When it comes to lighting in a walk-in closet, the most important factor is abundant light. A good light for a walk-in closet should be bright and evenly distributed in order to make the selection of clothing and accessories easier.
Consider fixtures with a wide beam angle for a larger reach and the most direct light. A chandelier like light source can also be used for larger walk-in closets giving a larger dispersal of light from the center of the space.
Furthermore, it may be beneficial to use multiple light sources in the walk-in closet to help illuminate every corner. Many options exist like recessed lighting, skylights, or wall sconces to achieve the desired minimalistic feel while adding extra lighting.
Also consider supplementing the primary light with a good light wall mount mirror to illuminate the space even further. In the end, the light fittings chosen should provide quality lighting and act as a design feature to enhance the aesthetic of the walk-in closet.
What light fixtures are allowed in closets?
When it comes to installing light fixtures in closets, a few general guidelines should be followed. Closets must have a wall switch to turn the fixture off and on. The wall switch must have a thermally protected power source.
Additionally, any exposed wiring must be satisfactory and secure and any other electrical fixtures must be placed at least 12 inches away from the closet as required by most building codes.
The type of light fixture permitted in a closet also depends on the size of the closet, as well as the type of wiring available. Standard incandescent light fixtures are typically able to be used in closets with standard wiring that is rated for 120 volts.
Such closets should not require any type of electrical permit. However, if you are installing a light fixture in a closet that requires special wiring, or if you are dealing with a larger closet space, then you may need to obtain an electrical permit before installation.
Another popular option for closets is an LED lighting solution, which offers increased energy efficiency and improved safety. LED light fixtures are typically able to be installed in larger closets with wiring rated for 277 volts.
These installations typically require an electrical permit. Also, some locations prohibit the use of hazardous materials in closets, so you should double-check municipal guidelines before installing any type of lighting solution in a closet.
What should you not put in your closet?
It is generally advised to avoid storing certain items in your closet. For one thing, it is not advisable to store food and anything that can potentially attract pests, such as open boxes of cereal and crumbs.
Additionally, you should not store any items that give off an odor, such as perfumes, detergents, soaps, cleaning supplies, and paint. These items can cause odors to linger in your closet over a long period of time.
In addition, you should avoid putting any fragile items in your closet, such as vases and breakable ornaments. Lastly, any flammable items, such as candles, lighter fluid, or matches, should not be stored in your closet.
Are LED lights safe for closets?
LED lights are generally considered safe for closets as long as the fixtures and lamps are UL-approved and properly installed. LED lighting is a great option for closets as it provides bright, uniform light and is energy-efficient.
It also generates less heat than traditional incandescent lighting, which helps prevent the buildup of moisture and mold. LED lighting also has a long life span and is less likely to flicker and buzz like traditional lights.
When installing LED lighting in a closet, be sure to use bulbs shielded with a diffuser to prevent glare. Also, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions for appropriate distance from the fixture to the walls and clothing.
Lastly, a dimmer switch is a great feature to have with LED lighting in a closet to adjust the brightness from bright enough for clothing selection to relaxing for a meditation space.
What color of lighting is for closet?
When it comes to lighting for closets, the best color of lighting to use will depend on the specific closet and the look and atmosphere you are trying to create. Soft yellow or white lighting is generally the most popular choice for closets since these colors can create a warm and inviting feeling.
Additionally, white lighting provides good visibility and contrasts well with light colors that are popular for closet designers. Many homeowners like to install dimmable lighting since this provides an easy way to adjust the light levels and create a variety of moods in the space.
If you want to add interest to your closet and make it look more like a room, you could consider installing accent lighting in colors like blue or cool purple. This can add a luxe look and drama to the closet that you won’t find elsewhere.
No matter what color of lighting you choose, it’s important to make sure you get good lighting sources that provide ample illumination and are easy to install and use.
What is a closet rated light?
A closet rated light is a light fixture that is rated for installation and use within residential or commercial closets. This type of lighting is typically UL-listed for damp or dry locations, meaning it’s suitable to be used in areas that are subject to occasional moisture or humidity.
Closet rated lights must conform to other safety standards such as spacing requirements, wattage limitations, and thermal insulation. Closet rated lights provide a safe and energy efficient means of illuminating areas such as closets and storerooms.
Typical lights used for intimate spaces like closets include LED, incandescent, fluorescent, or halogen lightbulbs. It is important that the closets are not too brightly lit as this may be distracting or create glare.
The lights must be able to be dimmed or have a switch so that the user can adjust the level of light accordingly. Furthermore, the installation of closet rated light must be done by an electrician or other qualified personnel to ensure the installation meets the standards of UL and other safety regulations.
When should you not use LED lights?
LED lights should not be used in locations that require specialized lamps, such as plant growth systems or in certain medical applications. LED lights are also not recommended for recessed lighting, as they tend to be larger in size and require special trim and housing when installed.
Additionally, LED lights are typically not suitable for use in applications that rely on dimming, such as theatre lighting or dimming spotlights. LED lights are also not designed for applications that require very high temperatures, or very cold temperatures.
Finally, LED lights are not the most efficient choice for solar-powered applications, such as off-grid power systems, as other lighting sources can be more efficient.
Are closet lights required by code?
No, closet lights are not typically required by code. However, depending on the purpose of the closet, some local codes may require a light within the closet, or at least a switch outside of the closet to control a light within the closet.
For closets used for storage or general operational use, there is generally no code requirement for a light. However, closets that are used for safety purposes, such as those containing alarm systems or ventilation systems, may require a light to have a switch located outside of the closet.
In these cases, the light may need to be either maintained in good working condition with a bulb of a certain wattage or provide a flexible light source, such as a battery operated emergency light. In some jurisdictions, closets containing hazardous materials may be required to have a light with a switch outside of the closet as well.
Can you put LED lights in closet?
Yes, you can put LED lights in a closet or any other enclosed space. LED lights are an efficient and long lasting solution for closet lighting. LED lights typically have a long lifespan of up to 50,000 hours, which can last longer than traditional bulbs.
LED lights also come in various colors and sizes, allowing them to be easily installed in any closet. They are also very energy efficient and require minimal maintenance, meaning that they will help save you money on your electricity bills.
Installing LED lights in a closet can provide additional light to a dark space, allowing you to see and navigate your closet more easily. Furthermore, LED lights are also ideal for closets because they remain cool, helping to prevent any potential fire hazards from occurring.
All in all, LED lights can be a great option for lighting your closet and should be considered for any closet lighting.
How many watts does a closet light need?
The amount of watts needed for a closet light depends on the type of lighting being used. Incandescent bulbs typically use between 10 and 100 watts while LED lighting can use anywhere between 1 and 30 watts, depending on the wattage of the bulbs.
To determine the wattage of a closet light, take into account the size of the area needing illumination, any additional lighting elements, as well as the brightness desired. As a general rule of thumb, a closet light should have a Wattage of 20-80 watts per square foot.
However, it is important to consider the overall size of the closet and the total wattage needed to properly and efficiently light the closet. To determine the wattage needed for the closet, add up the wattages of each light source in the closet.
If the closet light will be the primary source of light, it should account for the largest percentage of the total wattage, typically 50-100 watts.
What are OSHA requirements for lighting?
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has regulations in place to ensure that adequate lighting is provided in workplaces. According to OSHA, lighting should be sufficient to provide a safe workplace and should be free of distracting glares and shadows.
The amount of lighting necessary depends upon the size and complexity of the job and the amount of accuracy required to perform the job safely. Additionally, the employer must provide the needed lighting at no cost to workers.
To meet OSHA’s lighting requirements, employers must ensure that footcandles (measurement of light) are at least 5 in areas used for general plant operations, and at least 10 in work areas used for detailed operations.
OSHA further requires that the minimum footcandles for office areas should be at least 30-50 footcandles for task work, with areas such as stairwells and parking lots requiring a minimum of 5 footcandles.
In workspaces with hazardous processes and activities, OSHA requires that additional illuminance be provided. For example, in those areas with combustible dust, flammable vapors, or explosive materials, the illuminance requirements can range from 10-60 footcandles or higher, depending upon the hazard.
Employers must also provide supplemental lighting in areas such as control panels, workspaces with high glare, or working surfaces with high reflectance. Furthermore, employers must replace lights and ballasts that are no longer working and provide employees with lamps if needed for their work.
OSHA requires that employers perform inspections of their lighting systems regularly, providing records of such inspections to ensure compliance with safety regulations. Finally, employers must make sure that any new equipment, such as lights and ballasts, are appropriate to the environment and are properly installed and maintained.
What does ADA compliant mean for light fixtures?
ADA compliant light fixtures refer to lighting and lighting products which comply with the standards set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This means that any light fixtures that are deemed ADA compliant must adhere to a number of specific guidelines which ensure that the light fixtures are designed in a way that does not create a barrier or impede access for individuals with disabilities.
This can include features such as wall-mounted lights which are positioned at the proper height to ensure ease of access, low glare light fixtures which can help reduce eyestrain, and fixtures which use dimmers that allow the user to adjust the lighting level to suit their personal preferences.
Additionally, light fixtures that are ADA compliant must also be designed in a way that not only meets ADA guidelines, but also enhances the overall aesthetic of the space – as these fixtures should be a complement to the interior design, rather than an eyesore.
Is it against code to daisy chain light fixtures?
In most cases, daisy-chaining light fixtures together is not against code. However, it is important to check both your local building codes as well as the instructions provided by the light fixture manufacturer before doing so.
There are certain scenarios in which daisy-chaining is not allowed or could be unsafe. For instance, if your light fixtures are low-voltage (such as halogen), daisy-chaining may cause the fixtures to overheat, resulting in a fire hazard.
Additionally, some codes require that you have a switch for each light fixture, so multiple fixtures cannot be connected to the same switch. It is important to ensure that the wattage of your fixtures are not higher than specified by the electrical wiring within your home, as this can be a fire hazard as well.
Finally, some light fixtures may not be designed to allow daisy-chaining so you should read the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure that the fixtures you are using are approved for use with daisy-chaining.
Is it against code to have an outlet in a closet?
No, it is not against code to have an outlet in a closet. In many cases, it is required by code and is necessary for practical reasons. Additionally, depending on the type and size of the closet, it may be necessary even from a safety perspective.
For example, in a walk-in closet, a small light fixture or electrical outlet may be needed in order to safely access the space, provide sufficient light, or to power a vacuum cleaner or other electrical device.
Similarly, if the closet is located in a bathroom, a GFCI outlet may be necessary for safety reasons. In any case, it is important to ensure that all local codes, building codes, and electrical codes are followed when installing outlets in any preferred location.
Can bedroom lights and outlets be on same circuit?
Yes, it is possible to have bedroom lights and outlets on the same circuit. Electrical codes typically require that a circuit be dedicated to a bedroom. This means that no other rooms or appliances should be connected to the same circuit as the bedroom outlets and lighting.
It is also important to note that different types of lights and outlets typically require different circuit breakers that are rated for their specific application. Additionally, some lighting fixtures require a separate circuit to ensure they can receive the proper amount of power without affecting any of the bedroom outlets.
It is important to consult a certified electrician to ensure that all wiring and circuit breaker requirements are met before completing work on any bedroom circuit.