Recessed lights in insulated ceilings

Electrical · Lights, Outlets and Switches · printed page 103 (PDF page 104)

Book index entries

Electric Lighting – in Insulated Ceilings High-hat Lights in Insulated Ceilings Insulated Ceilings with Potlights Potlights – in Insulated Ceilings Recessed Light Fixtures in Insulated Ceilings

Text in the illustration

attic
insulation
Recessed light meant for uninsulated ceilings only
safer installation -
open top drywall or wood box keeps insulation away from recessed light, but lots of heat is lost into the attic
best installation -
recessed light meant for insulated ceilings (metal box keeps insulation away from recessed light) - usually has “IC” designation

Generated explanation

A section through an insulated attic floor compares three recessed-light installations beneath roof framing. At left, insulation surrounds a light intended only for uninsulated ceilings, and a red prohibition symbol marks this installation as improper. In the center, an open-top drywall or wood box separates insulation from the fixture; the annotation calls this safer but notes substantial heat loss into the attic. At right, insulation extends over a boxed fixture intended for insulated ceilings, identified as the best installation and usually carrying an “IC” designation.

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