Electrical Codes for Lighting
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Summary: Listing of electrical codes for lighting with examples of electrical lighting codes for home electrical wiring.
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Electrical Code Definitions for Home Electrical Lighting Projects
Introduction to electrical codes for lighting:
NEC 210 and 410 Lighting Fixtures
The Basics:
This installation of lighting prevents entering a dark occupied room or equipment room which could result in a hazardous condition.
Code Adoption Information:
The codes shown are examples only and may not be current or accurate for your application or jurisdiction. Contact your local building authority for complete information.
LIGHTING EQUIPMENT LISTING AND LABELING
Most States Ruling that all electrical equipment, including light fixtures, devices, and appliances shall be LISTED AND LABELED
by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (i.e. Underwriter's Laboratories, Canadian Standards Association, etc.) as having been tested and found suitable for a specific purpose. All electrical equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with the listing requirements and manufacturer's instructions.
Most State Energy Codes require that all penetrations through an air barrier be sealed so that the interior air barrier is maintained. Sealing applies to all penetrations including the service entrance, conduit, cables, panels, recessed luminaires, electrical boxes, and fan housings.
NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODES for LIGHTING
NEC 210-70 At least one wall switch controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in every interior stairway, with a switch at each floor level to control the lighting outlet when the difference between floor levels is six steps or more.
NEC 370-25 and 410-12 In a completed installation, all outlet boxes shall have a cover, canopy for a lighting fixture, or device with an appropriate plate.
NEC 410.2 Lighting Fixtures Closets
Closet storage space is the volume bounded by the sides and back closet walls and planes extending from the closet floor vertically to a height of 6 feet? or the highest clothes-hanging rod and parallel to the walls at a horizontal distance of 24 inches from the sides and back of the closet walls respectively, and continuing vertically to the closet ceiling parallel to the walls at a horizontal distance of 12 inch or the shelf width, whichever is greater.
NEC 410-8 Lighting fixtures installed in a clothes closet shall have the following clearances from the defined storage area (see the definition below): . 12 inches for surface incandescent fixtures . 6 inches for recessed incandescent fixtures . 6 inches for fluorescent fixtures NEC
NEC 410-8 Storage Space, as applied to an electrical installation in a closet, is defined in the National Electrical Code as a volume bounded by the sides and back closet walls and planes extending from the closet floor vertically to a height of 6 feet (1.83m) or the highest clothes-hanging rod and parallel to the walls at a horizontal distance of 24 inches (610 mm) from the sides and back of the closet walls respectively, and continuing vertically to the closet ceiling parallel to the walls at a horizontal distance of 12 inches (305mm) or the width of the shelf, whichever is greater.
NEC 410-8 Incandescent Fixtures with open or partially enclosed lamps and pendant fixtures or lamp holders are not permitted in clothes closets.
NEC 410.8 Wiring Methods closet lighting fixtures Luminaires (lighting fixtures) installed in clothes closets shall have the following minimum clearances from the defined storage area: 300 mm - 12 inches for surface incandescent fixtures, 150 mm 6inches for recessed incandescent fixtures , 150 mm 6 inches for fluorescent fixtures.
NEC 410-8 Lighting fixtures installed in a clothes closet shall have the following clearances from the defined storage area (see the definition below):
12 inches for surface incandescent fixtures,
6 inches for recessed incandescent fixtures,
6 inches for fluorescent fixtures.
NEC 410-8 Storage space, as applied to an electrical installation in a closet, is defined in the National Electrical Code as a volume bounded by the sides and back closet walls and planes extending from the closet floor vertically to a height of 6 feet (1.83m) or the highest clothes-hanging rod and parallel to the walls at a horizontal distance of 24 inches (610 mm) from the sides and back of the closet walls respectively, and continuing vertically to the closet ceiling parallel to the walls at a horizontal distance of 12 inches (305mm) or the width of the shelf, whichever is greater.
NEC 410-8 Incandescent fixtures with open or partially enclosed lamps and pendant fixtures or lamp holders are not permitted in clothes closets.
NEC 410.16 Lighting Fixtures closets Luminaires (lighting fixtures) installed in clothes closets shall have the following minimum clearances from the defined storage area:
12 inches for totally enclosed surface incandescent or LED luminaires.
6 inches for recessed totally enclosed incandescent, fluorescent or LED luminaires.
6 inches for surface mounted or recessed fluorescent luminaires.
Surface mounted fluorescent or LED luminaires listed for installation in storage space shall be permitted.
NEC 410-66 Recessed Lighting Fixtures installed in insulated ceilings or installed within one half inch of combustible material shall be labeled as Type IC (insulation contact). In addition, your state Energy Code requires recessed lighting fixtures in insulated ceilings to be sealed to prevent leakage of airborne moisture.
NEC 410.66 Wiring Methods recessed lighting fixtures Recessed lighting fixtures installed in insulated ceilings or installed within 13 mm [1/2 inch] of combustible material shall be approved for insulation contact and labeled Type IC.
Residential Electrical Code Examples for Lighting
IRC Codes
Lighting Outlets Required
1. Inhabitable rooms.
At least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in every habitable room and bathroom. NEC 220.70
2. Additional Locations. NEC 220.70
d. At least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in hallways, stairways, attached garages, and detached garages with electric power.
e.For dwelling units, for garages with electric power, at least one wall switch shall control an exterior light for the exit of a garage.
f. Where an interior stairway has more than six risers than a wall switch is required at each floor level.
3. Storage or Equipment Spaces.
For attics, under floor spaces, utility rooms, and basements, at least one lighting outlet containing a switch or controlled by a wall switch shall be installed. NEC 220.70
4. Lighting above the bathtub cannot be cord connected, hanging fixtures, lighting track pendants or ceiling fans. This zone is measured 3' out from the outside edge of the tub and 8' vertically above the edge of the tub. NEC 410.4(D)
5. Lighting fixtures in closets must comply with NEC 410.8. Incandescent fixtures must be completely enclosed or recessed. Permitted incandescent fixtures must have 12 inches of clearance from the fixture to the lip of the shelf. Fluorescent fixtures must have 6 inches of clearance. NEC 410.8
Always contact your local building authority for complete and up to date code information.
