Can You Put Open-Faced Fluorescent Lights in an Attic?

Types

• Recessed lighting is often placed in attic ceilings to provide adequate light when homeowners need it. This type of lighting is set into the attic ceiling. You can also place open-faced fluorescent lights inside your attic. Unless your attic is quite large, one bulb with a pull chain should provide enough light.

Warning

• Avoid covering any type of light fixture inside your attic with insulation as this creates a fire hazard. Recessed lights and open-faced fluorescent light bulbs can become quite hot. When adding more insulation to your attic, take extra care if you are using blown-in cellulose as this type of insulation often drifts over light fixtures and can catch fire. According to the United States Department Of Energy, the only safe light bulbs for use around insulation are IC-rated fluorescent bulbs.

Solution

• Avoid placing recessed lights inside your attic to reduce the risk of fire. If you install open-faced fluorescent lights inside your attic, you can reduce your risk of fire damage by installing IC-rated Energy Star light bulbs. These bulbs stay cooler and do not catch fire as easily as traditional fluorescent light bulbs. Keeping at least 3 inches of clearance between open-faced bulbs and insulation or other building materials is the best way to avoid fire damage.

Benefits

• Choosing IC-rated fluorescent bulbs will also help you save money on your energy bill each month. These fluorescent light bulbs are much more efficient than standard light bulbs. According to the United States Department Of Energy, IC-rated fluorescent light bulbs will last six to 12 times longer than standard light bulbs.