Insulating IC recessed lighting.

topher0524 · 02-09-2009, 03:44 PM

Hello,
And thanks in advance for any info.
I currently live in a ranch style home with recessed lighting in the living room, as well as kitchen. We seem to be losing a lot of energy through the attic based on an energy audit performed by a local company here in New Jersey. They rated it at about 24%.
My question is how do I properly insulate above/around the recessed lights.
The recessed lights AREN'T the type with a big box around them (air-tight). They are just cans with thermal sensors above where you screw the light in and they do say IC on them.
Can I cover them in cellulose? or do i need to leave a 3" gap around them.
Also in the kitchen the recessed lights are in a soffit that isn't insulated, there are rafters above the soffit with insulation but nothing in the actual soffit, can anyone provide information on how to properly insulate that scenario as well.
Thanks

Ron6519 · 02-09-2009, 06:11 PM

You can put insulation over and around IC recessed lights.
In the soffit, you can just insulate the exterior wall around the cans or cover them if they're IC cans.
Ron

topher0524 · 02-09-2009, 09:02 PM

If I have a thermal sensor in them do I run the risk of them becoming to hot if covered in insulation and shutting off. Basically is there a certain R value that you have to maintain to have the lights properly

ryanh · 02-09-2009, 10:08 PM

If they are IC rated then insulation is allowed to be directly on the fixture and shouldn't trigger the sensor. Don't use a bulb higher than 75 watt they should be fine. Otherwise insulation should be atleast 3" away from the can

Just Bill · 02-10-2009, 07:03 AM

Remove the bulb and look inside the fixture, if rated for insulation contact, they will say "IC". If not, you can't pile on insulation. Best to replace them with airtight fixtures. You can insualte over these AND they don't leak air to the attic.

02-09-2009, 03:44 PM	#1
topher0524 Newbie Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 21	Insulating IC recessed lighting. Hello, And thanks in advance for any info. I currently live in a ranch style home with recessed lighting in the living room, as well as kitchen. We seem to be losing a lot of energy through the attic based on an energy audit performed by a local company here in New Jersey. They rated it at about 24%. My question is how do I properly insulate above/around the recessed lights. The recessed lights AREN'T the type with a big box around them (air-tight). They are just cans with thermal sensors above where you screw the light in and they do say IC on them. Can I cover them in cellulose? or do i need to leave a 3" gap around them. Also in the kitchen the recessed lights are in a soffit that isn't insulated, there are rafters above the soffit with insulation but nothing in the actual soffit, can anyone provide information on how to properly insulate that scenario as well. Thanks

02-09-2009, 06:11 PM	#2
Ron6519 Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 9,519	Insulating IC recessed lighting. You can put insulation over and around IC recessed lights. In the soffit, you can just insulate the exterior wall around the cans or cover them if they're IC cans. Ron

02-09-2009, 09:02 PM	#3
topher0524 Newbie Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 21	Insulating IC recessed lighting. If I have a thermal sensor in them do I run the risk of them becoming to hot if covered in insulation and shutting off. Basically is there a certain R value that you have to maintain to have the lights properly

02-09-2009, 10:08 PM	#4
ryanh Professional Wood Shafter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Manitoba, Canada Posts: 185	Insulating IC recessed lighting. If they are IC rated then insulation is allowed to be directly on the fixture and shouldn't trigger the sensor. Don't use a bulb higher than 75 watt they should be fine. Otherwise insulation should be atleast 3" away from the can

02-10-2009, 07:03 AM	#5
Just Bill Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Wilmington, DE Posts: 3,098	Insulating IC recessed lighting. Remove the bulb and look inside the fixture, if rated for insulation contact, they will say "IC". If not, you can't pile on insulation. Best to replace them with airtight fixtures. You can insualte over these AND they don't leak air to the attic.

Insulating IC recessed lighting.