410-66(b) This article is to prevent the installation of insulation over top of all non-ic rated recessed fixtures but is there any maximum height? We have non-ic recessed cans installed in a acoustic ceiling and the general contractor installed insulation up in the bar joists (above the cans). The electrical inspector has failed the contractor because of the insulation installed above the cans. Could the fixture be boxed in and/or is there a minimum clear distance the insulation has to be away from the top of the can. I am just dealing with the top of the fixture. The code gives a 3" min. distance but the inspector says that is from the sides, not the top.
410-66
- Thread starter bmcghee
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Re: 410-66
I.M.O, he could be concerned the insulation could eventually fall on top of the fixture after the install,,,,,,,,which is a legitament concern.Maybe you all could come to an agreeement,maybe some type of wire tent over the fixture to avoid this problem.In these cases it is the call of the AHJ.
I.M.O, he could be concerned the insulation could eventually fall on top of the fixture after the install,,,,,,,,which is a legitament concern.Maybe you all could come to an agreeement,maybe some type of wire tent over the fixture to avoid this problem.In these cases it is the call of the AHJ.
Re: 410-66
I think this prohibits a non-ic fixture on the 1st floor if there is insulation on the 10th floor. I'm sure that's not the intent, but that is how it is worded. See the definition of "above" in the dictionary. This code paragraph should be reworded.
Maybe you can work out some reasonable distance with your inspector. If he won't buy 3", ask if him what distance he will allow.
Steve
I think this prohibits a non-ic fixture on the 1st floor if there is insulation on the 10th floor. I'm sure that's not the intent, but that is how it is worded. See the definition of "above" in the dictionary. This code paragraph should be reworded.
Maybe you can work out some reasonable distance with your inspector. If he won't buy 3", ask if him what distance he will allow.
Steve
Re: 410-66
I firmly believe the 3" rule deals with all surfaces of the can. Insulation must be kept 3" from the sides and top of all non IC rated cans. I think that the manufacturer can provided you with the specific UL listing to prove this. Even the instructions with the can may show this. I can understand an inspector who thinks the insulation may fall down onto the cans. But where does that stop? The water lines may burst and then do all my outlets require GFCI protection? The earth may open up a swallow me so do I need a harness and safety line while walking around the ground floor of the job site? If properly installed falling insulation is of little concern. maybe a clarification from your AHJ and a compromise is in order. I like the idea of a chicken wire tent around the can or chicken wire supporting any insulation above cans to prevent falling out of the bays. At any rate until your AHJ makes it clear exactly what he doesn't like or why he doesn't like it you can't begin to compromise with him. Ask him what you can do to alleviate his concerns with the current installation.
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I should have mentioned that 410.66 (B) is a fairly damning section of the code!
{/edit}
[ August 30, 2004, 10:40 PM: Message edited by: Local ]
I firmly believe the 3" rule deals with all surfaces of the can. Insulation must be kept 3" from the sides and top of all non IC rated cans. I think that the manufacturer can provided you with the specific UL listing to prove this. Even the instructions with the can may show this. I can understand an inspector who thinks the insulation may fall down onto the cans. But where does that stop? The water lines may burst and then do all my outlets require GFCI protection? The earth may open up a swallow me so do I need a harness and safety line while walking around the ground floor of the job site? If properly installed falling insulation is of little concern. maybe a clarification from your AHJ and a compromise is in order. I like the idea of a chicken wire tent around the can or chicken wire supporting any insulation above cans to prevent falling out of the bays. At any rate until your AHJ makes it clear exactly what he doesn't like or why he doesn't like it you can't begin to compromise with him. Ask him what you can do to alleviate his concerns with the current installation.
{edit}
I should have mentioned that 410.66 (B) is a fairly damning section of the code!
{/edit}
[ August 30, 2004, 10:40 PM: Message edited by: Local ]
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