How to Insulate ICAT Recessed Lighting

Recessed lighting with an ICAT rating means the lighting is air-tight and able to have insulation rest up against it. ICAT stands for “insulation contact air tight.” Most canned lighting in residential applications has this rating. However, it is still a good idea to insulate ICAT recessed lighting with a barrier to keep the insulation from directly contacting the light can. The best method is to use stiff wire mesh that is available in rolls at home improvement centers.

Things You'll Need

Tape measure
Tin snips

Wire mesh (12-inch-tall rolls)

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the power to the recessed ICAT lighting at the circuit breaker. This prevents accidental shocks when working around the lighting wires.
- 2
  Go into the attic and measure the circumference of the ICAT lighting fixture with a tape measure. Add 6 inches to the overall circumference.
- 3
  Cut a piece of wire mesh two-thirds longer than the circumference measurement with tin snips. For example, if you have a 6-inch diameter can and you add an additional 6 inches, you have a 12-inch circumference. Multiply the total circumference by three for a total of 36 inches.
- 4
  Form the cut piece of wire mesh into a tube, and bend the cut ends of the wire over the wire on the opposite end to hold the tube together. Cut a small notch in the bottom of the wire mesh tube with tin snips to fit over the wires without coming in contact with wires.
- 5
  Set the wire mesh tub over the ICAT light fixture. Place insulation around the outside of the wire mesh. This provides insulation around the fixture to keep drafts to a minimum without coming in direct contact with the fixture.
- 6
  Continue insulating the remaining ICAT fixtures in the same manner. Turn on the power once you insulate all ICAT fixtures.

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