Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - putting light in closet - fire hazard?

I need to rig a light in my walk-in closet and was going to hang a 60 watt halogen light from the top rack. It would hang down about 6 inches from the rack that has jeans folded on it and about 10-12 inches away from any other clothes - do you see any reason for this to be a fire hazard? If I accidentally left it on all day when I left for work or something would you think there'd be a reason to worry about my apartment catching fire?

Yes, that is a definite fire hazard. Halogen lights run quite hot.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) has very specific requirements for lighting fixtures in closets. One of the other people that deals with these on a regular basis will be here to detail the requirements.

Look into using a florescent fixture. It is cooler and takes little power.

Closet lighting must be at least 12" horizontally from any potential area where clothing will be hung unless enclosed. I agree with Dick, use enclosed fluorescent lighting. It will satisfy code requirements and will give a brighter light and more cost efficient. A good place to install the lighting is the wall space above the door. That way your lighting is being thrown all through the closet area, rather than being blocked by clothing from a fixture directly above.

A key comment you made was that you were going to "rig" a light in your closet.
Any light you put in there needs to be a permanent installation and for your protection under an electrical permit.

What you could do that would be simpler is install a battery powered LED light.
There are many styles available and sell for less that $20.00 for a good quality one.

If I accidentally left it on all day when I left for work or something would you think there'd be a reason to worry about my apartment catching fire?



If this is a space you are renting, nothing electrical can normally be touched by other than a licensed electrician due to liability issues.