Are incandescent luminaires that have open lamps allowed in clothes closets?

Incandescent luminaires with open lamps are subject to specific guidelines when installed in clothes closets due to fire hazard concerns. According to the National Electrical Code, these luminaires can be permitted in clothes closets as long as proper clearance is maintained. This means there must be sufficient space between the open bulb and any stored items, such as clothing or other flammable materials, to minimize the risk of ignition from heat.

Proper clearance generally requires that the lamp be mounted at least 12 inches away from stored materials, which helps ensure safety by reducing the likelihood of heat buildup that could lead to combustion. Therefore, maintaining this distance makes it permissible to use these types of fixtures in the specified area.

While other choices may address different scenarios, it is the requirement for maintaining proper clearance that both allows the use of incandescent luminaires with open lamps in clothes closets and ensures compliance with safety regulations, highlighting the importance of adhering to these specific guidelines to prevent fire hazards.