How to Build a Box Around a Non-IC Recessed Light

Non-IC-rated recessed lighting poses a few issues if you want to add insulation in the attic. Non-IC means that insulation should not contact the light fixture can due to the heat given off by the lights. Although there are commercial boxes available, it is possible to build a box around a non-IC recessed light yourself with a standard square heating duct. Because of the heat the light gives off, the top of the box must be open. In essence you are creating a square dam around the fixture so that insulation can be added around the outside of the box.

Things You'll Need

Tape measure
Heat duct

Tin snips

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the electricity to the non-IC-rated recessed lighting at the circuit breaker. Go into your attic and measure the circumference of the light can with a tape measure. Add 3 inches to the measurement. Insulation must be at least 3 inches away from the light can.
- 2
  Add the total number of lights you need boxes for and multiply by the height of each can. For example, if your light cans are 12 inches high and you have eight lights, your total is 96 inches.
- 3
  Purchase square heat duct that is the next size up from your overall measurement. If you have a 6-inch light can, you require at least a 9-inch duct. In this case you need to purchase a 10-inch heat duct since this is the next size up from your 9-inch requirement. Purchase enough duct to cover all the cans. In the example you need 96 inches of duct.
- 4
  Cut the square duct to the height of your light cans with a pair of tin snips. Place the duct over the light can and mark where the wires go to the can on the duct. Cut a notch in the bottom of the box for the wires with the tin snips.
- 5
  Repeat the process for each of the non-IC recessed light cans. Turn on the electricity to the cans once all the boxes are in place.

How to Install Shower P Traps

How to Install Grate Heaters for Fireplaces

Home Maintenance