For luminaires in a clothes closet, what is a common requirement regarding their installation?

In a clothes closet, ensuring adequate clearance for luminaires is crucial to promote safety and functionality. The National Electrical Code (NEC) provides guidelines to minimize fire hazards associated with light fixtures in confined spaces such as closets, where clothing and other flammable materials are stored. Adequate clearance helps to prevent any contact between the luminaire and materials that could ignite due to heat.

In addition to safety, maintaining sufficient distance also allows for proper air circulation around the light fixture, which can help prolong the life of the bulb and reduce the risk of overheating.

The requirement for luminaires to be flush mounted, energy-efficient, or waterproof, while important in other contexts, is not specifically mandated just for clothes closets. Instead, the focus is on ensuring that there's enough clearance to mitigate potential fire hazards and ensure safe operation.