Luminarias empotradas — separación y clasificación IC

If a recessed can is not marked IC, insulation has to be kept back three inches and combustibles cleared. IC-rated cans are built to sit in contact with insulation safely.

With old incandescent cans this was a real fire risk. LED retrofits run much cooler, but you still have to respect the rating that is stamped on the housing.

When it applies

Recessed cans run hot, so this rule protects the framing and insulation around them. A non-IC fixture needs air space kept clear of insulation and combustible material, while an IC-rated fixture is built to sit in direct contact with insulation without overheating. Which one you have determines what can touch it.

Common mistakes

• Burying a non-IC can under blown-in attic insulation and creating a slow heat trap.
• Assuming every can is IC-rated instead of checking the label.
• Stuffing higher-wattage lamps into a fixture than its rating allows.

In the field

In an insulated attic I always spec IC-rated, airtight cans, or better yet LED units built for the ceiling. It keeps the heat down and the homeowner's energy bill lower too.