Most-missed NEC mock exam question #5 of 5, from JCR's free 25-question NEC mock exam. 63% of students got this wrong. Try it with your 2020 NEC open, then check your answer below.
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The answer: A, 6 inches
410.16(C)(2) requires 6 in. (150 mm) between a surface-mounted fluorescent luminaire on the wall above the door, or on the ceiling, and the nearest point of the clothes closet storage space.
Why 12 inches is the trap
12 inches was the top wrong answer, picked by 27% of students. 12 in. is a real number in 410.16(C), but it belongs to surface-mounted incandescent or LED luminaires with a completely enclosed light source.
A surface-mounted fluorescent luminaire gets 6 in.
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Clearances in 410.16(C)
| Luminaire | Where | Minimum clearance |
|---|---|---|
| Surface-mounted incandescent or LED, completely enclosed light source | Wall above the door or ceiling | 12 in. (300 mm) |
| Surface-mounted fluorescent | Wall above the door or ceiling | 6 in. (150 mm) |
| Recessed incandescent or LED, completely enclosed light source | Wall or ceiling | 6 in. (150 mm) |
| Recessed fluorescent | Wall or ceiling | 6 in. (150 mm) |
| Surface-mounted fluorescent or LED identified for use within the storage space | Within the storage space | None. Allowed inside the storage space (410.16(C)(5)) |
The question says the luminaire is not identified for use within the storage space, so 410.16(C)(5) does not apply.
What can go in a closet: 410.16(A) and (B)
Permitted:
- Surface-mounted or recessed incandescent or LED luminaires with completely enclosed light sources
- Surface-mounted or recessed fluorescent luminaires
- Surface-mounted fluorescent or LED luminaires identified as suitable for installation within the storage space
Not permitted:
- Incandescent luminaires with open or partially enclosed lamps
- Pendant luminaires or lampholders
Common questions
Can you put an LED light in a closet?
Yes. An LED luminaire with a completely enclosed light source is allowed, surface-mounted or recessed.
Keep a surface-mounted one 12 inches from the storage space and a recessed one 6 inches. A surface-mounted LED luminaire identified for use within the storage space can go inside it.
Can a bare-bulb light go in a closet?
No. 410.16(B) doesn't allow incandescent luminaires with open or partially enclosed lamps. 410.16(A) only allows LED luminaires with a completely enclosed light source. So a keyless fixture with an exposed bulb is out, whatever the bulb.
Are pendant lights allowed in a closet?
No. Pendant luminaires and lampholders are not permitted in clothes closets (410.16(B)).
References: 2020 NEC. The 2020 NEC softbound is in our store, and NFPA sells online access through a paid NFPA LiNK subscription. Your state's edition is on our state requirements page.
JCR checked this against the 2020 NEC in NFPA LiNK on October 21, 2026.
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See all 5 most-missed questions on one page.
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