Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - NEC, closets and CFLs

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Striker77s
01-24-08, 05:37 PM
I'm installing a light in my closet. I plan on installing a fluorescent light as required by code but I'm not sure what the definition of a fluorescent fixture is. I don't want to install a compact tube fluorescent fixture and would prefer to install a standard incandescent fixture and use a CFL. Will this pass code or will the inspector demand a fixture that will only take fluorescent bulbs?

Mark

chandler
01-24-08, 07:14 PM
As long as the fixture has an enclosure for the bulb, since you can just as easily put in an incandescent bulb in place of the CFL. Treat them just as you would incandescent.
joed
01-25-08, 06:42 AM
If the fixture has a screw base to accept incandescent bulbs then the NEC considers it an incandescent fixture. It doen't matter that you will use a CFL in it. The next preson could come along and put a normal bulb in it.

Striker77s
01-25-08, 10:03 AM
I figured I would need a dedicated fluorescent fixture. It is just hard to find anything that looks decent. Going to Lowes or Home Depot I can only find under cabinet fluorescent light fixtures and not any fluorescent sconces. I might have to go online to find something I like.

Thanks again,
Mark
cwbuff
01-25-08, 11:41 AM
Why not go the easy route and install a covered, recessed incandescent fixture?
joed
01-25-08, 01:19 PM
How big is this closet? If it is a walk in closet then the distance from the shelves could be enough that closet rules don't apply.