Can pendant-type luminaires be used in clothes closets?

In a clothes closet, pendant-type luminaires are not allowed due to safety concerns related to proximity to combustible materials. The National Electrical Code (NEC) sets specific guidelines for lighting in closets to reduce the risk of fire hazards associated with clothing and flammable items that may be stored there.

Typically, fixtures that are used in these areas must be either surface-mounted or flush-mounted, and they usually need to be installed at a specified distance away from any storage areas. Pendant luminaires, which often hang down and can be easily struck by items within the closet, do not meet these safety standards and are therefore prohibited. Understanding these guidelines helps ensure compliance with the NEC and enhances safety by preventing potential ignition sources from being too close to flammable materials.