Sealing Non-Insulation Contact (IC) Recessed Light

Detail ID 3.0102.1
Topic
General Pressure Boundary
Subtopic
Specific Air Sealing
Desired Outcome

Airtight, durable, and fire safe enclosure that remains in place and prevents air movement @ 50 Pascals of pressure

SF Single Family Site-Built Housing
MH Manufactured Housing
MF Multifamily Housing

Specifications

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Select sealants that:

are compatible with their intended surfaces,

allow for differential expansion and contraction between dissimilar materials,

meet the requirements of the applicable fire safety code (e.g. thermal or ignition barriers), and

for use inside the pressure boundary select low volatile organic compound (VOC) sealants that meet independent testing and verification protocols

Select safe and effective sealants

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Select materials that:

adequately support applied load and are permanent air barriers,

meet the requirements of the applicable fire safety code (e.g. thermal or ignition barriers), and

for use inside the pressure boundary select low volatile organic compound (VOC) materials that meet independent testing and verification protocols

Select safe and effective materials

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Maintain a minimum clearance of 3 inches between enclosure and all portions of fixture (e.g. wiring, box, and ballast)

Enclosure must be at least as tall as the surrounding insulation

Maintain a minimum clearance of 3 inches between enclosure and all portions of fixture (e.g. wiring, box, and ballast)

Enclosure must be at least as tall as the surrounding insulation

Note: Installing an LED bulb in a non-IC rated fixture does not change the rating of the fixture or the need for an airtight enclosure.

Prevent overheating of fixture

Prevent overheating of fixture

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Enclosure top must be R-1 or less and left free of insulation

Prevent heat buildup

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Enclosure must withstand applied loads

Durable enclosure

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Remove any material from the sealing area that will prevent full adhesion of the selected sealant

Surface is clean and ready to accept sealant

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Apply a continuous seal at all seams, cracks, joints, edges, penetrations, and connections of the enclosure while applying sufficient pressure to push sealant into any gaps or cracks and contact any backing or infill material required

Sealant exposed to the interior of the enclosure must meet the same fire rating as the enclosure

Fully adhered, safe, and durable sealant

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Visibly flag enclosure above the final insulation level

Visually identify enclosure for future access