IC recessed lighting (again)

[goldstar]

There's been a lot of discussion regarding this subject, specifically whether jurisdictions are requiring them in insulated areas or not and also the extra cost. From my point of view I don't think the big issue is the cost differential (per fixture), I think it's the restriction of the size lamps you can use. Most of these fixtures drop you down to a 75 watt bulb (max)(R-30 or PAR-30) and you end up having to install more fixtures to get the amount of light you want in the area. The low voltage fixtures with 50 watt, MR-16 bulbs are OK but they are twice the cost of the standard fixtures.

If anyone knows of other fixtures that don't have as drastic a bulb restriction would you please post to the forum and let us know about them? Also, those of you from New Jersey, if you are aware of any State regulations requiring the use of IC and/or air-tight cans on residential floors with insulation above the ceilings would you also please post it to the forum?

Thanks,

Phil

 

[lrollo]

Re: IC recessed lighting (again)

I understand the cost situation of the low voltage fixtures. I love to use them because they dont get hot and you get a lot more light from them. Have you looked into the 75Watt R-30 lamps that state halogen on the package? They seem brighter yet stay in that 75Watt range you need. Also if youre just needing a larger physical size lamp, they used to make R-40 Lamps in a 75 Watt rating.

 

[goldstar]

Re: IC recessed lighting (again)

The 75 watt halogen bulbs seem to be a fairly good solution to the IC problem. However, from my experience many homeowners (who are not as knowledgable about these things as we are) seem to get fed up with not having enough light in the area and they inadvertantly replace those bulbs with higher wattage bulbs. Then the lights start to blink because of the built-in thermostats and a disco party breaks out !!!