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jjkrjh
12-02-2008, 08:37 PM
I found light fixtures for the garage at the Odd Lots of building supplies(Grossman bargain Outlet). They were 3 bulb T8's black frame,silver grids, and (2) have battery backup. Nice looking fixtures for suspended ceilings and had 277v. ballasts. The fixtures were cheap, so I bought them and replaced the ballasts. The lights are installed and been in use for about a year. Winters here again and I'm getting around to insulating/putting up the ceiling. The question is can I insulate over the top of these? There was a sticker on them that they aren't fire rated. The ballast's don't get very hot, checked on top in the summer. I could leave my hand on the top where the ballasts are.Should I cut out a hole for the ballast to get air, make some sort of frame to keep the insulation off the fixture? On the long side of the lights(in the frame) there are holes/slots that appear to let air from the room up past the frame. Thanks for any help you guys can offer.
roger55
12-02-2008, 09:24 PM
You have to find out if it is IC (Insulation Contact) rated or not.
It should say on it somewhere if it is.

They look commercial to me. Chances are it is not IC rated.
Most commercial fixtures are not IC rated and most residential units are IC rated.

If it is not IC rated, you have to have a 3 inch clearance from insulation.
If it is IC rated, tear the paper away from the unit if you are using paper backed insulation.
jjkrjh
12-02-2008, 09:52 PM
The lights, I would think, are commercial 277V. Is there an easy way to make/purchase stand offs for the insulation?
Torque1st
12-03-2008, 05:16 PM
Where are you getting the 277V from?

A person could use some furring strips against the joists and then put some hardware cloth over that.
jjkrjh
12-03-2008, 06:11 PM
Where are you getting the 277V from?



???????????????? I've changed the ballasts, running 120v. ballasts. Or are you asking where I picked up the (277v.) from?



The fixture's are about 2" above the top of the truss. I would have to make a frame out of 2x6's(very expensive) to get enough clearance above the light.
Torque1st
12-03-2008, 06:25 PM
Sorry, I did not see the part about replacing the ballasts and everyone kept talking 277V.

I can't help you on clearance, sounds like you need to do some re figuring.