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Recessed Can Lights: Fiberglass Insulation Question

14 years ago

I'm planning on installing 6" diameter recessed can lights in my kitchen and I have an insulation question.

Currently the area above my kitchen is insulated with thick batts of fiberglass insulation. I plan on using "IC" cans so that direct contact with the insulation is not a problem.

My question is about how to adjust the existing insulation to accommodate the cans. Should I cut a circle in the insulation to make room for the can? If so, what a good way to cut the insulation?

Or can I just cut the batt of insulation in half where the center of the can is located and just allow the can to push the insulation to the sides?

And should I avoid placing any insulation on the top of the can? Owen Corning's website shows an IC can without any insulation on top of it.

Also, I can access the area above the kitchen so I can install either "new construction" or "remodel" cans. I'm tempted to install the remodel cans since the installation looks simple with the snap in place clips. Are there any benefits to the new construction "hammer in place" installations that I should consider before selecting remodel cans?

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Comments (5)

azlighting
14 years ago
Just use a utility blade and you'll be fine. I'm more prone to not having insulation touching the housing, even if the cans are IC rated... You just never know...
bob_f
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you very much for the helpful advice.

I do like the idea of not touching the cans at all from a safety standpoint.

Would I need to be concerned with heat transfer through the metal cans form a heating and cooling standpoint?
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ginger_light
14 years ago
Your IC housing is made to cover with insulation. If you are not going to cover them up, you might as well use a non IC can. The non IC needs the insulation back 3" all around and not on top at all. The IC is made to be covered up. From a safety stand point, the can will cycle on and off as indication of heat overload and if no corrective action is taken, it will turn off. Covering it up ensures the best insulation value. If you are going into the attic for wiring, moving insulation, etc anyway, you might as well use the nail down or screw down cans. To help you with the placement since you will be working blind from above, drill a hole from below in the center of where you want your can installed. Then from the attic, you will be able to see light coming through the hole if you have moved the bats out of the way. You can cut the hole from either side. By working from above, you can better secure the cans. When everythig is finished, simply cover the cans back up. Why pay extra for remodel cans when they aren't necessary? Why buy IC cans and then not take advantage of their insulating qualities? You will get some heat loss out of the can if it is not an air-tight model and you don't cover them up. They are made to have even foam insulation blown right over them. Purchase a name brand housing and be aware of the wattages. Hope this helps.

Here is a link that might be useful: My Web Site
normclc
14 years ago
Insulation touching the IC can poses no threat, that's what it's there for.
Check witrh your local inspector.In my area ,moving the insulation back from the can is not acceptable...different areas have different codes or interpretations.
There is a thermal coupling in the IC can to prevent overheating or overlamping.
It will cycle if the heat exceeds it's preset limit.
You want to keep the insulation as tight as possible to prevent heat loss, and higher heat bills.
bob_f
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you the additional advice.

I think I'll go with IC cans surrounded by insulation.

Bob

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