If you've got a walk-in closet about as big as an average bathroom (5'X 8'), why does the switch have to be located on the outside of the closet? If you've got a closet much bigger and want to add a desk with a make-up mirror and outlet for a blow dryer, etc. what then? Tell the inspector that it's a "dressing room"? Just wondering.... Pete

If someone is going to use a closet to do their makeup and hair then I don't think it is a closet anymore.

I lost you .... where does it say the switch needs to be outside the closet? After all, we were served well for years by simple pull chains.

Ditto for the receptacles .... where does it say that you can't have them in the closet? (Though I suspect such a receptacle is sure to re-open the whole AFCI debate - unless you're using the 2008 already!)

Started this job in '05. Service and rough inspections passed. I was asked to go to the Middle East for a vacation. Came back (about 22 months later) and the HO had to file to have the job inspected for a Cert. of Occupancy. One of the things the inspector said was that it was a violation to have the light switch located inside the closet. I've looked at the '08 NEC and NYS bldg code and couldn't find any verbage that prohibited a light switch being installed inside a clothes closet. If there are any electricians from Long Island (Suffolk County) here who could shed some light on this, I'd appreciate it. pete

Ask the inspector to specify the appropriate code section to which he is referring. If he can't, and won't back down, take it up with his supervisor.

How about using an occupancy sensor with the current (in-closet) switch location? Would he go for that?

With title 24 out here in Cali, it's just about all we do. Having the switch on the outside of the closet is actually absurd from an energy-saving standpoint. The chances of someone leaving the light on for an extended period of time is likely with a switch on the outside.

The NEC is silent on this issue, as far as I know. Local issue?