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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
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    Ocala Florida
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    Default Recessed lights and insulation contact question

    I came across recessed lights in the attic that have open slots on top and a label that read "If using trims designated as non-type IC only, Do not install insulation within 3 inches of fixture sides or wiring compartment nor above fixture in such a manner to trap heat". All were covered over with insulation. What does the label mean about "Trims" and how can I tell if they can be covered over with insulation (or not). Thanks

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    Fletcher, NC
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    28,042

    Default Re: Recessed lights and insulation contact question

    First question: How old is the house?

    Second question: Do you get the manufacturer of those recessed housings?

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
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    Ocala Florida
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    Default Re: Recessed lights and insulation contact question

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    First question: How old is the house?

    Second question: Do you get the manufacturer of those recessed housings?
    Jerry, thanks
    The home is a 1998 and no; I did not get the manufacturer's name.


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Maryland
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    1,970

    Default Re: Recessed lights and insulation contact question

    Inside the fixture should have a list of trim and bulb combinations that are allowed. Certain combinations cannot be used in contact with insulation. Change the bulb or trim and you are fine.

    The trim is the finished ring against the ceiling.

    All answers based on unamended National Electrical codes.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Ocala Florida
    Posts
    138

    Default Re: Recessed lights and insulation contact question

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Port View Post
    Inside the fixture should have a list of trim and bulb combinations that are allowed. Certain combinations cannot be used in contact with insulation. Change the bulb or trim and you are fine.

    The trim is the finished ring against the ceiling.
    Got it, thanks again


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
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    Default Re: Recessed lights and insulation contact question

    In 1998 that recessed light should have been an air tight type as a was in the energy code before that ... albeit disguised in its wording back to maybe 1984 or so.

    I think the wording was cleared up in the 1997 energy code to read "air- tight" ... of course, though, took another few years to wake all the AHJ across the state to its existence.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Maryland
    Posts
    1,970

    Default Re: Recessed lights and insulation contact question

    Jerry, you might be able to clear this up but I thought I had seen a map that had areas that required IC or IC-AT that seemed to be on a state by state basis.

    All answers based on unamended National Electrical codes.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,042

    Default Re: Recessed lights and insulation contact question

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Port View Post
    Jerry, you might showing thate to clear this up but I thought I had seen a map that had areas that required IC or IC-AT that seemed to be on a state by state basis.
    Jim, I don't recall having seen a map showing - would be a nice intense map showing the different years.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
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    Default Re: Recessed lights and insulation contact question

    I forgot to add: IC is an electrical code issue and air tight is an energy code issue.

    At times a non-IC is an energy code issue because of the required "hole" through the insulation (a hole the size of the can + 6 inches ... if the can is 6", then the "hole" through the insulation is a 12" diameter "hole" for each non-IC recessed light.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

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