Closet Lighting Requirements
by Todd Thuss
Background
Closets are a place where lighting fixtures can get close enough to flammable materials to start a fire. As a home inspector I often encounter potential fire hazards in closets, especially in older homes.
Most single-family residences are built according to some version of the International Residential Code (IRC), which has specific rules about closet lighting. These rules were formed for good reason. Let’s dig into this a little more.
Unacceptable Light Fixture Types
Incandescent luminaires with open or partially enclosed lamps and pendant luminaires or lampholders are not permitted. What this means is that you cannot have one single exposed light bulb hanging down with a pull chain for lighting your clothing closets. Another example of this is your standard incandescent recessed lighting fixture because the light bulb is partially enclosed, not fully enclosed. LED light fixtures must also be fully enclosed unless they are identified as safe for closet space. While it’s true that LED lamps don’t get anywhere near as hot as incandescent bulbs, the IRC still does not permit a bare LED bulb.
Why Can’t I Have a Partially Enclosed Light Fixture in My Closet?
It’s a fire hazard. Plain and simple. Light bulbs, especially those of the incandescent type, run hot. We can easily forget to turn off a light in our home, especially if we have children. Leaving that light on for an extended period of time in a closet that has common combustible materials can definitely be a potential fire hazard.
Acceptable Light Fixture Types
The IRC permits the following in a closet space:
- Surface-mounted or recessed incandescent luminaires with completely enclosed lamps,
- Surface-mounted or recessed fluorescent luminaires
- Surface-mounted fluorescent or LED luminaires identified as suitable for installation within the storage area
Spacing Requirements for Closet Lighting Fixtures
There are location requirements when installing closet lighting fixtures:
12 in. for surface-mounted incandescent or LED luminaires with a completely enclosed light source installed on the wall above the door or on the ceiling.
6 in. for surface-mounted fluorescent luminaires installed on the wall above the door or on the ceiling.
6 in. for recessed incandescent or LED luminaires with a completely enclosed light source installed in the wall or the ceiling.
- 0 inches for surface-mounted luminaires rated for closet storage space
