Closet Lights
JUNEAU PERMIT CENTER, 4TH FLOOR MARINE VIEW CENTER, (907) 586-0770
Luminaires ( Light Fixtures) Installed in Clothes Closets
The IRC (International Residential Code) and the NEC (National Electrical Code) do not
specifically require that a lighting fixture be installed in a clothes closet. If a lighting fixture is
installed, however, installation requirements covered under either 2006 IRC E3903.11 or 2008
NEC article 410.2 and article 410.16 must be applied. These requirements have evolved over
the years and have become more stringent due to the fire incidents that have originated in
clothes closets. Consideration must be given to provide clearances from light fixtures to the
storage space in a clothes closet.
A lengthy definition of “closet storage space” is provided in the code sections. Storage space is
defined as, “a volume bounded by the sides and back closet walls and planes extending from
the closet floor vertically to a height of 6 feet or the highest clothes-hanging rod and parallel to
the walls at a horizontal distance of 24 inches from the sides and back of the closet walls
respectively, and continuing vertically to the closet ceiling parallel to the walls at a horizontal
distance of 12 inches or the width of the shelf, whichever is greater.”
A fixture that is installed in a clothes closet must be a surface-mounted or recessed
incandescent type with all lamp(s) completely enclosed, a surface-mounted or recessed
fluorescent fixture or surface mounted fluorescent or LED luminaries identified as suitable for
installation within the storage area. These fixtures shall not project into the defined storage
spaces as indicated by the dimensions in the diagram below.
Incandescent fixtures with open (exposed) or partially enclosed lamps, and pendant fixtures or
lampholders are not permitted to be installed in a clothes closet. Fluorescent lights must be
covered or have tube guards to prevent accidental contact.
6” Min.
Minimum vertical dimensions:
Storage Space
Fixture Legend
12” Min. for enclosed
incandescent.
6” Min.
12” Min. or
Width of Shelf if
Greater than 12”
12” Min.
6” Min. for fluorescent, LED,
and recessed incandescent to
any storage space.
Recessed
Incandescent
6” Min.
Rod
24” Min
6’0” Min. or top of
highest rod.
Note: Minimum dimensions from fixtures are
from fixture bulb cover to any part of the
gray Storage space shown in the drawing,
horizontally and vertically.
Enclosed
Incandescent
Storage Space
Fluorescent
Exposed tube
type with tube
guard
IRC E3903.11 or NEC articles 410.8 & 410.16 Luminaries in clothes closets
I:\FORMS\BLDGFORM\2006Forms\Closet Lights.doc
Updated: February 11, 2011