Knowledge Builders

can i put insulation over led downlights

by Mr. Aaron Bartoletti V Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Simply so, can you put insulation over LED lights? Although you can lay insulation on these downlights

Recessed light

A recessed light or downlight is a light fixture that is installed into a hollow opening in a ceiling. When installed it appears to have light shining from a hole in the ceiling, concentrating the light in a downward direction as a broad floodlight or narrow spotlight.

, the manufacturers don't recommend it as it could reduce the life span of the lamp or LED. From my own personal experience if you've got an iCage downlight fitted with a GU10 LED, it doesn't generate any heat and poses no fire risk.

Apply the sealant around the cable and along the edge of the cover where it rests on the ceiling. Now it will be safe to heap insulation onto that spot. I do recommend that you replace your bulbs with LEDs because they're so energy-efficient, but make sure they're rated for use in fully enclosed fixtures.

Full Answer

Do led downlights need insulation?

As you’ve no doubt guessed, non-fire rated LED downlights cannot be covered by insulation directly. Building Regulations (Part L Compliance - energy efficiency) state that insulation should not be compromised, without any reasonably avoidable gaps, and should therefore remain continuous to achieve the required thermal benefits.

How do you insulate downlights?

Ideally you put little hat things over the lights, then abut the insulation or cover over them. Pharma.. Mate, go to an electrical supplier, they will sell downlights that are rated for insulation cover, I think it's actually IC rating. Atom make one the sparkies like to use – around $22 a light with driver.

Do You Cover Your LED lights with insulation?

BUT the issue is that LEDs are more sensitive to damage by heat so letting them get hot shortens their lifetime. So best not to directly cover with insulation if possible. I used Covers as suggested at start by Lamchamps to keep insulation away from Lights.

Can led downlights be fitted on a flat roof?

Our dining room has a flat roof above it. The ceiling is plasterboard and directly above the plasterboard is insulation. I have recently has LED downlights fitted. The downlights have been pushed right up into the insulation. The electrician says this is fine as LEDS don't generate much heat.

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Can you cover recessed LED lights with insulation?

Before you install insulation (or can lights for that matter), it's important to make sure these recessed lights are IC rated. A can light that has an IC rating can be safely installed in a ceiling with insulation.

Is it OK to cover downlights with insulation?

Downlights with clear markings and supporting documentation showing “IC-F” or “IC” may be abutted and covered with insulation. However, while the light may be safe to operate when covered, the elevated temperatures resulting from lack of ventilation may in some cases reduce the expected lifetime of the product.

How do you insulate around LED downlights?

0:022:02Copy of How to fit downlight covers, insulation around ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou need to leave a gap in your insulation. Above each down light to prevent ceiling fire theMoreYou need to leave a gap in your insulation. Above each down light to prevent ceiling fire the effectiveness of the loft insulation is reduced by up to 30%.

Can you put fiberglass insulation over can lights?

Spread fiberglass batt or loose-fill insulation directly over the can if it is IC-rated. Stuff the insulation around the gap between the lip of the can and the drywall.

Is it OK to put loft insulation over downlights?

This poses the question: Can I put loft insulation over downlights? The answer to this used be no, but with the arrival of the loft lid you can now have an energy efficient and safe lighting installation. The loft lid creates a barrier between the downlight and the thermal insulation.

Can I put loft insulation over downlights?

Certain fire-rated downlights can be covered with insulation, such as the Ansell iCage range when bought with a box insulation protector. Loft caps are made from fire-resistant materials and can be used with any type of downlight, bringing you extra reassurance that your lighting is fire safe.

Can LED lights catch on fire?

Because of this, LEDs produce far less heat than other light bulbs, and heat is how fires start. Therefore, though an LED might feel warm to the touch, it is extremely unlikely that an LED would start a fire.

Do LED lights need thermal protection?

Despite an efficiency advantage over other light sources, LEDs can still suffer reliability issues if all parts of the lighting system, including the driver, aren't properly protected from over-temperature situations, says Steve Roberts.

Do LED downlights get hot?

Contrary to some marketing claims, LED bulbs do indeed generate heat as does anything that consumes electricity. The important thing to keep in mind is that LEDs consume a lot less energy than incandescent or halogen bulbs and are much more efficient in how they use that energy versus traditional bulb types.

How do you insulate downlights?

0:022:02How to fit downlight covers, insulation,downlights, recessed lightsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou need to leave a gap in your insulation. Above each down light to prevent ceiling fire theMoreYou need to leave a gap in your insulation. Above each down light to prevent ceiling fire the effectiveness of the loft insulation is reduced by up to 30%.How to fit downlight covers, insulation,downlights, recessed lightshttps://www.youtube.com › watchhttps://www.youtube.com › watchSearch for: How do you insulate downlights?

How do you insulate above recessed lighting?

0:485:24How to Insulate and Air Seal Recessed Lighting Not ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd these can lights are designed to keep cool to the touch on the outside or it would touch theMoreAnd these can lights are designed to keep cool to the touch on the outside or it would touch the insulation. And you can blow insulation right over the top of these.How to Insulate and Air Seal Recessed Lighting Not ... - YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com › watchhttps://www.youtube.com › watchSearch for: How do you insulate above recessed lighting?

How do you insulate ceiling lights?

2:415:45How to Seal and Insulate Can Lights - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipContact rated where the insulator keeps the insulation back from the can light fixture we can seeMoreContact rated where the insulator keeps the insulation back from the can light fixture we can see that the can light fixture is in the middle. And it's very cold because it's leaky.How to Seal and Insulate Can Lights - YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com › watchhttps://www.youtube.com › watchSearch for: How do you insulate ceiling lights?

Can you cover recessed lights?

The trim ring or light cover for recessed lighting also serves a purpose apart from aesthetics and that is to cover the point wherein the downlight and ceiling join together to create an ultra-smooth transition in between the light and the surface.

Are fire hoods required for LED downlights?

4 Answers from MyBuilder Electricians However if your LED spotlights are NOT fire rated, and they are installed in a room where there is a living space above (bedroom, bathroom or landing etc) whether that living space belongs to you or not (upstairs flat), then you will need to have the fire hoods fitted.

Can you put downlights in Kingspan?

Kingspan Insulation is such a high performing insulation that if you place a downlight or spotlight directly into it without taking appropriate precautions, then there will be little chance for heat generated by the lighting to dissipate.

How do you insulate recessed lights?

3:335:45How to Seal and Insulate Can Lights - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo how do we fix this problem well we're going to use dr. Energy Savers kam light covers.MoreSo how do we fix this problem well we're going to use dr. Energy Savers kam light covers.

Why should I insulate my lights?

Why You Should Insulate Your Light Fixtures. The insulation of your light fixtures has some benefits that can help your lights become more energy efficient . Insulating the fixtures can also save you from costly repairs down the road.

How much does an LED bulb cost?

On average, an LED bulb can cost around $5.00 each; however, you can spend some big money if you are purchasing a WIFI enabled bulb that will allow you to control it from your phone. A traditional bulb costs about $1.00 each.

How long do LED lights last?

An LED can also last up to 20 times longer than a traditional light fixture as the life span of an LED can have a life span of 25,000 hours. A conventional light bulb usually only lasts around 1,200 hours, ...

Why are IC rated fixtures worth the extra cost?

With these fixtures also being safety rated, they are worth the extra cost because it can help make your home more energy-efficient.

How much does a traditional bulb cost?

A traditional bulb puts out about 60 watts, which means over the 1,200-hour life span, you will pay $7.20 over the life of the conventional bulb. However, to run a traditional bulb for the same length of time as a LED bulb, it will cost you roughly $150.00 over that life span.

Why is there no gap in insulation?

Because you no longer have a thermal gap of air that is created by having to keep your fixture away from insulation, there is nowhere for the air to escape. No gap means that you have a better-insulated home, and that can make it much more energy-efficient.

Can you put insulation over LED lights?

So, if you are using an IC-rated LED fixture, then you can lay insulation over that fixture because the fixture is insulated to protect against heat. If your LED fixture is not rated for insulation contact, then it is best to leave enough clearance for the heat to escape.

Can insulation be placed over LED downlights?

The non-fire rated downlights can’t be covered by insulation. Before quilt insulation can be installed over the fitting, a cover needs to be fitted. The problem will be solved if a fire retardant cover is used.

Do LED lights need thermal protection?

If not mounted onto a heat sink, LEDs will fail sooner than traditional forms of lighting because they are so inefficient. All elements of the lighting system, including the driver, need to be taken into account in a robust thermal system design.

How hot do LED recessed lights get?

Some manufacturers offer “Warm Dim” or “Warm Glow”, which mimics the warm glow of the light when it is not being used. As they are dimmed, the lights change their color temperature from 2700K to 2200K.

Can LED lights be covered?

There will be no problems with the lights inside if the bulbs are officially closed rated. Regular LEDs can become damaged or lose their efficiency quickly.

Are fire hoods required for LED downlights?

The answer is no if the spotlights are fire rated. The purpose of a fire hood is to stop the passage of fire through the holes in the ceiling.

Can you cover ceiling lights with insulation?

Only over specially designed down lights. The insulation coverable down light was recently introduced by Aurora Lighting. The product has an insulation cover cap on it.

Can you put fiberglass insulation over can lights?

If it is IC rated, spread fiberglass batt or loose-fill insulation over the can. The can has a gap between it and the wall.

tore81 Screwfix Select

Yes they are far cooler to run than the old halogen. Seen them burned out a number of times.

koolpc Screwfix Select

Well, when we moved into our present house (bungalow) i noticed in the attic that all the LED's were covered with insulation!! No way was i going to let that stay the same so i went out and bought these:

tore81 Screwfix Select

Over the last five years government scheme which is free to add another layer of insulation.

koolpc Screwfix Select

Over the last five years government scheme which is free to add another layer of insulation.

FatHands Well-Known Member

If you know the manufacturer you can email them. I fitted some not long ago and it stated in the guide that they were OK to cover. I think the only concern is if someone were to swap them for halogens, but if its you and you intend to keep them like that cannot see a problem.

koolpc Screwfix Select

If you know the manufacturer you can email them. I fitted some not long ago and it stated in the guide that they were OK to cover. I think the only concern is if someone were to swap them for halogens, but if its you and you intend to keep them like that cannot see a problem.

koolpc Screwfix Select

To be honest, that frame looks enough. Fine i would say. See what others say

Question

The recessed lights in my house are accessible from the attic, but there’s no insulation around them because it says on the fixtures that they need to vent the heat generated by incandescent bulbs. If I replace those bulbs with LEDs, will that reduce the heat enough so I can insulate around the existing lighting cans? — T. J. Guinta, Patchogue, NY

Answer

While LEDs run much cooler than incandescents, their electronic components and external heat sinks do get quite hot; you would still need to keep the insulation away from your fixtures. And that leaves you with some serious problems.

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Can You Cover Led Lights Withinsulation?

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When working with any lighting system, youhave to understand the equipment that you are using. The answer is no; youcannot cover LED lights with insulation unless they are IC (Insulation Contact)rated, which allows the light to be inside 3″ of insulation. The IC rating is critical to note becausealthough LEDs are more energ…
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How IC (Insulation Contact) Works

  • When a fixture is IC-rated, they areusually 100 watts or less, which generates less heat on the fixture, and thatcan protect from possible combustion. IC-rated fixtures use a double can or acan within a can on the fixture to help disperse heat. The can within a can, is where the innercan generates the most heat, and then the outer can is placed over to keep thesecond can cool enou…
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What Are The Actual Savings?

  • LED savings outweigh the cost oftraditional light bulbs because of how efficient they run. Although it is amore significant expense to invest in those bulbs, it is a lot cheaper to runthem, making them more cost-effective.
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Things to Keep in Mind

  • Always understand the products that you areusing, and just because a light is LED does not mean that they can haveinsulation laid over them. Make sure that you are using the properly ratedfixture to handle the heat dispersion when you install the lamp. Insulation is a combustible substance, andtoo much heat on them can cause a fire in the ceiling. Most blow in insulationswill not only h…
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Final Thoughts

  • There are significant benefits toinsulating your lighting fixtures and using LED lights. It isn’t so much aquestion of, can you cover LED lights with insulation, but how to do it right.Always making sure your materials are the right ones for the job. This is vitalto make sure the installation is safe. Always make sure if you are planning tocover LED lights or any lights with insulation that you ge…
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1.Can I cover LED Downlights with insulation? - Lumitex …

Url:https://lumitex.com.au/can-i-cover-led-downlights-with-insulation/

27 hours ago Can I put insulation over LED downlights? When you're planning to add ceiling insulation it is the perfect time to upgrade to energy efficient IC-rated LED light fittings. Insulation can be installed and completely cover LED fittings with an "IC" rating for maximum effectiveness. LED downlights can be fitted with a dimmer but CFL bulbs cannot.

2.Can you cover LED Down lights with insulation? My …

Url:https://houshia.com/can-you-cover-led-lights-with-insulation/

14 hours ago  · Discuss Insulation over LED downlights in the DIY Electrical Advice area at ElectriciansForums.net. T. teecee90-DIY. Reaction score 3. Mar 14, 2018 ... I’m in the process of changing my old downlights in the bathroom , I put them in years ago with advice from my late father who was a sparky, these... Soozypoo; May 21, 2022; DIY Electrical ...

3.Can LED Recessed Lights Be Covered With Insulation?

Url:https://ledsmanufacturer.com/can-led-recessed-lights-be-covered-with-insulation/

30 hours ago  · Can insulation be placed over LED downlights? The non-fire rated downlights can’t be covered by insulation. Before quilt insulation can be installed over the fitting, a cover needs to be fitted. The problem will be solved if a fire retardant cover is used.

4.Videos of Can I Put Insulation Over LED Downlights

Url:/videos/search?q=can+i+put+insulation+over+led+downlights&qpvt=can+i+put+insulation+over+led+downlights&FORM=VDRE

35 hours ago  · Matt_H Member. Hi All, Our dining room has a flat roof above it. The ceiling is plasterboard and directly above the plasterboard is insulation. I have recently has LED downlights fitted. The downlights have been pushed right up into the insulation. The electrician says this is fine as LEDS don't generate much heat.

5.Insulation over LED lights - Screwfix Community Forum

Url:https://community.screwfix.com/threads/insulation-over-led-lights.184266/

28 hours ago  · So LED producing say 5W of light and 2W of heat and luminescent say 5W of light and 45W of heat. So insulation over LED should be less of fire issue than luminescent bulb. BUT the issue is that LEDs are more sensitive to damage by heat so letting them get hot shortens their lifetime. So best not to directly cover with insulation if possible.

6.How to Insulate Around Recessed LED Fixtures - This Old …

Url:https://www.thisoldhouse.com/lighting/21195440/how-to-insulate-around-recessed-led-fixtures

17 hours ago  · As you’ve no doubt guessed, non-fire rated LED downlights cannot be covered by insulation directly. Building Regulations (Part L Compliance - energy efficiency ) state that insulation should not be compromised, without any reasonably avoidable gaps, and should therefore remain continuous to achieve the required thermal benefits.

7.Insulation straight over LED downlights - Lighting

Url:https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2561132

28 hours ago Now it will be safe to heap insulation onto that spot. I do recommend that you replace your bulbs with LEDs because they’re so energy-efficient, but make sure they’re rated for use in fully enclosed fixtures. If not, the heat buildup will shorten their lifespan significantly.

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