Thread: Roxul Safe'n'sound insulation in contact with non-IC recessed fixtures?

What would you say with regard to this material ROXUL® The Better Insulation | Products | Safe N Sound - Brochure in contact with non-IC recessed lighting fixtures?

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Whether it is "fire proof" or not I would think the lights could still overheat and shut off.

Originally Posted by Bob Spermo

Whether it is "fire proof" or not I would think the lights could still overheat and shut off.

Bob: Agreed.

Originally Posted by Michael Thomas

What would you say with regard to this material ROXUL® The Better Insulation | Products | Safe N Sound - Brochure in contact with non-IC recessed lighting fixtures?

Two things:

1) It is not intended to be used in a ceiling (at least not from their website as their website gives two choices under the Residential Building Products information: 1) Interior partitions; 2) Exterior walls).

2) That regardless of what type of insulation is placed on, around, over, or near non-IC rated recessed light fixtures ... it is just plain wrong and the fixture is not rated for that, forget about the insulation, I don't care if the fixture is wrapped in asbestos sheets (like used to be available), that does not work with a non-IC rated fixture.

3) In clicking on the Flexibatt for exterior walls, it shows ... Canada only ... does that mean it is not suitable for use in residential uses in the US? Their website only shows 'Commercial' and 'Industrial' uses on their USA web site.

Okay, that's three things.

4) Is that rated as thermal insulation or as acoustical insulation?

Okay, four things.

The UL listing is for "insulation contact"---the listing does not distinguish the type of insulation because the problem is blocking cooling air from exfiltrating through the fixture, which is why they are made to leak air like a sieve. You must hold all insulation at least 3" clear and NOTHING over the fixture. The IRC itself screwed up and advised you can build a box over these fixtures but that is dead wrong!

IC are intended for use in the thermal envelope whereas non-IC are intended only for applications within the thermal envelope. Now, if you follow the energy code you could make a case for only allowing IC air tight fixtures.

FYI- Roxul is mineral fiber insulation rated about 1,100F.

IC fixtures have lower wattage ratings and a thermal overload switch which would cycle the light on and off. I vote for ICAT fixtures only in the thermal envelope. Downstairs, knock yourself out.
Bob