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Can I replace fluorescent light in closet with another type?

Can I replace fluorescent light in closet with another type?


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Old 07-15-06, 12:00 PM
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Can I replace fluorescent light in closet with another type?

I have a fluorescent light in one closet that has never worked. Even after having the fixture changed, still doesn't work. Can I replace with something different and will it make a difference? Thanks, Marcia
 
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Old 07-15-06, 12:06 PM
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There are strict requirements for clearances from storages areas to fixtures in closets. Depending on the size of the closet you may not have any option but a fluorescent type fixture.

Since the fixture was changed and still does not work it sounds like you really need some basic test equipment to troubleshoot your problem. Are you sure you have power to the switch?
 
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Old 07-15-06, 12:12 PM
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Can I replace fluorescent light in closet with another type

I do not know if I have power to the switch. Should I replace that first? I have replaced lights and switches before, so not totally stupid about the process, but do you think I should go to a hardware store and ask some questions? Thanks for your help.
 
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Old 07-15-06, 12:27 PM
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I do not think you should go to a hardware store and ask questions. You may or may not get good advice.

Blindly replacing a switch may be a waste of time. While switches do go bad, they usually don't. The problem is likely a wire that is no longer attached, or that someone intentionally removed the light from the circuit.

You need to look at eh wiring that feed the light and the wiring that feeds the switch. Depending on what the wiring is at both locations, we can help you decide where to test and what to test.

Describe the wiring at both locations in complete detail and we'll go from there.
 
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Old 07-15-06, 11:41 PM
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Also, there is a small chance that you are in NYC or some other place that does not allow replacing a fluorescent with an incandescent or other higher-energy-using device.

That is correct about NYC, right? Or did I remember something wrong?
 
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Old 07-16-06, 09:53 AM
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MAC,

I am not aware of this in NY, but again I am not in NY..

As for replacement, the clearance issues are spelled out here in the NEC.

410.8 Luminaires (Fixtures) in Clothes Closets.

(A) Definition.
Storage Space. The volume bounded by the sides and back
closet walls and planes extending from the closet floor vertically
to a height of 1.8 m (6 ft) or to the highest clotheshanging
rod and parallel to the walls at a horizontal distance of
600 mm (24 in.) from the sides and back of the closet walls,
respectively, and continuing vertically to the closet ceiling parallel to the walls at a horizontal distance of 300 mm (12 in.) or the width of the shelf, whichever is greater; for a closet that
permits access to both sides of a hanging rod, this space includes the volume below the highest rod extending 300 mm
(12 in.) on either side of the rod on a plane horizontal to the
floor extending the entire length of the rod.

(B) Luminaire (Fixture) Types Permitted. Listed luminaires
(fixtures) of the following types shall be permitted to
be installed in a closet:

(1) A surface-mounted or recessed incandescent luminaire
(fixture) with a completely enclosed lamp
(2) A surface-mounted or recessed fluorescent luminaire
(fixture)

(C) Luminaire (Fixture) Types Not Permitted. Incandescent
luminaires (fixtures) with open or partially enclosed
lamps and pendant luminaires (fixtures) or lampholders
shall not be permitted.

(D) Location. Luminaires (fixtures) in clothes closets shall
be permitted to be installed as follows:

(1) Surface-mounted incandescent luminaires (fixtures) installed
on the wall above the door or on the ceiling,
provided there is a minimum clearance of 300 mm
(12 in.) between the luminaire (fixture) and the nearest
point of a storage space

(2) Surface-mounted fluorescent luminaires (fixtures) installed
on the wall above the door or on the ceiling,
provided there is a minimum clearance of 150 mm
(6 in.) between the luminaire (fixture) and the nearest
point of a storage space

(3) Recessed incandescent luminaires (fixtures) with a completely enclosed lamp installed in the wall or the ceiling,
provided there is a minimum clearance of 150 mm (6 in.)
between the luminaire (fixture) and the nearest point of a
storage space

(4) Recessed fluorescent luminaires (fixtures) installed in
the wall or the ceiling, provided there is a minimum
clearance of 150 mm (6 in.) between the luminaire
(fixture) and the nearest point of a storage space
 
 

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