electricians, can lights

[lenny]

I have installed 4 can lights in a construction project and there is a 1" set back for combustibles to the can unit. I believe the unit has a sensor that will shut it off if it "overheats."

I should have spent a bit more money and bought a better can light fixture that I could insulate right up to. I insulated with celouse and buried the can and than cleared out around it for the set back. The insulation will not burn. I was wondering if i were to run only 65 watt bulbs would i have a problem with the fixture tripping. I don't like the idea of me loosing heat around. It probably sucks right up through the fixture more than we think, especially when the light is on and the heat it is producing cause a "draft like affect" drawing room heat out through itself.

What should I do? Yank those junks down and just use a ceiling mount light fixture or jump the sensor in the can and bury it will blown in. I cannot believe a 65 watt bulb could be a problem. I understand if i sell and the next bozo runs a 120watt bulb and sets the place ablaze. I like the look of cans but probably should not have used them. I'm gonna do a test tomorrow to see if they are drawing heat up through them buy seeing if smoke drafts up through them.

 

[lt250rfd]

buy i can light that is ic rated, meaning good for insulation contact. usually can buy in a kit with 6 for about $50.00 @ a home depot or menards. have 6" cans in my kitchen buried in insulation and no problems

 

[blutooth]

1" even seems close by most standards. most non-IC rated can lights need 3" of clear space. When I worked for a General Contractor a couple years back, we had a building burn down because of a non-IC rated can light. The overheat sensor can fail, and all kinds of bad things can happen. If it is a tight space you can yank them down and get remodel style can lights so you can do all the wiring down below and just tuck them up there when you are ready.

I'm installing 7 IC rated lights in my living room next week so I know what you are going through...

Good luck


Blutooth

 

[ezra]

get some 5gal buckets wrap in insulation set over your cans

 

[dab102999]

get some 5gal buckets wrap in insulation set over your cans

Sort of the same...my wifes grandpa and I made boxes out of styrofoam insulation (blue stuff) to put around the cans so that he could blow insulation in after words. Worked great.

 

[favoritos]

lenny, the guys have given you good advice. I assume this is in the attic. Yank them and put up something that will not allow the heat to escape. Those ice dams will be much less dramatic. I have seen roofs rot and water running down interior walls from ice build up. Not fun.

 

[ezra]

if you cant get to the attic u can prob just take the screws out of the inside of the can slide the can down out of the body and either 1 buy 4 IC cans and pull the IC can out of the body and wire it up to the old body and screw it in to the old frame.2once old can pulled from body un wire and try to rip out frame and replace with a IC remodel can.3 pull and un wire old can from frame and don't pull old can frame try putting in a remodel can in old frame hole may need to use sheet metal screws to hold in place.

 

[Flapjack23]

Pull non-IC cans out, put IC cans in and fit with CF bubs. Cover with insulation and enjoy lower hear and elec. bills.

Andy

 

[sabercat]

Make baskets out of chicken wire to cover the can, then insulate like you were going to do.

 

[sabercat]

Don't disconnect the thermo-overloads.

 

[lt250rfd]

Don't disconnect the thermo-overloads.

X2 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ They are there 4 a reason

 

[600hoic]

Do not: put a 5 gallon bucket over it, make a wire basket and cover with insulation, take off the outer cover and put IC rated cover over it. These all may cause a fire. The non IC cans are not built to hold the heat and need to ventilate. Go buy IC rated cans and install them.

 

[anonomoose]

Just use CF bulbs....insulate away! Worried about the next guy, be sure to disclose on disclosure forms, and write in large black marker, CF bulbs only!

Don't make this any harder than it is.

 

[miaferominka]

Always use IC cans in all and every situation. Doesn't matter what you disclose someone can sue your ***.

 

[yamadooed]

You'd be better off change'n the lamp with a candle before bypass'n the thermal... Either cage with chicken wire and insulation around the fixture or replace with IC remodelers...