I am going to attempt to insulate around halogen (high hat) ceiling light fixtures from above in the attic crawl space. Can someone recommend the best type to use that is fire safe? And can it be purchased at a home center (consumer available)?
Thanks, Matt
The insulation should be installed per the light fixtures UL listing. Some fixtures are rated for direct contact with insulation.$$$ Some require a small clearance. $$ The least expensive fixtures are not rated at all for contact with insulation.
Best check your local codes for what your attempting.
Thanks. What rating am I looking for on the fixtures that allow contact with fiberglass insulation?
Thanks. What indication am I looking for on the light fixtures that tell me if they are rated for insulation contact?
You MUST NOT insulate around recessed lighting fixtures _unless_ the fixture is explicitly rated for it.
Fiberglass will smolder somewhat and outgas (flammable binders). Rock wool won't (and melts at considerably higher temperatures), but the fixture will melt down anyway.
More than living on the edge. Active death wish. Fixtures not rated for burial in insulation _will_ burn out. If you're lucky. Otherwise, they'll catch fire and burn your house down.
Fiberglass and rock wool are both very fire resistant. Fiberglass, at least, is very easy to find in the US.
More importantly, are the fixtures rated for burial in insulation? If not, you're living on the edge in a big way.
IC Insulation contact
The price difference from the non IC fixtures is only a few bucks. Depends on the size and trim. See the pamphlet next to the Halo lighting in HD.
According to Matt :
See "pipedown"'s posting. "IC" rating.
Err, no they're not. Low voltage IC fixtures cost CONSIDERABLY more than non-IC units.
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