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Is this safe use of an old can light?

1219 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  HABSFAN2006
I would like to make use of some old 5" pot lights, which are basically a steel housing, par 30 75 w max. units, but I do not have the mounting plates, supports, or spring clips. I see there are a few holes in the unit past the bulb connector, which I can pass some 3" screws, where I could leave 3/4" gap between the can, and the 2x4 support, as shown in the pic. I would use a CFL 15w par30, to reduce heat also.
The wiring goes through a bx, and done in the enclosed steel box.
Would this be a safe usage? Other than the heat, I don't see why not.

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Most manufacturers sell replacement parts. What you propose MAY work, but I've never been a fan of installing something dicey that the next person may not be hip on how to avoid.
I would recommend using new IC rated cans. They are rated for insulation contact and will not start a fire. You can get the cans from Home Depot for $7.50 ea. if you look around. Trims are about $8.00.
I would recommend using new IC rated cans. They are rated for insulation contact and will not start a fire. You can get the cans from Home Depot for $7.50 ea. if you look around. Trims are about $8.00.
I can't find the IC rated at that price, not even close. I've been in to look, also, on their website at $15 those are not IC compatible, maybe I have t look harder at another store.
The original metal frame probably kept the can itself some minimum distance from the nearest stud.

I would say nothing wrong with using the old cans provided you maintain all of the appropriate clearnces, although it may be a lot of time and effort doing jury-rigging. I have seen square perforated metal "pipe", a small section of which could be used as a spacer through which a 2-1/2 or 3 inch screw could hold the can, minus its original frame, on a stud.

I have dong this kind of jur-rigging myself, including removing the factory supplied framing so the (brand new) can or other device would fit in the space provided.
The original metal frame probably kept the can itself some minimum distance from the nearest stud.

I would say nothing wrong with using the old cans provided you maintain all of the appropriate clearnces, although it may be a lot of time and effort doing jury-rigging. I have seen square perforated metal "pipe", a small section of which could be used as a spacer through which a 2-1/2 or 3 inch screw could hold the can, minus its original frame, on a stud.

I have dong this kind of jur-rigging myself, including removing the factory supplied framing so the (brand new) can or other device would fit in the space provided.

Thanks Allan,


but I have a lot of clearance to floor joists, which is off to the "side" of the can. It would be no problem for me at all to install these since i I would screw up, through the can, to a 2x4 which is screwed inbetween joists, and voila. I know they are not suppose to be installed this way, so I am more enquiring to see if anyone has ever seen it, if anyone knows it would be safe. I am leaving 3/4" between the can and the 2x4, so they are not touching. There are a few holes already in the top of the can, two of them would serve as the screw holes. there are 4 or 5, at a 1/8" diameter. Also thinking about minimizing heat, I would use CFL 15 watt bulbs. What do you think? Thanks for your reply.
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