How do you tell if your recessed lights are IC rated?

If the can has slits or holes on it, it is not IC rated. Continue to look to see if there is an Underwriters Laboratory sticker. If there is, the letters “IC” will be in the number. Also, look for the letters “IC-AT” on the label model number so you know it is airtight sealed.

Can recessed light be used outside?





Outdoor recessed lighting has been proven by most homeowners to really work well in providing the right mood and functionality for their home exterior. This lighting option is as efficient as other outdoor light fixtures, but offers a clean, unobtrusive exterior space due to its form.

What makes a recessed light IC rated?

IC rated means that it’s safe to have insulation directly in contact with the light, but it’s not synonymous with airtight. You can usually tell if a recessed light is airtight just by looking inside it; if there are a bunch of holes inside the housing, it probably isn’t airtight.

Are most recessed lights IC rated?

Even though they run cooler than other lightbulbs, LED recessed lights do still need to be IC rated. While LED bulbs produce significantly less heat than incandescent ones, they still do produce heat.

Can you put insulation over IC rated recessed lights?

A can light that has an IC rating can be safely installed in a ceiling with insulation. Usually IC rated lights have a 75- 100 wattage capacity, meaning that as long these lights don’t consume more than 100 watts, IC rated lights will lessen the risk of overheating and a potential fire.

Do recessed lights need to be fire rated?





Surface mounted downlights don’t need a fire rating, only recessed downlights have this requirement. If you’re installing recessed downlights into a commercial grade ceiling with a concrete structure and false ceiling, you don’t necessarily need fire rated downlights.

What does IC rated mean?

Insulation Contact

The acronym IC stands for Insulation Contact. An IC rating, as a result, is essentially a measurement to determine if a downlight is suitable and safe to come in contact with insulation or not. A layer of insulation in the ceilings and walls protects most homes these days.

What is the difference between can lights and recessed lights?

Recessed lights, also known as can lights, are described as metal light housings installed in the ceiling for a sleek look that gives you back your ceiling. Their diameter generally varies from 3” to 6.”

Do soffit lights need to be wet rated?



LED Soffit Lighting Is Water Resistant



A good recessed LED lighting fixture should be UL Listed and rated for use in damp or wet environments like your outdoor soffits. As long as the fixture is covered by roof above, which is exactly what the soffit does, then your good to go.

How do you insulate around non IC rated recessed lights?

How to Air Seal Non-IC Recessed Fixtures

  1. Remove insulation from around the recessed can fixture. …
  2. Construct or purchase a fire-rated cover for the fixture that is made of a fire-rated material. …
  3. Install the cover by centering it over the fixture with a minimum clearance of 3 inches on all sides of the recessed can light.

How do you insulate around IC rated recessed lights?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: This light electrical is encased. Here. It is not so by code you can put an insulation up to that part but with safe and sound you actually don't have to worry about it because rocks.

Do recessed lights get hot?



Answer: While LEDs run much cooler than incandescents, their electronic components and external heat sinks do get quite hot; you would still need to keep the insulation away from your fixtures. And that leaves you with some serious problems.

Can LED recessed lights cause fire?

Re: Canless recessed LED lights. Fire Hazard? I would agree, LEDs really don’t get hot, so little danger of starting a fire. You can easily test the theory yourself, buy one or two of the fixtures you intend to use, wire them up on the bench and let them run, then measure their temperature.

How do you seal a recessed ceiling light?

How to Seal Recessed Light Fixtures for Energy Efficiency

  1. Remove the bulb from the light fixture.
  2. Pull the trim ring down a few inches from the ceiling.
  3. Apply a bead of caulk around the cutout in the ceiling.
  4. Press the trim ring into the caulking.
  5. Reinstall the bulb in the recessed light fixture.


Do LED lights need thermal protection?



Despite an efficiency advantage over other light sources, LEDs can still suffer reliability issues if all parts of the lighting system, including the driver, aren’t properly protected from over-temperature situations, says Steve Roberts.

Do LED can lights get hot?

Yes, new technology LED lighting can and will get hot, but when compared to the lighting of the past, temperatures are much safer. The heat from the lighting will also warm your surrounding environment but in comparison to old incandescent lighting, this ambient heat is greatly reduced when using LED lighting.

How do you air seal LED recessed lights?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: If it's there already. They will seal around for the fixture. Now this is something that homeowners can do themselves. But you have to be very careful there's different types of lighting fixtures.

Can you spray foam around recessed lights?

So, can you spray foam around recessed lights? Yes, you can, and here’s why you’ll want a cap. Open cell spray foam expands a lot. So, if the foam is sprayed on the light housing, there is a chance it could work itself down in the light fixture and even the room below.

Can you cover LED lights with insulation?



Upgrading to LED bulbs in existing fittings will save on electricity but does not allow insulation to cover them. Insulation can only be installed over LED downlights that are approved to do so.