can lights, IC rated, Thermal cut out potential, help

[cceinak]

Anybody had any experience with mounting can lights that have hydronic heat tubes directly above them. Here in Alaska, some homes have hydronic heat tubes, (wirsbo or similiar) stapled to the underside of the 3/4 subfloor opposed to encased in concrete on the upper side. After the heat tube is installed, the standard application is to install batts of insultation into the floor joist to keep the heat going up into the floor above. The IC rating of the can is because of the insulation in the joist. Has anybody had experience with cans tripping the thermal overload. I am not worried about the insulation so much, but the entire joist cavity will be hot from the heat tube I would think. Anyhow just wondering if anybody has had problems or can offer any advice.

 

[tonyi]

Re: can lights, IC rated, Thermal cut out potential, help

I don't believe the boilers for radiant are run as hot as baseboard - you want a warm floor, not a hot one . The insulation works both ways too - it'll be keeping some of that heat away from the fixture.

If there's any doubt, you could just go with CF lamps.

 

[jimwalker]

Re: can lights, IC rated, Thermal cut out potential, help

They do make air tight cans.Some how this floor sounds like it's hotter than a FL attic in summer,and we don't trip.

 

[electricmanscott]

Re: can lights, IC rated, Thermal cut out potential, help

I think you are ok. As tony said these systems do not run very hot. You will have the insulation barrier as well. Contact the recessed manufacturer for their thoughts.
CF lamps? I would not do that to my customers.

 

[cceinak]

Re: can lights, IC rated, Thermal cut out potential, help

thanks guys, I am going to go for it. Also, I have been checking into the CF bulbs, they make them in almost any shape now, and they can also be dimmed!
Thanks