Minimum Clearance Requirement for Surface-Mounted Luminaire Installed in a Clothes Closet

Surface-mounted fluorescent luminaires in clothes closets shall be permitted on the wall above the door, or on the ceiling, provided there is a minimum clearance of _____ in. between the luminaire and the nearest point of a storage space.

Mike Holt

June 25, 2015

a) 3
b) 6
c) 9
d) 12

See answer and applicable Code reference

The correct answer is: b) 6

Article 410 covers the requirements for luminaires, lampholders and lamps. Section 410.16 outlines the rules for installing luminaires in clothes closets. As noted in 410.16(C)(2), the minimum clearance between a surface-mounted fluorescent luminaire installed on the wall above the door or on the ceiling in a clothes closet and the nearest point of a closet storage space is 6 in.

About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.