In-wall lighting code?

[Sam Takoy]

Hi,

Here's what I want to do (in PA).

Cut out drywall between two studs. Mount a florescent light on one of the studs. Put a tempered frosted glass panel (in a wooden frame) over the opening to finish it off.

Any obvious code issues here? I'm anticipating some given the recessed application of a non-recessed fixture?

Thanks,

Sam

[aemeijers]

Uh, why not just buy a recessed fixture to put in there? It's been a few years, but I have seen ones like you are describing. Used in auditoriums and such for low-level wall lights that people won't bump into, before they went to those floor-embedded rope light things.

I'm no code expert, but I'm pretty sure that what amounts to a fully-enclosed wood recessed fixture around electrical connections and a heat source, would not pass muster. Maybe if you lined it with metal, but then you may as well buy a fixture.

[RBM]

I would think it's fine as long as the fixture is accessible for repair or replacement without having to remove any of the buildings finishes

[Robert Neville]

Codes vary from location to location, so someone else's experiences aren't going to mean much. You need to call your local code enforcement office and ask them. At a minimum, I suspect you'll be told that the fixture needs to be enclosed in a fire resistant or UL box. I have recessed stair lighting and that's how they were able to install that.

[Sam Takoy]

Is there a recessed fixture like that? I can't find anything skinny and long.

[Molly Brown]

Is the florescent light suitable to installed in an enclosed space without excessive heat damaging it? In other words is the florescent light that you are planing on using have a cover as part of its original design? If so then make a recessed wooden box with a bottom and four sides using one of the studs as one of the sides.

[Evan]

Why don't you go to a real lighting supply store and ask them what they have around to show you... Trying to find something like you want at Home Depot is a losing battle...

Wall lighting is more common in commercial buildings for decoration type purposes and accent... I have seen all kinds and types of signage enclosures which have had lights in them but that is overkill for what you want...

I would try to find a metal fixture which has a proper enclosure because fluorescent lighting ballasts can be quite warm when operating and you wouldn't want the wood fixture you would be recessing in the wall to get too hot...

~~ Evan