Insulation on IC recessed lighting

[Old_Boat]

Is it OK to leave the paper vapor barrier of the fiberglass insulation touch the cans of the IC rates ceiling light fixtures? If not what do you do?

LJ

[RBM]

I've never seen instructions that mention "paper", only ones that say insulation can come in contact with housings or must be three inches away from housings

[C & E]

Check with the mfg'ers website. Personally, I fear fire more than a tiny heat loss.

[greg6755]

Those cans have an overload that shuts the fixture off if they get too warm.

So it is probably okay.

But I wouldn't do it.

Also you are limited to a 75 watt max lamp it those.

Higher wattage lights tend to trip the overload.

[RBM]

That depends upon the age and manufacturer of the housing. Older models of IC housings allowed higher wattages. Each housing will have a label indicating the max wattages of various lamps allowed

[Old Boat]

The cans that I have are utilitech LWSIC32 from Lowes. They have a max rating of 75 watts with a par 30 LN bulb and do have an overload sensor on the top of the can. I have BR 30 LN 65 Watt bulbs in them which they say are also OK. It is the paper on the old insulation that I am worried about. It is about 20 years old and says on it, this paper will burn. I have had them on all morning for about 5 hours and they get only warm to the touch so far. I was thinking of just removing the paper from the insulation around the cans. What do you guys think of this idea. Of course the guy at lowes was no help.

[RBM]

I've seen insulation paper turn black from Non Ic recessed fixtures with 150 watt R-40 lamps, but if you are concerned, pull back the paper. It certainly won't hurt

[Just Joshin]

imho:

Good question, I would contact the manufacturer with your concern. Only their instructions should be used.

tom @