Recessed Lights
- Thread starter mtn_elec
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jeff43222
Senior Member
- Location
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
Re: Recessed Lights
That is generally a matter for the building code or energy code, which likely will vary around the country. Even though it's not part of the electrical code, sometimes inspectors enforce those provisions on us.
It's generally a good idea to use airtight cans wherever there is a penetration of the building's envelope. My rule of thumb is that if I install them in a location where the top of the can is in an unheated space, I use airtights.
That is generally a matter for the building code or energy code, which likely will vary around the country. Even though it's not part of the electrical code, sometimes inspectors enforce those provisions on us.
It's generally a good idea to use airtight cans wherever there is a penetration of the building's envelope. My rule of thumb is that if I install them in a location where the top of the can is in an unheated space, I use airtights.
mdshunk
Senior Member
- Location
- Right here.
Re: Recessed Lights
I never install them unless the architect or engineer or customer specced them. Just too expensive compared with regular cans. I am aware that they are a general requirement for installation when the building envelope is penetrated with the can in Washington State.
I never install them unless the architect or engineer or customer specced them. Just too expensive compared with regular cans. I am aware that they are a general requirement for installation when the building envelope is penetrated with the can in Washington State.
jjhoward
Senior Member
- Location
- Northern NJ
- Occupation
- Owner TJ Electric
Re: Recessed Lights
Hello Nieto,
I have had an inspector in Bergen Cnty require every can on the top floor and every can in a vaulted ceiling be ICATs. They were not spec'd on the drawing. He did not care if the gaskets were installed at the trim out, but they had to be ICATs.
Hello Nieto,
I have had an inspector in Bergen Cnty require every can on the top floor and every can in a vaulted ceiling be ICATs. They were not spec'd on the drawing. He did not care if the gaskets were installed at the trim out, but they had to be ICATs.
goldstar
Senior Member
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
Re: Recessed Lights
Nieto,
I believe it's a Building Code and/or energy code issue in NJ as Jeff mentioned. Most of the supply houses (at least up here in northern NJ) are only stocking ICAT housings as opposed to just IC's. I guess they figure that if you have to use an IC housing, in all probability you'll be required to use an ICAT. Why stock both ? You should see what they're making the tin knockers go through to seal penetrations into attic spaces.
Nieto,
I believe it's a Building Code and/or energy code issue in NJ as Jeff mentioned. Most of the supply houses (at least up here in northern NJ) are only stocking ICAT housings as opposed to just IC's. I guess they figure that if you have to use an IC housing, in all probability you'll be required to use an ICAT. Why stock both ? You should see what they're making the tin knockers go through to seal penetrations into attic spaces.
goldstar
Senior Member
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
Re: Recessed Lights
I guess the intent is that there should not be any heat loss into an attic. If you have a situation where there is "sound" insulation and no possible loss of heat I would imagine you can use regular IC cans.
I guess the intent is that there should not be any heat loss into an attic. If you have a situation where there is "sound" insulation and no possible loss of heat I would imagine you can use regular IC cans.
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- Service Manager
Re: Recessed Lights
I think it's more along the lines of air movement than heat loss. (I know, that sounds stupidly simple.)
[ June 02, 2005, 06:22 PM: Message edited by: georgestolz ]
I think it's more along the lines of air movement than heat loss. (I know, that sounds stupidly simple.)
[ June 02, 2005, 06:22 PM: Message edited by: georgestolz ]
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- Service Manager
Re: Recessed Lights
We use the airtight Capri QP1 cans in all our new construction. They're reasonably priced.
They're not without issues every now and then,
Edit to add: Applying the gaskets at trim is as easy or as difficult as your drywallers make it for you. Sometimes, no gasket is required at all, if the builder has a good drywalling company. Trying to seal the grand canyon beside the can can have you pulling your hair out!
[ June 04, 2005, 08:52 AM: Message edited by: georgestolz ]
We use the airtight Capri QP1 cans in all our new construction. They're reasonably priced.
They're not without issues every now and then,
Edit to add: Applying the gaskets at trim is as easy or as difficult as your drywallers make it for you. Sometimes, no gasket is required at all, if the builder has a good drywalling company. Trying to seal the grand canyon beside the can can have you pulling your hair out!
[ June 04, 2005, 08:52 AM: Message edited by: georgestolz ]
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