Very interesting paradox. We have an item of minimal risk, with a UL sticker, being used in a manner that is attractive, useful, and directly in conflict with the code.
Our fear is the accumulation of heat, leading to a fire. Yet the code, as written, would not allow the use of an LED strip in this location- a source that is essentially without heat.
As for the UL listing- I don't think they even have a standard for closet rods. How much weight should it hold, what break-away provisions should there be?
On challenge in lighting a closet is that you usually end up standing between the light and whatever you're looking for!
I am assuming these are fluorescent lights. If the rods were fiber optic, with the lamp mounted elsewhere....they just might pass muster.
The code calls for 6" of clearance between the clothes (and flammables) and the light. Just for fun, I went to my closet with a tape measure. I found a 2" clearance between the top of the rod and the bottom of the shelf.
The clothes were another matter. At the center of the hangar, there was generally a 3" clearance. Due to the shape of the hangar, this clearance almost immediately increased to infinity- the "shoulders" slope away at an angle.
So it's a violation; the question is: How important of one? Just how much of a risk is there that something will go wrong?
I think 410.8 needs to address this type of light specifically. I think UL needs to develop a specific standard for it, and list these items in accordance with their uses.
[This message has been edited by renosteinke (edited 10-16-2005).]
