Recessed luminaires not identified for contact with insulation must be kept at least what distance from combustibles?

Recessed luminaires not identified for contact with insulation must be kept at least what distance from combustibles?

• A. 1/2 inch
• B. 2 inches
• C. 3 inches
• D. 3 1/2 inches

Answer: (A)

The key idea is heat control around recessed luminaires. If a fixture isn’t rated for contact with insulation, it must not be pressed directly against insulating material or other combustibles. Instead, you leave a small air gap to let heat escape and prevent overheating. The code specifically requires a half-inch air space between a non-IC recessed luminaire and insulation (or combustibles) so the fixture isn’t in direct contact with heat sources. If you need to have insulation touching or around a fixture, you must use an IC-rated unit that’s listed for insulation contact. The other, larger clearances aren’t required for this scenario; they’d be unnecessary given the fixture’s non-IC rating.

The key idea is heat control around recessed luminaires. If a fixture isn’t rated for contact with insulation, it must not be pressed directly against insulating material or other combustibles. Instead, you leave a small air gap to let heat escape and prevent overheating. The code specifically requires a half-inch air space between a non-IC recessed luminaire and insulation (or combustibles) so the fixture isn’t in direct contact with heat sources. If you need to have insulation touching or around a fixture, you must use an IC-rated unit that’s listed for insulation contact. The other, larger clearances aren’t required for this scenario; they’d be unnecessary given the fixture’s non-IC rating.