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What kind of light fixtures are legal for inside of a closet? I’m interested in hardwired or plugin AC fixtures, not those battery operated stickon flashlights.
Many of the florescent lights with a cover are meant for ceilings and are quite pricey for just inside a closet.
Any recommendations?
Laura
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Replies
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Laura,
I'm not a licensed electrician and therefore not up on all the codes. In the past, incadescent light fixtures (the porcelean/plastic pull chain variety found in basements)were used. The bulb must be at least 12 inches clear from any shelving. In small closets, the single bulb fixture could be mounted in a far, top corner of the closet; either to the ceiling, or to the side wall. If you are concerned about bulb breakage, perhaps you could install a porchlight type fixture (jelly jar type) whereby the bulb would be enclosed.
A neat way to hardwire such a bulb is to run your wiring so that you can mount a refrigerator type switch into the hinge side of your door jamb. With this system, when you open the door, the light automatically comes on, and when the door is closed the light shuts off. I've seen this done in several houses and I really like it. But, is this allowed by code? I honestly don't know.
Just a thought. Hope this helps.
Davo
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I like those switches too, but those fixtures aren't code anymore. I think its just because the lamp has to be protected.
*I don't like those switches when it comes time to set doors. MDM.
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Laura,
According to the 1999 Natn'l Elec. Code, incandescent fixtures are legal if the bulb is completely shrouded by a cover or recessed with a cover (can lights.) Surface mount and recessed flourescent lights are also legal without covers (the bulbs do not get as hot.)
As a homebuilder, I usually install 4' flourescent lights with covers in all closets unless something else is requested by the homeowner. You can pick these up at a fairly reasonalbe price at Home Depot or Lowes.
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Definitely protect the light bulb, as several have told you. And Women LOVE those "refridgerator switches". They're well worth the extra time to install.
*I'm not entirely up on the NEC but I beleive that any wiring connection (other than low voltage) must be made in an i approved box with an i approved cover. Would this not preclude the use of any "refrigerator switch" unless it was mounted to a box, which, in this case, would need to be cut into the door jamb? Yuk!! Or are these low voltage devices? Am I missing something else?
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Laura, We also install only 4' flourescents. Whether you get one with a cover is up to you. They are usually mounted on the wall just above the door so they aren't in the way. You can get smaller lights, but they usually have starters that give you trouble and the bulbs are expensive. I have the switches that you install in the door jamb in every closet in my house. My wife and I love them! I did not enjoy installing them but they are worth it. The wiring is enclosed in a small box. Personally, I wouldn't put anything but a flourescent in a small closet.
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Quite some time ago, I used plunger type switches that were mounted on line cord. Basically looked like a bakelite screw base fixture with a plunger. Mounted it to contact the door, plug one end in the receptacle, other to the light. All wiring is line cord, out in the open, no box required.
Don't know if they are still made.
Adam
*Matt - The jamb switches I have used have an approved box that has to be cut into the jamb, and also usually notched into the trimmer stud. They are a pain in the neck to install but people like them, so we do it anyway.
*OK, maybe I'll have to check these switches out. Are they available at electrical supply stores or home centers? So, how does it work? During roughin, your electrician just hangs the wire out of the rough jamb, then when the trim man comes along, he drills a hole in the door jamb and slips it over the wire? Who notches the jamb - the electrician or the trim guy during the jamb install? Aprox. what size is the box?
*Matt - I don't have the problem of assigning responsibilities, since I am usually the electrician and the trim guy. The box is about 1" x 3", and about 1-1/2" deep, so it requires planning for it when framing the door opening. Retrofitting them can be done but is a pain in the ass. The wire comes in the back of the box, so it should be placed just to the side of where the door stop will be on the jamb. Again, it requires some careful planning because it has to be in the right place, or you will bust out the front edge of the door jamb.My experience has been to locate where you want the box, drill an oversize hole all the way through both studs, and notch the trimmer stud to allow plenty of room for the box. Then, whoever installs the door should cut the hole in the jamb for the box, then hang the door, then install the box.
*Nick:Thanks for the info. I'll look into 'em. Sounds like, maybe a $50 - $70 upgrade.
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What kind of light fixtures are legal for inside of a closet? I'm interested in hardwired or plugin AC fixtures, not those battery operated stickon flashlights.
Many of the florescent lights with a cover are meant for ceilings and are quite pricey for just inside a closet.
Any recommendations?
Laura