Many people question the use of an insulating box for recessed LED (light‑emitting diode) luminaires installed in an insulated ceiling.
According to the Québec Construction Code, Chapter V – Electricity, 2018, the installation of recessed LED luminaires in ceilings containing thermal insulation is permitted when the luminaires are rated Type IC.
NON‑IC Type
Each recessed luminaire housing marked “NON‑IC Type” (no contact with insulation) must be installed so as to maintain a clearance of at least 13 mm from combustible materials and at least 76 mm from thermal insulation, in order to prevent overheating of the luminaire.
The following are the main sections of the Canadian Electrical Code that address this topic:
30‑906 – Luminaires permitted to be in contact with thermal insulation
The recessed portion of any recessed luminaire of the IC type or intrinsically protected IC type may be in contact with combustible material or be covered with thermal insulation.
30‑902 – Clearances for NON‑IC type luminaires
Except as permitted in Rules 30‑904 and 30‑908, the recessed portion of any NON‑IC type recessed luminaire shall be not less than 13 mm from combustible material, except at the point of support, and thermal insulation shall not be installed within 76 mm of the luminaire.
30‑904 – Clearances for NON‑IC type luminaires with marked clearances
The recessed portion of any NON‑IC type recessed luminaire with marked clearances shall be installed so as to maintain, except at the point of support, the minimum clearance from thermal insulation and combustible material as specified by the manufacturer’s markings on the luminaire.
The information contained in this article has been prepared with care and is, in our opinion, accurate. However, should an error have occurred inadvertently, Trades Exam (Formation Metiers inc.) assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or compliance of the information contained herein, nor for the use made of this information by the reader. Readers are encouraged to consult official documents to validate the information.
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