This article describes recessed light (downlight, pot light) clearance distances or spacing from insulation or wood or other combustibles in building ceilings, other indoor spaces or outdoors in roofs, soffits, porches.

Discussed here: Clearance spacing for recessed light fixtures: distances, codes. Air leakage code requirements for recessed lights, downlights. Effects of bulb choice on recessed light clearances & wattage allowed. Effects of recessed light location on clearance distances.

This article series details guidelines for selecting and installing both exterior and interior lighting to meet the requirements for different building areas. Page top photo: this non-IC pot light improperly covered by insulation and contacting wood framing in this attic is a fire hazard.

Recessed Light Clearance Distances & Electrical Codes

What is the minimum clearance distance between the top of the recessed light can and wood framing or sheathing or insulation?

Reader question:

I am installing downlight housing for LED lighting in residential construction and wanted to know the minimum clearance between the top of the can and the roof above.

The downlight can an is airtight and IC rated-model. Thank you. - R.T. 5/8/2013

Reply:

Standard recessed housings must be left uninsulated above and should have 3-inches of clearance to insulation.

[Click to enlarge any image]

For lights installed in contact with insulation or with less than 3-inches of clearance to insulation use a can rated IC for “insulation contact.”

Details:

The minimum clearance for downlights varies by the recessed lighting type; IC-rated (DCIC) recessed lights are rated for direct contact with insulated ceilings or, that is, they can be installed in contact with insulation.

But you'll see below that the approved clearance distances for recessed light cans (downlights) also depends on the type of bulb installed and in some cases the building location (closets).

IC-rated recessed light clearance distances

An IC-rated recessed light can be covered by insulation and can be within 1/2" of (or perhaps touch) other combustible materiasl (such as the wood material of the roof sheathing in your question). IC-rated down lights (recessed lighting fixtures) should have passed both UL1590 and IEC60598+1 tests/standards.)

Our photo (left) gives details of information provided on the label of an IC/non-IC recessed light housing.

Here is the supporting code citation:

NEC 410.66 - Wiring Methods recessed lighting fixtures Recessed lighting fixtures installed in insulated ceilings or installed within 13 mm [1/2 inch] of combustible material shall be approved for insulation contact and labeled Type IC.

Recessed Light Fixtures & Air Leakage - Energy Codes

However in my OPINION installing an IC-rated downlight or recessed light that is actually touching the roof sheathing above is not a great practice.

If you live in a freezing climate you'll see nice melt spots in the snowcover on your roof over such a light installation, and you're creating both an air leak energy loss and thus a heat loss point - a view with which other experts agree.[7] The NEC now addresses the problem of air leakage at recessed lights with this paragraph:

Current Electricl Code for Recessed Light (Luminaire) Installation

Below is a current excerpt from the Texas adoption of their version of the 2020 NEC (Texas)

410.110 General

Luminaires installed in recessed cavities in walls or ceilings, including suspended ceilings, shall comply with 410.115 through 410.122.

410.116 Clearance and Installation

(A) Clearance

(1) Non-Type IC
A recessed luminaire that is not identified for contact with insulation shall have all recessed parts spaced not less than 13 mm (1/2 in.) from combustible materials. The points of support and the trim finishing off the openings in the ceiling, wall, or other finished surface shall be permitted to be in contact with combustible materials.

(2) Type IC

A recessed luminaire that is identified for contact with insulation, Type IC, shall be permitted to be in contact with combustible materials at recessed parts, points of support, and portions passing through or finishing off the opening in the building structure.

(B) Installation

Thermal insulation shall not be installed above a recessed luminaire or within 75 mm (3 in.) of the recessed luminaire's enclosure, wiring compartment, ballast, transformer, LED driver, or power supply unless the luminaire is identified as Type IC for insulation contact.

(C) Installation in Fire-Resistant Construction

Luminaires marked "FOR USE IN NON-FIRE-RATED INSTALLATIONS" shall not be used in fire-rated installations. Where a luminaire is recessed in fire-resistant material in a building of fire-resistant construction, the recessed luminaire shall satisfy one of the following:

The recessed luminaire shall be listed for use in a fire resistance-rated construction.

The recessed luminaire shall be installed in or used with a luminaire enclosure that is listed for use in a fire resistance-rated construction.

The recessed luminaire shall be listed and shall be installed in accordance with a tested fire resistance-rated assembly. When a tested fire resistance-rated assembly allows the installation of a recessed fluorescent luminaire, a recessed LED luminaire of comparable construction shall be permitted.

Prior Similar Code for Recessed Lighting

OLDER (not in current NEC): NEC 410-66 - Recessed lighting fixtures installed in insulated ceilings or installed within one half inch of combustible material shall be labeled as Type IC (insulation contact).

In addition, your state Energy Code requires recessed lighting fixtures in insulated ceilings to be sealed to prevent leakage of airborne moisture. 

Some states have adopted directly or by reference 1995 edition of the Council of American Building Officials Energy Code (CABO MEC/1995) an dinclude references such as these cited from the New Jersey Building Code:

502.3.4 and 602.3.3 of CABO MEC/1995, both entitled “Recessed Lighting Fixtures,” contain requirements for recessed lights in relation to the Energy Subcode.

Summarizing Recessed Light Clearance Requirements & Insulation Limitations

There are three options for the installation of recessed lightingt fixtures when installed in the building envelope, of which one must be implemented to meet the Energy Code requirements:

1. Type IC rated, manufactured with no penetrations between the inside of the recessed fixture and ceiling cavity, and sealed or gasketed to prevent air leakage into the unconditioned space;

2. Type IC rated or non-IC rated, installed inside a sealed box constructed from a minimum ½-inch-thick gypsum wall board or constructed from preformed polymeric vapor barrier, or other air-tight assembly manufactured for this purpose, while maintaining required clearances of not less than ½ inch from combustible material and not less than three inches from insulation material;

3. Type IC rated, in accordance with ASTM E 283- 91 (Standard Method of Test for Rate of Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors), with no more than 2.0 cfm air movement from the conditioned space to the ceiling cavity. T

he lighting fixture shall be tested at 75 Pa or 1.57 lbs/ft2 pressure difference and shall be labeled. 

Non-IC-rated recessed light fixture typical clearance distances

Typically an non-IC-rated (or "DCIC-rated") recessed light must be

• 3" from insulation and
• 1/2" from other combustibles such as wood framing, roof sheathing, subflooring.

Effects of bulb type & wattage on recessed light fixture clearance distances

LED bulbs generally run cooler than incandescent bulbs, so if your downlight label talks about a 60W incandescent bulb limit in the fixture, you may be able to use a brighter LED bulb.

Watch out: The wattage permitted in the downlight depends on the type of bulb (e.g. R vs PAR) and some LED bulbs themselves include a warning about the type of fixture into which they can be installed - some require cooling airflow, especially the higher wattage-equivalent models above 60W.

And also

Watch out: typical DCIC-rated recessed lights or downlights are "dual purpose" - that is they can be used both with an air space and in enclosed, insulated ceilings, but when installed in an insulated enclosed space the lamp label includeswarning that the lamp rating wattage is reduced, often by half as you can see in the label in our photo.

Effects of light location on recessed light fixture clearance distances

Watch out: also for just where you are installing a recessed light, as some locations such as closets carry additional rules about the minimum clearance distances between a light bulb or fixture and the nearest shelf edge or surface (12").

The definition of "closet" or "storage space" is included in the National Electrical code and needs to be consulted when determining the clearance distances for all types of lighting in those locations. Here are some supporting code citations from the National Electrical Code: [4]

Current Electrical Code fdor Lighting (Luminaires) in Clothes CLosets

Excerpting from Texas electrical code as adopted version of the NEC

410.16 Luminaires in Clothes Closets. [Closet lighting]

(A) Luminaire [Closet Light] Types Permitted.

Only luminaires of the following types shall be permitted in a closet:

(1) Surface-mounted or recessed incandescent or LED luminaires with completely enclosed light sources

(2) Surface-mounted or recessed fluorescent luminaires

(3) Surface-mounted fluorescent or LED luminaires identified as suitable for installation within the closet storage space

(B) Luminaire Types Not Permitted.

Incandescent luminaires with open or partially enclosed lamps and pendant luminaires or lampholders shall not be permitted.

(C) Location. [of Closet Lights = c;learamce distances]

The minimum clearance between luminaires installed in clothes closets and the nearest point of a closet storage space shall be as follows:

(1) 300 mm (12 in.) for surface-mounted incandescent or LED luminaires with a completely enclosed light source installed on the wall above the door or on the ceiling.

(2) 150 mm (6 in.) for surface-mounted fluorescent luminaires installed on the wall above the door or on the ceiling.

(3) 150 mm (6 in.) for recessed incandescent or LED luminaires with a completely enclosed light source installed in the wall or the ceiling.

(4) 150 mm (6 in.) for recessed fluorescent luminaires installed in the wall or the ceiling.

(5) Surface-mounted fluorescent or LED luminaires shall be permitted to be installed within the closet storage space where identified for this use.

When wiring recessed lighting (Luminaires) be sure to see also

• 410.20 Space for Conductors.
• 410.21 Temperature Limit of Conductors in Outlet Boxes.
• 410.22 Outlet Boxes to Be Covered.
• 410.23 Covering of Combustible Material at Outlet Boxes.
• 410.24 Connection of Electric-Discharge and LED Luminaires.
• 410.30 Supports
• 410.40 - 410.56 General [Grounding for Luminaires]
• 410.48 - 410.84 Wiring of Luminaires

Older Electrical Code for Lighting (Luminaires) in Clothes Closets

NEC 410-8 - Lighting fixtures installed in a clothes closet shall have the following clearances from the defined storage area (see the definition below): . 12 inches for surface incandescent fixtures . 6 inches for recessed incandescent fixtures . 6 inches for fluorescent fixtures NEC 

NEC 410-8 - Incandescent fixtures with open or partially enclosed lamps and pendant fixtures or lamp holders are not permitted in clothes closets. 

NEC 410.8 - Wiring Methods closet lighting fixtures Luminaires (lighting fixtures) installed in clothes closets shall have the following minimum clearances from the defined storage area: 300 mm - 12 inches for surface incandescent fixtures, 150 mm 6inches for recessed incandescent fixtures , 150 mm 6 inches for fluorescent fixtures.

NEC 410-8 - Lighting fixtures installed in a clothes closet shall have the following clearances from the defined storage area (see the definition below):

12 inches for surface incandescent fixtures, 

6 inches for recessed incandescent fixtures, 

6 inches for fluorescent fixtures.

NEC 410.16 - Lighting Fixtures closets Luminaires (lighting fixtures) installed in clothes closets shall have the following minimum clearances from the defined storage area:

12 inches for totally enclosed surface incandescent or LED luminaires.

6 inches for recessed totally enclosed incandescent, fluorescent or LED luminaires.

6 inches for surface mounted or recessed fluorescent luminaires.

Surface mounted fluorescent or LED luminaires listed for installation in storage space shall be permitted.

What is the minimum clearance distance between the top of the downlight can and the roof above

Reader question: I am installing downlight housing for LED lighting in residential construction and wanted to know the minimum clearance between the top of the can and the roof above. The Can is airtight and IC rated. Thank you. - R.T. 5/8/2013

Reply:

The minimum clearance for downlights varies by the recessed lighting type; IC-rated (DCIC) recessed lights are rated for direct contact with insulated ceilings or, that is, they can be installed in contact with insulation.

But you'll see below that the approved clearance distances for recessed light cans (downlights) also depends on the type of bulb installed and in some cases the building location (closets).

IC-rated recessed light clearance distances

An IC-rated recessed light can be covered by insulation and can be within 1/2" of (or perhaps touch) other combustible materiasl (such as the wood material of the roof sheathing in your question). IC-rated down lights (recessed lighting fixtures) should have passed both UL1590 and IEC60598+1 tests/standards.)

Here is the supporting code citation:

NEC 410.66 - Wiring Methods recessed lighting fixtures Recessed lighting fixtures installed in insulated ceilings or installed within 13 mm [1/2 inch] of combustible material shall be approved for insulation contact and labeled Type IC.

The NEC now addresses the problem of air leakage at recessed lights with this paragraph:

NEC 410-66 - Recessed lighting fixtures installed in insulated ceilings or installed within one half inch of combustible material shall be labeled as Type IC (insulation contact). In addition, your state Energy Code requires recessed lighting fixtures in insulated ceilings to be sealed to prevent leakage of airborne moisture. 

Reader Question: can an IC-rated light fixture touch wood framing members?

2016/06/20 Michael said:

I have a similar question. I am installing 4" recessed remodel cans with LED lights. The housing is IC rated. There is no insulation in the ceiling but the housing would touch the wooden joist and a insulated heating conduct. IC rating says contact with ceiling insulation, but I have contact with wood and heating conduct insulation. Is this safe?

Reply:

Excellent question, Michael.

Clearances for Recessed Luminaires that are rated as Type-IC

IC-rated (Insulation-contact-rated) recessed luminaries (light fixtures or "pot lights" in normal-speak) are allowed zero clearance to combustible materials and are allowed to contact thermal insulation - Section 410-66, Clearance and Installation. National Electrical Code, NFPA 70-1999 (Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association, 1999), p70-233.

Watch out: check the manufacturere's stamping, rating, and clearance distances specified for your particular light fixture. For example, a "convertible" IC / Non-IC fixture has different requirements and may require 1/2" clearance to combustibles and may have other restrictions such as no insulation over the fixture.

Clearances for Recessed Luminaries that are Non-Type IC:

A recessed fixture that is not identified for contact with insulation shall have all recessed parts spaced at least 1/2 in. (12.7mm) from combustible materials. The points of support and the trim finishing off the opening in the ceiling or wall surface shall be permitted to be in contact with combustible materials.

Thermal insulation shall not be installed above a recessed fixture or within 3 in. (76mm) of the recessed fixture enclosure, wiring compartment, or ballast, unless it is identified for contact with insulation, Type IC. - Section 410-66, Clearance and Installation. National Electrical Code, NFPA 70-1999 (Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association, 1999), p70-233.

You will argue that you're using LED bulbs so your light fixture will operate at a cooler temperature than if an incandescent bulb were installed.

But Mike, we can't control what sort of bulb someone may install into those fixtures in the future, so we need to follow the NEC if we're following U.S. guidelines, or if you live in another country, we need to follow that country's electrical code as a minimum safety standard.

To answer the question of what’s the allowed clearance more accurately, or can my IC-rated light fixture actually touch wood framing or other wood components (or other combustible materials) we need to know the manufacturer or brand as well as model of your specific light fixture or more simply, we need to look at the stamping or marking of the fire rating of the fixture.

Watch out: for a light fixture, touching non-combustible insulation isn’t the same as touching a combustible.

Installing a non-DCIC or non-IC-rated light fixture where we cover it with insulation is a long-known hazard: the fixture overheats and either fails-safely by burning up and out but contained within the fixture itself, or worse, it starts a house fire.

Clearances for DCIC or IC-rated light fixtures permit insulating around or close to the light fixture, or in some cases even contacting it (with non-combustible insulation such as fiberglass or rock wool).

Clearances for DCIC or IC-rated light fixtures to combustible materials such as wood are a different story. I took a look at installation clearance requirements for recessed luminaries to find that the actual specifications for what clearances (or contact) between the light and combustibles varies depending on the specific rating on the light fixture.

Two clearance distances are given for Non-Type-IC and Type-IC Luminaries by the 1999 National Electrical Code (NEC) Section 410-66.

1. Required installation clearance to combustible materials

Depending on the specific rating the clearance distance allowed might be

• zero (touching)
• 1/2 inch
• In accordance with dimensions specified in marking [presumably marked on the fixture itself]
• Shall not be installed on or near combustible material

2. Required installation clearance to thermal insulation

Depending on the specific rating the clearance distance allowed might be

• zero (touching, that is, contact is allowed)
• at least 3 inches from the luminaire sides, wiring compartment ballasts, and transformers and insulation cannot be placed above the luminaire
• insulation must be permanently spaced at distance specified for side building member and insulation must not be placed above the luminaire
• Shall only be installed in contact with or proximity of materials indicated by labeling

The table below expands on these guidelines for IC-rated and Non-IC-rated luminaires.

Notes to the table above

1. Adapted from

• 1999 National Electrical Code (NEC) Section 410-66.
• O'Boyle, Michael, "Installation Clearance Requirements for Recessed Luminaries", IAEI Magazine, July-August 2001, retrieved 2016/06/20, original source: http://iaeimagazine.org/magazine/2001/07/16/installation-clearance-requirements-for-recessed-luminaries/

2. Convertible IC / Non- IC luminaires are light fixtures that are Type-IC luminaires that have been provided with additional markings for use when the light is installed in a non-insulated building cavity.

3. Marked-spacing luminaires are light fixtures for which special spacing distances have been specified in order to keep the lighting system opearting with pre-specified temperature limits.

4. Non-Combustible Construction luminaires are light fixtures permitted under NEC Section 410-65(b): "Where a fixture is recessed in fire-resistant material in a building of fire-resistant construction, a temperature higher than 90°C (194°F) but not higher than 150°C (302°F), shall be considered acceptable if the fixture is plainly marked that it is listed for that service."

 

UL Listed LED-Light Fixtures

UL currently (March 2018) lists 664 LED recessed luminaire lighting products. You should review those choices if you need to preserve the fire-rating of a ceiling.

As of 2018/03/04 using UL's product search tool found at http://productspec.ul.com/index.php UL lists the following classes of LED lighting fixtures

• Light-emitting-diode Luminaires (IFAK)
• Light-emitting-diode Surface-mounted Luminaires (IFAM)
• Light-emitting-diode Recessed Luminaires (IFAO) This category covers luminaires intended for installation in recessed cavities in walls, ceilings and similar locations in accordance with Article 410, Parts XI and XII of ANSI/NFPA 70, "National Electrical Code" (NEC).
  This is the category that probably best fits your needs
• Light-emitting-diode Luminaire Retrofit Kits (IFAR)
• Light-emitting-diode Retrofit Luminaire Conversion Kits for Commercial Refrigerators & Freezers (IFAS)

Research & Electrical Code on IC Lighting & Fire Risks

• Boyer Jr, L. L. "Effect of luminaire fire-resistive shell design on lighting performance." Fire Technology 3, no. 4 (1967): 326-332.
• Burgess, John, Ian Page, Peter Whiting, Nikki Buckett, Michael Camilleri, Lisa Burrough, Ian Cox-Smith, and Nigel Isaacs.
  
  "Information and Recommendations Relating to the Thermal Interaction Between Domestic Recessed Light Fittings and Thermal Insulation." [PDF] BRANZ Ltd report for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) (2010). Retrieved 2016/06/20, original source: http://knowledge.neri.org.nz/assets/uploads/files/66eda-BRANZ_Downlights_and_Insulation_Interactions_EC1529_2010.pdf
  Excerpt:
  
  This report has been prepared to address the interaction between recessed down-lights in existing dwellings, and ceiling insulation installed under the Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart programme.
  
  It presents the results of testing, surveys, workshops and research that were undertaken by BRANZ. The work found that the type of ceiling insulation material used in the Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart programme will not pose an overheating risk in conjunction with existing down-lights, provided the rules of the programme applicable in early 2010 are followed.
  
  This report concludes with recommendations to improve the Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart programme based on practical, economic solutions for treating down-lights to minimise the loss of insulation performance, while minimising the overheating risk.
  
  The two main issues regarding the interaction between recessed down-lights and ceiling
  insulation are:
  
  - the overheating of down-lights
  
  - the reduction in the effectiveness of ceiling insulation because of the presence of downlights.
  
  Overheating of down-lights can result from incorrect insulation installation, resulting in a fire starting either in the down-light, ceiling insulation or ceiling structure. This may occur when insulation is installed over the top of down-lights, or too close to down-lights and their auxiliary equipment.
  
  Reduction in the effectiveness of the ceiling insulation occurs when insulation is cleared away from around existing down-lights, as a means to prevent overheating, and due to air carrying heat through the openings in and around down-lights.
  
  The clearance of insulation from around down-lights introduces two contradictory requirements, since the clearance between down-lights and insulation needs to be large to minimise the risks of overheating, while needing to be small to reduce the loss of heat from occupied spaces.
  
  The testing and research reported here has determined the minimum clearance necessary between insulation and down-lights, and identified alternative robust solutions to the issues of both overheating and loss of ceiling insulation effectiveness.

• SPI, SafeLite® Ceiling Fixture Covers - Fire and Sound Blocking and Thermal Energy Savings [PDF], Foundation Building Materials, Specialty Products & Insulation, Website: http://www.spi-co.com/ Email: Fabteam@fbmsales.com, Tel: 717-519-4044, retrieved 2022/03/14 original source: https://www.spi-co.com/ASSETS/DOCUMENTS/CMS/EN/SafeLite-Datasheet.pdf
  
  Excerpt: The only UL Certified enclosure to fit virtually any size light or speaker with up to 3 hour fire protection.
• SafeLite Ceiling Fixture COVER INSTALLATION INSTRUCDTIONS [PDF] 2022/03/14, original source: https://www.spi-co.com/ASSETS/DOCUMENTS/CMS/EN/SafeLite-Installation-Instructions.pdf
• Illume Ultraslim Recessed Panel LED Installation Instructions [PDF] models: I-EL3PPXX, I-EL4PPXX, I-EL6PPXX, I-ELSQ4XX, IELSQ6XX, I-DSPN4XX, Illume LED Lighting, Blainville, Quebec, Canada Coral Springs, Florida, USA Email: illume@dalslighting.co Website: http://illumeledlighting.com/
• Lutron® Product Report Card, Illume Lighting, Model Tested: I-DSPN4SN [PDF] Lutron LED Center of Excellence at 877-DIM-LED8 or leds@lutron.com. Website: http://www.lutron.com/
• MacRae, G., and R. P. Dhakal. "Ceiling systems design and installation lessons from the Canterbury Earthquakes." (2013).
• UL 1598, Luminaires. This Standard applies to luminaires for use in non-hazardous locations and that are intended for installation on branch circuits of 600 V nominal or less between conductors in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I (CEC), CSA C22.1, with the U.S. National Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70, and with the Mexican National Electrical Code, NOM-001-SEDE. - Available from UL at https://standardscatalog.ul.com/standards/en/standard_1598
• 1.2 This Standard does not apply to luminaires covered by other standards.
• U.S. National Electrical Code Section 410-65(a), Combustible Material. National Electrical Code, NFPA 70-1999 (Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association, 1999), pp 70-232.
• U.S. National Electrical Code Section 410-66, Clearance and Installation. National Electrical Code, NFPA 70-1999 (Op.Cit.), pp 70-233.
• U.S. National Electrical Code Section 410-68, Temperature. National Electrical Code, NFPA 70-1999 (Op.Cit.), pp 70-233.
• O'Boyle, Michael, "Installation Cleareance Requirements for Recessed Luminaries", IAEI Magazine, July-August 2001, retrieved 2016/06/20, original source: http://iaeimagazine.org/magazine/2001/07/16/installation-clearance-requirements-for-recessed-luminaries/

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Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

On 2020-09-12 by (mod) - what about the connected driver that the line voltage enters?

Thanks for taking time to comment, Mark - most welcomed here;

but please help me out with some details; I'm not clear about "connected driver" and "line voltage" in your discussion.

Recessed light clearances are of course concerned with heat and fire hazards;

**IF** you're talking about an LED light fixture, as those generate very little heat, I'd think that there'd be no issue using a conventional recessed light fixture converted to LED use; Where I've done that I simply inserted an LED bulb that used a conventional Edison base into the existing fixture. There is no external line voltage driver.

Here I show a conversion kit commonly sold by building suppliers like Home Depot: 8 in. LED Downlight - 30 Watt - 200 Watt Equal - Daylight White
2350 Lumens - 5000 Kelvin - 83 CRI - Stepped Baffle Trim - 120-277V - PLT-10773B; The product spec sheet gives us:

FEATURES
• Energy efficient: save up to 80% in energy costs
• High lumen output
• Instant-On
• For covered ceilings only
• Suitable for TYPE IC or NON-IC
APPLICATION: Ideal for retrofitting inefficient fixtures in malls, hospitals, airports, offices, lobbies and other commercial applications.

The LED RECESSED LIGHT RETROFIT INSTRUCTIONS [PDF] for this kit, sold by 1000bulbs.com who don't cite the manufacturer, are given here.


Excerpt: This IC/AT fixture is intended for use in recessed cavities or suspended ceilings(with or without insulation). Choose the location for the fixture, taking into consideration the location of the joists, and electrical supply.

No direct mention is made of clearances to combustibles though the manufacturer states

WARNING - Risk of fire or electric shock. Install this kit only in luminaires that have the construction features and dimensions shown in the photographs and/or drawings and where the input rating of the retrofit kit does not exceed the input rating of the luminaire

On 2020-09-10 by Mark

All this is fine and good for addressing the actual light, but what about the connected driver that the line voltage enters? Does that need to be mounted to a ceiling joist via screws, or can it rest on the top of the drywall adjacent to the light? Or can it even sit loose on top of the light fixture itself if the light is IC rated? Does NEC even address driver box mounting?

On 2020-07-21 by Peggy Scott

Questions...Recessed light clearance to sprinkler CPVC pipe. The lighting is IC rated.

On 2019-11-19 - by (mod) -

Have you got product model no.?

On 2019-11-19 by Seel Construction

What is the fire rating of an air tight Hallo recessed can light?

On 2019-08-23 - by (mod) -

What's the question, anon? Do LED lights contribute to attic temperature - not in any meaningful way in my view. Should attic temp affect the light? Doubtful.

Operating temperature of LED lights:

LED lights are generally designed to operate between -25° to 140°F,

On 2019-08-23 by Anonymous

Attic temperatures and LED lights

On 2019-08-14 - by (mod) -

Indeed, Rap

Halogen light surface temperatures at the bulb can be over 200C - that's almost 400 degF - hot enough to ignite numerous materials.

The light fixture type including its reflector has a lot to do with how heat is handled and where it may be directed.
Excerpting from electricalsafetyfirst.org (in the UK)

Dichroic (cool beam) lamps reflect visible light forwards while allowing most of the radiated heat to pass out of the back of the lamp - WARNING: these lamps must only be used in downlighters specifically designed for their use, otherwise overheating can occur.

Aluminium lamps reflect the visible light and most of the heat forwards out of the front of the lamp. However, consideration must be given to the positioning and intended use of downlighters fitted with aluminium reflector lamps to prevent excessive heating of lighted objects.

You want to start with the specific brand and model of your ceiling light fixture, to review it's fire rating and the specific clearance distances given by the manufacturer - in case the 12-inch clearance distance given in the article above on this page is inadequate.

Depending on the fixture, halogens typically have also a safety glass over the bulb.

Bottom line:

In my OPINION - and what I do in every building I work-on - it's a great idea to change from those hot halogen bulbs to the far cooler (and thus safer) bulbs. You can get the same or more lumens of light output for a fraction of the wattage and heat as will be required for a halogen.

On 2019-08-14 by Rapjr118@gmail.com

What is the recommended clearance in a 2 by 8 ceiling for insulation next to 4inch diameter halogen lights

On 2019-05-19 - by (mod) -

Geez this is a perfectly reasonable question for which I don't have an authoritative answer, Jason.

The difficulty is this:


Like we discussed with Mike in the article above: [at Reader Question: can an IC-rated light fixture touch wood framing members? ]

The LED light runs so cool that heat isn't likely to be a fire issue, but ONLY IF the light design prevents a future owner from screwing-in an incandescent bulb at the same fixture. Otherwise you need to install the fixture meeting clearances that would be safe if someone changes bulbs and installs one that gets hot.

On 2019-05-05 by Jason

Can the LED slim recessed lighting be installed touching a truss?

Question: Is an LED downlight acceptable in a fire-rated ceiling assembly?

2018/02/26 Ben said:

Can IC rated LED retrofit fixtures be installed in a 1hr rated ceiling and maintain the ceiling's fire rating?

Illustration: the Illume LED Downlight No. I-EL4PPWH from Illume LED Lighting and discussed below.

[Click to enlarge any image]

Reply: going from incandescent to LED reduces heat and won't compromise an existing DCIC light fixture

(mod) said:
Ben,

I'm not sure and I think we need some clarification before doing more research. In particular the fire rating of a ceiling is in my view a separate measurement from a recessed light that is DC IC rated.

That is a DCIC (Direct Contact with Insulated Ceilings) light is rated for installation in an insulated ceiling in direct contact with insulation without causing a fire hazard. That's a separate issue from the fire rating of the ceiling.

An LED light will generally run cooler then an incandescent bulb. The Illume LED I-EL4PPWH from Illume LED Lighting that we discuss below is a 120VAC LED thin profile downlight that draws just 9 Watts and provides 730 lumens of lighting.

In a retrofit installation in an existing ceiling downlight this ought to be a non-issue regarding heat generation as it's certainly cooler than a similar-luumen incandescent 60-watt bub (that gives about 800 lumens).

So if you see a light fixture that's rated for a 60 watt incandescent bulb, you're likely to be safe installing an LED bulb with an equivalent number of lumens.

That is not the same question nor answer if you're asking about cutting into an existing insulated, fire-rated ceiling where there are no present downlights.

Reader follow-up: maintaining the fire rating of the ceiling

Ben said:

My question was specifically about maintaining the fire rating of the ceiling, not related to any fire hazard related directly to the light (e.g. heat). The specific fixture I want to use is illume I-EL4PPWH. This requires cutting a 5 to 6" hole in the fire rated drywall.

If I left the hole un-filled the fire rating of the ceiling would be compromised. Does installing this fixture maintain the fire rating of the ceiling? I have read in my local building code (Ontario) that holes can be cut as long as a "tightly fitting" electrical box is installed.

The LED fixture seems solid and has a solid metal backing plate, so would probably not allow the passage of flame in the event of a fire.

I have also read on some forums (USA based) indicate a maximum of 100sq.in can be cut in 100sq.ft of ceiling area (I assume there still needs to be something blocking the hole such as an electrical box).

There are also a few methods (big metal box and an insulated hat from "tenmat") that are used for the can+trim+bulb type pot lites.

Reply: Building Code on ceiling or floor penetrations impact on fire-rating

Ben

Thanks for clarifying the question. This isn't about changing the bulb in an excisting DCIC light fixture it's about cutting a new opening and adding a fixture (and wiring).

If your building presently has a UL-fire-rated ceiling assembly, then any recessed fixtures (set into the drywall ceiling) must be protected to maintain the fire rating, and recessed light fixtures require the use of specific fire-rated materials and assemblies.

If the manufacturer of the light fixture you want to install does not provide a UL-listed fire-rated assembly bearing the UL certification mark, then such an assembly will be needed.

Details follow.

I agree that the fixture you choose as well as details of its installation could affect the fire rating of an existing ceiling.

I also agree that there are "solutions" described involving construction of a fire-rated enclosure above and surrounding the down light, probably combined with fire-rated sealant around the opening edges. Below I'll give a reference to a power-point presentation that describes that approach.

Watch out: do not simply build a home-made guess at a fire-rated enclosure for your new recessed down lights in a fire-rated ceiling. There are approved designs as well as listed light enclosure products such as those produced by SafeLite that I cite below.

I looked at both the installation instructions and the "product report card" for the Illume I-EL4PPWH recessed light fixture.

The word "fire" does not appear in either (I was looking for "fire rating"). Nor does "UL" nor "Listed" - (I was looking for UL Listed).

A model building code citation is helpuful and confirms that you're asking a good question. From the IBC 2009 and 2012 versions

713.4.1.2 Membrane penetrations. Penetrations of membranes that are part of a horizontal assembly shall comply with Section 713.4.1.1.1 or 713.4.1.1.2.

Where floor/ceiling assemblies are required to have a fire-resistance rating, recessed fixtures shall be installed such that the required fire resistance will not be reduced.

I would expect the manufacturer of a downlight or recessed light fixture to happily cite compliance with UL listing requirements for use in fire-rated ceiling assemblies. But that's an expectation not a fact.

While I suspect that the Illume I-EL4PPWH is NOT UL-Listed for fire-rated ceilings, at this point, unable to find a UL listing certification for that fixture, we're left with one step: ask the company directly.

You can contact the manufacturer at

• Illume LED Lighting, Blainville, Quebec, Canada Coral Springs, Florida, USA Email: illume@dalslighting.co Website: http://illumeledlighting.com/ g.

 

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• BULB & FIXTURE TYPES for SOFFIT
• EXTERIOR LIGHTING GUIDE - home
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• PRYNE RECESSED LIGHTS CATALOG 1950 [PDF]
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• RECESSED LIGHT HOUSINGS GUIDE
• RECESSED & TRACK LIGHT USES
• RECESSED & TRACK LIGHT BULB GUIDE
• RECESSED LIGHT FIXTURE TRIM
• RECESSED SOFFIT or ROOF OVERHANG
• SPACING GUIDE for LIGHT FIXTURES

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