Installing Recessed Lighting – Fire Safety
Ive had several questions this month about fire safety and recessed lighting (or recessed cans). If youre going to be installing recessed lighting or youre going to be adding extra insulation to an attic its important to understand the dangers and potential fire hazards with recessed lighting.
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) identifies 4 primary types of recessed lighting housing including:
- IC (Insulation Contact) for New Construction These fixtures are typically installed before finished ceiling materials and before insulation installation. The fixture can be completely covered and in direct contact with insulation materials.
- Non-IC for New Construction These fixtures are typically installed before finished ceiling materials. However, these fixture can NOT be in direct contact with insulation materials.
- IC (Insulation Contact) for Remodeling These fixtures are typically installed after finished ceiling materials and insulation installation in a typical remodeling situation. The fixture can be completely covered and in direct contact with insulation materials.
- Non-IC for Remodeling These fixtures are typically installed after finished ceiling materials. However, these fixture can NOT be in direct contact with insulation materials.
One safety feature that ALL recessed lighting fixtures contain is a self resetting thermal switch to prevent overheating. So in theory even Non-IC fixtures have some protection from overheating and fire. Even so Non-IC fixtures should NEVER be used in a situation where they might come in contact with insulation materials or other flammable building materials.
All recessed lighting fixtures should include a label. The labels are found on the inside of the can where the light bulb is installed. As shown above recessed lighting thats acceptable for contact with insulation will include the initials IC while fixtures that are not rated for contact will typically include NIC on the label.
Most manufacturers also include specific information about recessed lighting fixtures online. You can download most specifications including whether or not a certain fixture is rated for IC installations.
Leave a comment if you think your Facebook Friends would find this article useful. Thanks in advance!
Similar Posts:
- insulfoamsolutions, Under floor insulation, easyhomerenovating
- Radiant Heat for Wood Sub-Floors
- Kitchen worktops made of quartz
- Economical Window insulation Treatments
- Some Basic Facts Regarding Bathroom Remodeling Strategies
Place your comment