touching incandescent lamps). Replacing the incandescent lamp with a compact fluorescent is also wise, but may not count code wise as a fluorescent fixture.
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I rather dought anyone pulls a permit for a shelf. Many things in the 60's were fine at the time. They for the most part are grandfathered in. For reasons code changed in this area seems logical. If it was my house i would try to bring it up to code to prevent a fire.
 
suemarkp said:
How long have those rules been in the NEC? My 60's house has keyless incandescent fixtures in every clothes closet. .
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According to this statement from CMP 18(?) I'm thinking the lampholder was never allowed in clothes closets


18-58 Log #1075 NEC-P18 Final Action: Reject
(410.8(C))
_______________________________________________________________
Submitter: Daniel Leaf, Seneca, SC
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
Incandescent luminaires (fixtures) and lampholders with open or partially
enclosed lamps, and pendant type luminaires (fixtures) or lampholders shall not
be permitted.
Substantiation: A porcelain or plastic lighting fixture in widespread use, with
or without an integral switch or receptacle, designed to be mounted on an
outlet box is not a ?Luminaire? since it has no provision (reflector or lens) for
distributing the light, nor for positioning or protecting the lamp. Manufacturers
designate these fixtures as lampholders. The lampholders referred to in this
section appear to be brass screw-shell type suspended by pendant conductors,
which ages ago was common.
Panel Meeting Action: Reject
Panel Statement: The current language in the Code clearly states that
lampholders are not permitted in clothes closets. The substantiation is correct.
Lampholders were never ?fixtures? nor ?lighting fixtures? and are not
?luminaires.?
Number Eligible to Vote: 13
Ballot Results: Affirmative: 13
_______________________________________________________________
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​
​

 
Many thanks for the assistance, even though some was a bit of bad news. I hadn’t interpreted the rule in such a way as to make the existing configuration illegal. But looking at the description and sketch provided by M.D. (by the way, I see you used a library as your information source. I’m proud of you, my son :D ), I see that it may be. Now I have to dig back into older codes, for I think this light has been in place for several decades. Perhaps I can grandfather it in.

Speaking of which, if it did meet the code in effect at the time the light was installed, and if all I do is replace existing shelving, does that void the grandfather clause, given that no electrical work is being done? :confused:

I do believe the existing fixture does qualify as a “luminaire,” and is not just a “lamp holder.” I am sure that, when new in the box, it included the required brackets and other hardware, the base, and the globe. And for the record, I have no intention of replacing it, at least not yet.
 
Not too long ago, I saw a fluorescent closet light that was about the size of a smoke detector, and installed about the same way.

Anyone?
 
ptonsparky said:
Try Leviton 9860BL. About the size of porcelain keyless fixture, with CF lamp and cover. Nice.
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Nice find. :smile:

9860-BL.JPG
 
yeah if you did change the CF bulb wattage IIRC I know that is a electronic ballast but it is rated to take up to 23 watts so ya can get higher rated CF bulb in there. { 13 watts seems most common size }

If ya get the code book close engouh yeah ya can able read the FPN without using the manify glass.

Merci,Marc
 
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