Suggested Review – :039, :040, :041, :042, :043
Today’s 1:5:10:365 Tip is about air tight can lights designed to be in contact with the insulation.
1:5:10:044 Tip: Ceiling can type lights have historically wasted a lot of energy. Many states are now requiring Insulation Contact and Air Tight (ICAT) can lights for new construction, but this means there are a lot of old leaky ones. Don’t merely try sealing a leaky can light or covering it with insulation. The heat build-up can create a fire. Instead, the light fixture should be retrofitted with an approved kit, or replaced with a ITIC unit.
Image courtesy of www.moistureview.com
The above thermal image shows a can type light with a dark ring around it. The dark ring represents air infiltration. The lighter blue areas represents insulation missing between the ceiling joists. Placing a puff of smoke from the Wizard Stick (:039) near the can light further demonstrates the air infiltration.
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Additional Information
Here’s some information from California’s title 24 standards about recessed air tight insulation contact lights and their payback period:
Aubuchon Hardware has ITAC fixtures available for new construction and remodeling in packs of 6 for $62.94:
New construction:
http://electrical.hardwarestore.com/13-42-recessed/airtight-construction-recess-can-638640.aspx
Remodeling:
http://electrical.hardwarestore.com/13-42-recessed/air-tight-remodeling-recess-can-638639.aspx
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