Recessed lights and insulation (IC vs non-IC)
A recessed light that is not rated Type IC cannot have insulation above it or within 3 in. of its housing, wiring compartment or driver. Type IC fixtures are rated for contact with insulation.
What the code requires
Recessed luminaires, often called can lights or downlights, come in two broad types. Type IC fixtures are rated for contact with thermal insulation. Non-IC fixtures are not, and the code keeps insulation away from them.
Under 410.116(B), thermal insulation may not be installed above a non-IC recessed luminaire, or within 3 in. (75 mm) of its enclosure, wiring compartment, ballast, transformer, LED driver or power supply.
Under 410.116(A), a non-IC fixture's recessed parts must be at least ½ in. (13 mm) from combustible material, though its supports and trim may touch the finished surface; a Type IC fixture may touch combustibles. Under 410.116(C), a fixture marked for non-fire-rated installations may not go in fire-rated construction, and a recessed fixture in fire-resistant construction must be listed for it, sit in a listed enclosure, or be installed per a tested fire resistance-rated assembly.
On the job
- Non-IC fixtures covered by attic insulation do not comply. Either the 3 in. clearance is kept open with no insulation on top, or an IC-rated fixture is used.
- Before insulation is added to an existing attic, it is worth confirming whether the recessed housings are IC-rated.
Exceptions that matter
- Type IC luminaires, which are rated for contact with insulation, are exempt from the 3 in. insulation clearance.
In California
For new construction, the 2025 California Energy Code §150.0(k)1C requires recessed ceiling downlights to have no screw-base sockets, an airtight label (under 2.0 cfm at 75 Pa per ASTM E283) and a gasket or caulk seal to the ceiling (these two items do not apply to luminaires marked for fire-rated installations or in noninsulated ceilings), and to meet the CEC 410.116 clearances. Under §150.0(k)1D, lamps in enclosed or recessed fixtures must meet the JA8 elevated-temperature requirements, including marking.
Related sections
- NEC 410.115
- NEC 410.117
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Kyle Robert Anderson KBC Electric · CSLB #1073066 · C-10 Electrical · Licensed since 2021