NEC Questions and Answers based on 2020 NEC^® - September 2021

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For EC&M Magazine
By Mike Holt, NEC^® Consultant
Here's the follow-up to yesterday's newsletter. This includes the answers to the questions sent, so you can see how you did.

Note: The answers to these questions are based on the 2020 NEC.

Q1. What type of luminaires does the NEC permit in a clothes closet?
A1. Luminaires in Clothes Closets [410.16]
(A) Luminaire Types Permitted. Only the following types of luminaires are permitted in a clothes closet:
(1) Surface or recessed incandescent or LED luminaires with an enclosed light source.
(2) Surface or recessed fluorescent luminaires.
(3) Surface-mounted or recessed LED luminaires identified suitable for installation within the clothes closet storage space.
(B) Luminaire Types Not Permitted. Incandescent luminaires with open or partially enclosed lamps and pendant-type luminaires or lampholders are not permitted in a clothes closet. Figure 01

Q2. What is the Code requirement for covers on outlet boxes for luminaires?
A2. Outlet boxes for luminaires must be covered with a luminaire or lampholder that covers the box or is provided with a faceplate [410.22]. See 314.25.

Q3. What does the NEC require for support of luminaires by outlet boxes?
A3. Means of Support [410.36(A)]
(A) Luminaires Supported by Outlet Boxes. Luminaires are permitted to be supported by outlet boxes or fittings installed as required by 314.23 and must comply with:
(1) The outlet boxes or fittings must comply with 314.27(A).
(2) Luminaires can be supported in accordance with 314.27(E).
(3) Outlet boxes complying with 314.27(E) are considered lighting outlets as required by 210.70(A), (B), and (C).

Q4. What is the Code rule for the connection of an equipment grounding conductor to luminaires and lighting equipment?
A4. Equipment Grounding Conductor [410.44]
The metal parts of luminaires must be connected to an equipment grounding conductor of a type recognized in 250.118 and sized in accordance with 250.122.

Ex 1: Replacement luminaires are permitted to connect an equipment grounding conductor in the same manner as replacement receptacles in compliance with 250.130(C). The luminaire must then comply with 410.42.

Ex 2: Where no equipment grounding conductor exists at the outlet, replacement luminaires that are GFCI protected or do not have exposed conductive parts are not required to be connected to an equipment grounding conductor.

Q5. Does the NEC allow recessed luminaires to be used to access junction boxes?
A5. Access to Other Boxes [410.118]
Luminaires recessed in ceilings, floors, or walls must not be used to access outlet, pull, or junction boxes or conduit bodies, unless the box or conduit body is an integral part of the listed luminaire.