Luminaire Installation: Closet Clearances, Wet/Damp Ratings, Support, and Recessed IC
Fixtures ("luminaires") have location-specific rules — especially in closets (fire risk near stored clothing) and in recessed ceilings (heat near insulation and framing).
1. Clothes closets — 410.16
Clearance from the nearest storage space:
| Luminaire type in a closet | Minimum clearance |
|---|---|
| Surface-mounted incandescent/LED (enclosed source) | 12 in (410.16(D)(1)) |
| Recessed incandescent/LED (enclosed source) | 6 in (410.16(D)(3)) |
| Surface-mounted fluorescent | 6 in |
Banned in closets: open/exposed incandescent lamps (bare bulbs) — too much fire risk near clothing. Only enclosed-source or fluorescent/LED types are allowed. (CEC 410.16(C)) (The clearance distances live in 410.16(D) in the 2023 edition — older material cites (C).)
2. Wet and damp locations — 410.10
Luminaires must be installed so water cannot enter or accumulate in wiring compartments or lampholders. Match the listing to the location: (CEC 410.10)