Which type of luminaire is allowed in a clothes closet?

In clothing closets, the National Electrical Code (NEC) has specific restrictions to prevent fire hazards from electrical fixtures, especially considering the combustible nature of clothing materials. The NEC allows surface-mounted or recessed fluorescent luminaires in clothes closets because they are designed to minimize the risk of overheating and are safer for use in enclosed spaces.

Surface-mounted and recessed fixtures can be installed in a way that does not allow combustible materials to come into contact with hot surfaces, adhering to the safety guidelines within the NEC. On the other hand, incandescent luminaires with open lamps pose a higher risk, as the exposed bulbs can generate significant heat, leading to potential ignition of surrounding materials. Pendant-type luminaires also tend to hang lower and may be more accessible for contact with clothing or other combustibles, making them unsuitable according to NEC guidelines.

Thus, the use of surface-mounted or recessed fluorescent luminaires is endorsed as they provide adequate lighting while adhering to safety standards that protect against fire hazards in clothes closets.