insulating over fluorescent lights

[rfox20]

I just put 6 2 foot by 4 foot recess fluorescent lights in my garage. What is the best way to insulate between the trusses? Just a continuous roll to go over top of the light or break and put no insulation on top of the light. I am using r30 in my ceiling trusses. Does it hurt to put insulation directly on top of the 2x4 fool light?

 

[Stuart in MN]

What kind of recessed light fixtures are they? If you've recycled some old troffer style fixtures that were in a drop in ceiling like they use in offices, in most if not all cases they are not rated for having insulation installed right over them - the lights can overheat and be a fire hazard.

 

[Angelfire]

Yup, were they IC rated? If so, you can have insulation in contact. If not, you cannot have insulation within so many inches of them (forget the distance).

 

[rfox20]

Here is the link http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay...gId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1 I got them new at lowes.

 

[Steevo]

Here is the link http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay...gId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1 I got them new at lowes.

Were there any papers in the box with them?
If so, did you keep them?

Because, the Lowes web site doesn't give any information as to whether or not these are iC rated. I'd bet the included paperwork does have that info.

After a little more digging, the fixture is made by Cooper Lighting, and does not appear to be IC rated. Nowhere in any of the online specifications for the model (2GR8432R) does it show or state anything about being so rated.

 

[rfox20]

Thanks for the help. No paper work and nothing on box or light. So I will insulate to the light and break a piece over the light with a 3 inch gap I guess. Or may put some kind of barrier with a gap. They give a spec sheet on the web site with a non IC and an IC but not to the specific light so I will assume non IC.

 

[Steevo]

Just box the area where the light is, by using thin plywood across the adjacent joists, leaving an air gap above the troffer.
That way you can lay your insulation over the top of the plywood, or better yet, blow it in 12"deep or more..