How to Insulate Non IC Rated Recessed Lighting

Two types of recessed lighting are available: IC rated and non-IC rated. IC stands for insulation contact and refers to whether or not it is safe for insulation to touch the recessed light fixture. Find out if your recessed light is IC rated by reading the information found on a sticker inside the fixture. If your light is non-IC rated and you cannot replace it at this time, you must take proper care when you install insulation around it because of the heat it throws off. Keep in mind, a non-IC rated recessed light will never be 100 percent insulated.

Things You'll Need

Tape measure
Boards
Circular saw
Hammer

2-inch nails
Fiberglass insulation
Level
Utility knife

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the width between the two joists that house the recessed light fixture. Transfer this measurement to two boards that are the same width as your joists. Joists may be between 2-by-8-inch to 2-by-12-inch boards.
- 2
  Cut the board with a circular saw so you have two short boards that will fit between the joists. Measure 3 inches from the recessed light on both sides and make a mark on the joists.
- 3
  Line up the boards with the marks on the joists, keeping a 3-inch gap between the recessed light and the boards. Hammer 2-inch nails through the joists and into the short boards to hold them in place.
- 4
  Measure the length of the gap behind and in front of the short boards that you need to fill with insulation. Transfer this measurement to a strip of fiberglass insulation. Hold a level across the insulation. Cut the insulation with a utility knife, using the level as a straight edge. Stuff the insulation into the gap between the joists.

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