Renovopedia

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest creative articles and news from Renovopedia about Home Improvments.

    What's Hot

    Why You Need Window Blinds (Even if You Don’t Think So)

    March 28, 2023

    Trend Alert: Metallic Sheets in the Kitchen

    March 28, 2023

    Steal This Look: A Warm Tiled Kitchen in Melbourne

    March 28, 2023
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms
    • Contact
    Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube LinkedIn
    RenovopediaRenovopedia
    Demo
    • Home
    • News
    • Trending
    • Ideas

      7 Master Bedroom Designs With Stylish Style And Functional Features

      January 27, 2023

      Why is Garage Door maintenance essential?

      January 17, 2023

      5 Ways To Improve Your Flooring

      December 22, 2022

      Ideas to revamp and reorganise your garage

      December 22, 2022

      The Benefits Of Cleaning Your Windows Regularly

      November 30, 2022
    • Videos

      Water In Electrical Panel! Easy Fix? #Short

      March 30, 2022

      Working on My House LIVE! | Framing Door Openings

      March 23, 2022

      Framing a Wall With Angles Over Stair Bulkhead

      March 22, 2022

      Framing Bedroom/Hall Closet | Adding Basement Stair Headroom

      March 17, 2022

      Fixing Hacked Floor Framing | Straightening Kitchen Floor… Kinda

      March 8, 2022
    • Interior Remodel
    • Painting
    • Kitchen
    • More
      • Skills & Specialties
      • Exterior Remodel
      • Bathroom
      • Outdoor Building
      • Green Improvements
      • Home Services
    Renovopedia
    Home » Code Rules for Closet Light Fixtures

    Code Rules for Closet Light Fixtures

    November 26, 2021No Comments Interior Remodel
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Telegram Tumblr Reddit Email
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    Whether you are building a new closet or simply upgrading an existing one, your choice of closet lights is important, both for safety and convenience. The National Electrical Code (NEC), which is published every three years by the National Fire Protection Association, sets the rules and standards that apply to building regulations in most residential and commercial spaces, including closets and other storage areas.

    Demo

    Code Requirements for Closet Light Fixtures

    The Code contains very specific requirements for the types of light fixtures allowed in closets as well as the clearances that must be maintained between stored items and light sources. In the 2008 edition of the Code, LED light fixtures were allowed for the first time. Since then and through the 2017 edition, the Code requirements for closet lighting have remained unchanged. But it is always a good idea to check the most recent edition of the Code, as changes do occasionally occur. Your local building inspections office can instruct you on current Code requirements for closet lighting.

    Even if your closets and their existing light fixtures are old, the current requirements are a good benchmark to follow. Many closet light fixtures represent house fires waiting to happen; this is especially true where you find exposed light bulbs in closets, which can generate more than enough heat to start a clothing fire.

    Key Requirements

    Here is a summary of the NEC’s current requirements for closet lights:

    • Light fixtures are not mandatory. The NEC does not require light fixtures in any standard closet. Adding closet light fixtures is, however, regarded as “best practice” by many builders and electricians, and properly installed closet light fixtures are will appeal to future home buyers.
    • Switch-controlled light and outlet is “best practice” for walk-in closets. Although the Code is not precise in its definition of a walk-in closet, best practice is to have a ceiling light fixture controlled by a wall switch located near the entrance to any closet that is 50 square feet or larger. And the Code does require that all “storage and utility rooms” be equipped with a lighting outlet controlled by a switch. Many electricians interpret this to include walk-in closets and therefore include both a switch-controlled light fixture and a plug-in outlet in these spaces.
    • Distances between fixtures and storage items: For surface-mounted incandescent or LED light fixtures, there must be a minimum distance of 12 inches between the fixture and any items stored in the closet. For recessed incandescent or LED light fixtures, this distance must be at least 6 inches. For fluorescent light fixtures, the minimum distance is 6 inches.
    • No bare bulbs allowed. Exposed or partially exposed incandescent or LED lamps (bulbs) are not allowed in closets. While utility light fixtures with bare bulbs in a socket were once common in closets and other storage areas, these are no longer allowed. All light bulbs must be fully enclosed in a globe or other housing.

    When planning the position of light fixtures, remember that the Code’s spacing requirements dictate minimum distances between the light fixture and any combustible items stored in the closet. If mounting a light fixture on the wall of a closet, allow space between the fixture and any clothing that will be hung on closet rods. If mounting a light fixture on the ceiling, consider any items that will be stored on shelves, and maintain the minimum required distances.

    Source: The Spruce

    Demo
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email Reddit VKontakte Telegram WhatsApp

    Related Posts

    6 Great Home Projects for Summer

    December 7, 2022 Interior Remodel

    How to Install DIY Closet Shelves

    December 7, 2022 Interior Remodel

    5 Nightmare Home Renovation Stories (And How They Finally Got Fixed)

    December 7, 2022 Interior Remodel

    Upstairs vs. Basement Laundry Room: Pros and Cons

    December 7, 2022 Interior Remodel

    The 9 Best Home Renovations That Cost $5,000 or Less

    December 7, 2022 Interior Remodel

    Common Home Updates People End Up Regretting Big Time

    December 7, 2022 Interior Remodel
    Add A Comment

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Demo
    Don't Miss

    It’s Green Week! A Celebration of Everything Eco-Friendly

    Green Improvements December 7, 2022

    Welcome to Green Week, where we’re sharing our best tips for creating a more eco-friendly…

    How to Build a Cinder Block Wall

    November 29, 2021

    How to Install Underground Electrical Cables Yourself

    November 29, 2021

    Check Out These 10 Gorgeous Before and After Laundry Room Remodels

    December 7, 2022
    Stay In Touch
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Vimeo
    Latest Articles

    Why You Need Window Blinds (Even if You Don’t Think So)

    March 28, 2023

    Trend Alert: Metallic Sheets in the Kitchen

    March 28, 2023

    Steal This Look: A Warm Tiled Kitchen in Melbourne

    March 28, 2023

    The Brass Tacks: Cane-Wrapped Hardware from Sibella Court

    March 27, 2023

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest creative articles and news from Renovopedia about Home Improvements.

    Demo
    Our Picks

    Why You Need Window Blinds (Even if You Don’t Think So)

    March 28, 2023

    Trend Alert: Metallic Sheets in the Kitchen

    March 28, 2023

    Steal This Look: A Warm Tiled Kitchen in Melbourne

    March 28, 2023
    About Us
    About Us

    Renovopedia is the premier source for home improvement news and articles. We provide the latest news and articles for homeowners looking to find inspiration, solutions, tips, and ideas to prepare your home for sale or turn it into your dream home.

    We're accepting new partnerships right now.

    Email Us: hello@renovopedia.com
    Contact: +1-320-0123-451

    Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn
    Popular

    4 Best Reasons To Go With In Floor Heating

    February 1, 2022

    How to Make Rustic Light Balls with Chicken Wire

    February 7, 2022

    A Boatbuilder-Turned-Designer’s Seaworthy Sauna in a Maine Harbor

    April 15, 2022
    © 2023 Renovopedia. All Rights Reserved.
    • Home
    • News
    • Trending
    • Videos
    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Contact

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.