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Recessed Lighting in Vaulted Ceiling

17 years ago

Ok, here is the question. We currently have a vaulted ceiling with 2x6 construction. There is currently insulation in there (which we do know to leave 3" of space between the fixture on the non IC can). Measuring the actual 2x6 we have 5 1/4". This puts us right at the bottom of the roof sheathing.

Ok, so we went to the local Globe lighting store and come out with a test can. It was the Juno TC1 (G3.1.1) http://www.junolighting.com/productinfo/prod_finder_item2.asp?Fid=F003&SFid=SF032&Cid=C0322&SCid=2. When we install the can in our test section of our ceiling (which is removed as is just like new construction) our can only has about 1/4" space between the top of the can and the sheathing. I then called the people back at Globe and asked if this could in fact touch the sheathing and they said yes, it could. Does anyone in fact know the answer to this? Is it alright for the top of this can to come in contact with the roof sheathing? From our first test can, there is about 1/4" to 1/2" space in there, but by judging how the rest of the house was built (long side note) I cant say for certain that other sections of the vault might indeed make contact with the can.

I know what most of you are thinking though also, why aren't they looking at the ICAT housings. They are just to deep, which irritates me, but what can you do. I feel that these particular housings can work, but wanted to bounce it off the fine people here.

TIA

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Comments (2)

Jon1270
17 years ago
The first thought I had was, is this even legal? I've somehow got the impression that some particularly energy-conscious states prohibit the use of unsealed, non-IC cans in such situations because so much heat can be lost through them in the winter time. I don't live in such a state, though, so this is only a vague impression I have from general reading.

Another thing that occurs to me is that the bottom of the cans should end up flush with the finished drywall, so that 5 1/4" depth of the fixture will start at least 1/2" below the framing.

Lastly, I'm wondering how high off the floor these fixtures will be mounted, and what the space will be used for. 4" line-voltage cans are going to limit you to 50 watt PAR20 bulbs (or dimmer), which won't give you a whole lot of light if they're mounted very high. Make sure you'll have enough of them, or plan additional lighting.
dim4fun
17 years ago
1/4" is not enough clearance for a non IC fixture. Here is the code.

410.66 Clearance and Installation.
(A) Clearance.
(1) Non-Type IC. A recessed luminaire (fixture) that is not identified for contact with insulation shall have all recessed parts spaced not less than 13 mm (Â½ in.) from combustible materials. The points of support and the trim finishing off the opening in the ceiling or wall surface shall be permitted to be in contact with combustible materials.
(2) Type IC. A recessed luminaire (fixture) that is identified for contact with insulation, Type IC, shall be permitted to be in contact with combustible materials at recessed parts, points of support, and portions passing through or finishing off the opening in the building structure.
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