ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Closet Puck Lights

For those who don't know, I HATE "Puck" lights! When someone mentions them I cring. Main reason is I have seen the effect of scorching cabinets, and everyone wants to use them. Thier original rating is for portable display cases, and everyone wants them permantly installed, some as primary lighting! Basically I see them as a fire in proccess...

So... Current project has 12 built in cabinets with hanger rods and shelving, even reffered to as "closets" in the plans, with you guessed it, "Jamb switches, and Ahem, "Puck" lights.

So the NEC doesn't define a "Closet", and 410.8 does define the boundaries of "storage space" within one, but not a closet itself. These are not "Display" cabinets. So what is a "Closet"?

And, seeing that these are relitively shallow, there will not be allowable space for said enclosed incandesant 2" piece of crappola over the hanger bars, and shelves. Problem would seem solved, right?

No... I am the only "No man" in a company full of "Yes men" so I should do my best to figure something out.... As the Client really wants light in there!

So, Here's a few ideas I have... Tell me what you think.

LED - ahem, "puck" lights. (Cool to the touch, not seemingly covered by current code as of yet.)Really pricey cost prohibitave ones. $$$

Or, Closet rod LED lighting $$$$$

Or, LED strip lighting $$$$

What do you all think about LED lights in closets?

I think its a good anwser to an un-asked question.... If they are willing to pay!

e57:
For the record, I also am not a puck light lover.

Haven't seen the LED you mentioned around here yet.We started seeing them in signs about 1 to 1-1/2 years ago, replacing neon/fluorescent channels.

Sounds like a great idea, but like you say $$$$. Gys around here have been doing fluorescent with covers, usually mounted over the door to avoid the "great closet light debates".

BTW, if it has a rod (or facility) to hang clothing, it's a closet. (From the Building Inspector)

John

The wiring for the sign modules was a heated debate with the 'sign guys' as the EC's usually stop at the 120 volt feeder.
I saw the rod thing in a mag a while ago.

Hate to burst your bubble but: Need to read 410.8 showing permitted fixtures - it uses words like Listed, Incandescent, Fluorescent.

No bubble to burst... I really don't want to do it at all. And after it costs $500 - $700 EACH neither will they.

I even took the op of coming up with this drawing . With some ideas of how to make it even more expensive. Switching relays, routed cabinetry.

Anyway, George, you're right! It says "Listed". LED's aren't listed for the most part as of yet....

That only leaves fiber optic, BIG DOLLARS!

[This message has been edited by e57 (edited 08-11-2005).]

Listed is just what a NRTL has evaluated and passed. Perhaps we need to add language in 410 that recognizes superior technology and gives people a break for using it.

Add
410.8(B)(3)Listed Luminaires incorporating LED technology.

Add
410.08(D)(5) Luminaires using LED technology that have been determined not to present a fire hazard may be placed without regard to storage space.

Then it is up to the LED guys to do that voodoo they do so well.
There is no hardware reason why they can't make an LED that runs no more than a degree or so above ambient in a bullet proof sealed case.

Make it legal and they will come.