I/C Recessed lights

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brocc71460

Member
Location
New Jersey
I failed a rough inspection because I used i/c cans where the can is in an unfinshed attic. The inspector told me I had to use airtight cans where the can is in unheated space and that this is a building code & not an electrical code. This was a residential installation. Is this true?
 
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curt swartz

Electrical Contractor - San Jose, CA
Location
San Jose, CA
Occupation
Electrical Contractor
Re: I/C Recessed lights

Many locations are now requiring air-tight housings so the inspector is probably correct but this would be a local code and I don't know the code for your area. Air-tight housings are still IC rated but are sealed to limit the amount of air flow between the conditioned and non conditioned spaces. Some standard IC housings are air-tight rated if you use the proper trim and gasket kit on them so you might want to check with the manufacture of your housings.
 
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pierre

Senior Member
Location
Westchester County, New York
Re: I/C Recessed lights

I am sure George is aware of this, but was trying to keep his post short. I on the otherhand, am known for my verbose responses.

NY State as of January of 2003 has instituted a new State building code. There are 8 different documents to this code. The Residential Code of New York State is one of them. The Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State is another. The latter is where the requirement for the 'air lock' type of recessed fixture requirement can be found. Section 502 is the section - Building Envelope Requirements.
502.3 Recessed lighting fixtures. is where the requirements are spelled out.
These 'air lock' type fixtures are required where the fixture penetrates the 'building envelope'. Some inspectors were requiring them in all types of installations. We had to go to the State level to resolve this situation.

Pierre
 
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