ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Recessed lighting safety

ElZappr,

I believe that NM-B cable, which became available around 1985, is suitable for these fixtures due to the 90 deg. rating as long as it's ampacity is determined in accordance with the 60 deg. column. Pre-1985 NM cable would not be suitable due to the lower temp. rating.
Same thing with most of the surface mounted ceiling fixtures being sold these days.

[This message has been edited by Redsy (edited 02-06-2003).]

Used Commercial brand once and fortunatly it was on my home. Never, ever again will I use it or recommend it. Amen!
Mark

Elzppr In Massachusetts you are required to use the fixtures you refer to where insulation is required. They are generally called "Airtight" and are completly sealed against air leakage. Different manufacturers have different methods of accomplishing this but they generally have no openings in the can and incorporate some type of rubber gasket.

Thanks, Electricmanscot.
Redsy, thanks for the NM-B info. I wasn't sure about how it all worked out, but I figured I'd just pass along my guesswork and see if anyone would correct me on it. I know in normal can lights, the j-box is away from the heat (with 18" of high temp wire leading to the socket), and so NM-B wire is ok. Without seing one of the "commercial electric" models I didn't know if the same type of wire could be used.

Elzappr: I believe you are right with respect to not being able to use Romex since the box location is right on top of the can. The instruction on the j-box cover reads something like this "...conductor suitable for at least 90C permitted..."

Redsy: I don't quite understand the relationship between the 90 degree rating and "...60 degree column" in your last comment. Great if you would elaborate. Thanks.

All: I appreciate everyone's advice and will definitely shop for another brand.

2bz,

NM-B cable has a temperature rating of 90 deg. C, but Article 334.80 states that the ampacity of NM cables be in accordance with the 60 deg. conductor temp. rating (table 310.16).

not all IC's are created equal, but then again not all insulation is either. i would not trust some in allegedly IC cans in a blown in environ.

the variety that instructs the installer to 'srcape off the label' to become IC is the most humerous to be.

yrs
~Steve
2bz2S

Sparky why would you single out blown in insulation. From what I understand the cellulose type is treated with fire retardant. I guess we have to trust the listing agency that lists these products that when properly installed they are all perfectly safe.