Ecmweb 23523 Nec Code Quandaries 0119 Pr
Ecmweb 23523 Nec Code Quandaries 0119 Pr
Ecmweb 23523 Nec Code Quandaries 0119 Pr
Ecmweb 23523 Nec Code Quandaries 0119 Pr
Ecmweb 23523 Nec Code Quandaries 0119 Pr

Stumped by the Code? NEC Requirements of Luminaires Installed in Wet, Damp, or Corrosive Locations

Jan. 17, 2019
NEC Code Violations

All questions and answers are based on the 2017 NEC.

Q. What does the Code require of luminaires to be installed in wet, damp, or corrosive locations?

A. Luminaires in wet or damp locations must be installed in a manner that prevents water from accumulating in any part of the luminaire. Luminaires marked “Suitable for Dry Locations Only” must be installed only in a dry location; luminaires marked “Suitable for Damp Locations” can be installed in either a damp or dry location; and luminaires marked “Suitable for Wet Locations” can be installed in a dry, damp, or wet location [Sec. 410.10(A)].

See Art. 100 definitions of “Location, Damp,” “Location, Dry,” and “Location, Wet.”

Luminaires installed in corrosive locations must be suitable for the location [Sec. 410.10(B)].

Q. What are the NEC requirements for the installation of luminaires in bathtub and shower areas?

A. No part of chain-, cable-, or cord-suspended luminaires, track luminaires, or ceiling paddle fans can be located within 3 ft horizontally and 8 ft vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold [Sec. 410.10(D)]. (see Figure).

See Sec. 404.4 for switch requirements and Sec. 406.9(C) for receptacle requirements within or near bathtubs or shower stalls.

Luminaires located within the actual outside dimensions of a bathtub or shower to a height of 8 ft from the top of the bathtub rim or shower threshold must be marked for damp locations. If subject to shower spray, the luminaires must be marked for wet locations.

Q. What does the Code require for the spacing of luminaires installed under metal-corrugated sheet roof decking?

A. Luminaires installed under metal-corrugated sheet roof decking must be installed at least 1½ in. from the lowest surface of the roof decking measured from the bottom of the decking to the top of the luminaire [Sec. 410.10(F)].

Q. What are the NEC requirements for the installation of luminaires in clothes closets?

A. Only the following types of luminaires are permitted to be installed in a clothes closet [Sec. 410.16(A)]:

(1) Surface or recessed incandescent or LED luminaires with an enclosed light source.

(2) Surface or recessed fluorescent luminaires.

(3) Surface-mounted or recessed LED luminaires identified for use within the closet storage space.

Incandescent luminaires with open or partially open lamps and pendant-type luminaires aren’t permitted to be installed in a clothes closet [Sec. 410.16(B)].

Luminaires must maintain a minimum clearance from the closet storage space as follows [Sec. 410.16(C)]:

(1) 12 in. for surface-mounted incandescent or LED luminaires with an enclosed light source.

(2) 6 in. for surface-mounted fluorescent luminaires.

(3) 6 in. for recessed incandescent or LED luminaires with an enclosed light source.

(4) 6 in. for recessed fluorescent luminaires.

(5) Surface-mounted fluorescent or LED luminaires are permitted within the closet storage space if identified for this use.

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.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Don't Let Burn-Through Threaten Another Data Center or Utility Project

Get the No Burn-Through Elbow eGuide to learn many reasons why Champion Fiberglass elbows will enhance your data center and utility projects today.

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.