By Dwight Uffer

It is very important to understand the difference between IC rated fixtures and those that are Non IC rated. For the purpose of this technical topic, definitions and examples will be provided for IC and NON- IC as they pertain to applications in the lighting industry.

IC Rated:
If a light fixture is intended for direct contact with insulation, it will require an IC rating (IC stands for Insulated Contact). An IC rated fixture, by definition, “be approved for zero clearance insulation cover by an OSHA NRTL Laboratory”, such as Underwriters Laboratory (commonly known as UL).

IC ratings on light fixtures are very common in residential applications. Many homes have blown in cellulose or fiberglass insulation in the attic space, covering all of the light fixtures.  By offering a light fixture that is IC rated, homeowners can rest easy that as long as they abide by the information listed on the labels of the fixtures, they will not have to worry about the performance of the product.

There is also a lower lamp wattage (than approved by Non-IC Applications) that is approved for use with an IC rated fixture because of the fact that the “blanket” of insulation will keep the heat from the lamp from escaping into the plenum (attic space).  For example, if an IC rated housing is UL approved for use with a 90 watt Par 38 incandescent lamp, then a Par38 lamp with 90 watts or fewer must be installed. However, if the homeowner/electrician/contractor installs a Par38 lamp greater than 90watts into the socket of that housing, the thermal protector will kick in, terminating power to the fixture until the problem is addressed.

Non-IC Rated:

If the space that a light fixture is to be installed does not contain insulation, a Non-IC rated fixture should be used ( Non-IC stands for NON Insulted contact). If insulation is present in an application where a Non-IC fixture is used, a minimum of 3” clearance should exist on all sides of the light fixture, and no insulation may be present across the top of the installed fixture.  By maintaining these clearance requirements, overheating should not be an issue according to testing conducted on the fixture.

Non-IC rated fixtures are occasionally used in residential applications, but much more often the y can be found in commercial applications.  this is because most residential, single family dwellings will use insulation in the attic space for energy conservation--- but it less likely that commercial spaces (such as shopping centers and grocery stores) will use insulation as part of their construction.  There will always be exceptions to this theory, of course, but this is a general rule when determining what fixture to use in what application.

A higher lamp wattage (than is approved for an IC application) is approved for use with a Non-IC rated fixture.  This is because in a Non-IC application, no insulation comes in direct contact with the fixture housing; therefore, the heat generated from the lamp can escape and dissipate into the plenum.

The home inspector should be aware of these two types of fixtures.  A common mistake is made when the homeowner installs recessed lighting in the home on his own and doesn’t realize the difference between these two distinct products.  The inspector should make note of these fixtures while inspecting areas in which insulation comes in contact with a light fixture if they are IC rated, because Non- IC rated fixtures could become a source of ignition under the right conditions.

Submitted 10/2006
Dwight Uffer
Re: Capri Lighting
Tech Topic

• Defects and Deterioration
• Electrical Wiring
• IC Rated Light Fixtures
• Water Vapor Diffusion

• Defects and Deterioration
• Electrical Wiring
• IC Rated Light Fixtures
• Water Vapor Diffusion