I'm looking to add 4' LED utility lights in the basement over the new work benches I just build by attaching them to the bottom of the joists but in one section there is a copper water line (for an exterior hose bib) that runs perpendicular to the joist which means my light either needs to go over (not desired as it would then be between joists and cast less light into the room) or below the water line and perpendicular to it. I will need to insert something like a piece of 2x4 below the joist to mount the fixture on so it clears the water line when installed. Is this OK to have a water line over (and run perpendicular) to the light fixture?

Tony

 

I'm sure somewhere in my finished basement, maybe in the house, there is a water line that passes over a light fixture, a smoke detector, a doorbell transformer, a shop light, something.

Nothing that was planned but just ended up that way. I'm not too worried about it!

 

Yes, it is permitted to have a light fixture installed below plumbing. It's a common situation when you think about it. For example, in a multi-story home a bathroom on an upper floor is above... everything.