IC recessed cans

[gerry]

Does anyone have information about a building code pertaining to recess cans being air tight? The reason I am asking is that I just got tagged because the inspector says the can has holes in them.The cans I used were Ic with labels that say air tight.I looked in the 2002 code book can't find anything about this matter.Oh yea he says I can build boxes for them.Thanks for infor.

 

[BAHTAH]

Re: IC recessed cans

Gerry

Oh yea he says I can build boxes for them. By your ending statement I am prompted to ask if these recessed fixtures are installed in a fire rated ceiling?

Grant

 

[gerry]

Re: IC recessed cans

Grant thanks for the response.This installation was for residential house.The problem I am having is why should they fail if there is a label stating air tight and besides what code is this falling under is it building or electrical?

 

[gregoryelectricinc]

Re: IC recessed cans

This probably falls under a local building code. I work in a 4 city area and only 1 of those local AHJ's require an "air-tight" listing on the cans.

 

[tim]

Re: IC recessed cans

Here in central Illinois, the Juno cans we use are not really airtight, but the trim we use is airtight. Nothing in the NEC requires airtight verses non-airtight. Airtight is the way to go though, in my opinion. I can buy a Juno IC can with airtight trim and a bulb for $25. Seems reasonable to me.

 

[BAHTAH]

Re: IC recessed cans

Gerry, The air-tight is typically associated with some energy code such as you find in the state of California or Washington for example. You should check with your AHJ as the requirement. Lithonia makes a kit AT6K which is nothing more that a seal to be installed on their existing Lithonia "Advantage" cans. The seal meets the California Title-24,Part-6 code and the Washington State Energy Code Sec 502.4.4 and the Model Energy Code and ASHRAE Code 90 Sectio 602.3.2. You may want to check with the manufacture of your recessed fixtures to see if such a kit is available.

 

[robc]

Re: IC recessed cans

I am a little lost myself on that one. I've seen explosion proof lighting and trims that are air tight. but for residential "I am guessing thats what your installing maybe commercial ?" than its usually insulated or non insulated cans.

But air tight boxes you can use some MDF board and silicone the joints and that would work well for what you need, plus MDF is easy to work with.

Rob

 

[pierre]

Re: IC recessed cans

When in the State of New York, ALL installations are required to follow the the 8 documents (books if you want) that make up the NYS Fire Prevention Code. In the Energy Conservation Construction Code (one of the 8 documents/books)there is a section 502 in Chapter 5. Section 502 is the building envelope requirements.

Section 502.1.3 Recessed lighting fixtures.
This section tells you that when the lighting fixture PENTETRATES THE BUILDING ENVELOPE there are three accepted methods of installation. Air seals/air locks are one of the methods.

If you are using an air seal fixture, it has to have a label with ASTME 283 on it. This is the label that says the manufacturer has built it according to the proper specs.

There are some recessed fixtures that are 'CONVERTIBLE'. These cans use different type of trims to designate if they are air seal or not. The air seal trims will require the installation of smaller wattage bulbs and be limited to certain trims, so be careful.

Pierre

[ October 01, 2003, 07:29 PM: Message edited by: pierre ]

 

[goldstar]

Re: IC recessed cans

gerry,

If you look at the inside of the hi-hat can it should say "air tight ready when used with the following trims" . There are selected trims that are acceptable for "air tight" use.

 

[Guest]

Re: IC recessed cans

OK, I'm holding a Halo 17RICT 6" remodel can.

It says:
Airtite?
170PS, 171PS, 173PS,78PAT, 30*, 430*, EXT712*, EXT713*.
*=All Styles & Finishes.

Complies with Washington State Energy
Code.
No additional caulking or gaskets required.

It's interesting that Airtite (sic) is purposefully mis-spelled and trademarked.

There are eight different listed compatible lamps and the lamp choice depends on which trim is used. The wattage varies from 40-watts to 75-watts depending on the trim and type of lamp used.

[ October 01, 2003, 11:21 PM: Message edited by: awwt ]

 

[goldstar]

Re: IC recessed cans

Wayne,

The last batch of IC Airtite cans I used were JUNO and from my memory it stated that it was only airtite with selected trims. Maybe other mfrs. are different. I'll check while on the job today and post my findings.

Phil

 

[gerry]

Re: IC recessed cans

Hey,guys wanna thank you all for the infor.Right now I'am trying to get in touch with inspector I figure he's overlooked the labels or he'll just pull rank and have me change them no matter. Thanks again.

 

[electricmanscott]

Re: IC recessed cans

Why would you change air tight to, ah, air tight?

 

[kalbrecht]

Re: IC recessed cans

Your inspector is probably citing the International Residential Code section N1102.1.11. This section deals with the energy efficiency of recessed lighting fixtures. Three options for code compliance are given, 1. Type IC rated cans with no penetrations (what he told you), 2. IC or nonIC installed in a sealed box (also what he told you, and 3. Type IC rated and tested in accordance with ASTM E 283, the light fixture has to pass less than 2 cfm when tested at 1.57 psi and be so labled. Hope this helps you.