Are IC rated cans acceptable for direct contact with wooden structural members?
Peter
No
The can must have at least 1/2 inch clearance from any lumber. IC is INSULATION CONTACT.
Edward.
410-66(a) NEC.1996
Recessed portion of lighting fixture enclosures, other than at the point of support shall be spaced at least 1/2 inch from combustible material.
Exception: Recessed fixtured identified as suitable for insulation to be in direct contact with the fixture.
Edward
Read the exception you posted.
IC rated recessed housings do NOT require any clearance from combustible material. The paper backing on older insulation is one of the most combustible items you will find in attics.
Curt
Another point, they do not make the smaller 4" cans with the IC rating. I believe it is because they are too small to dissapate the heat.
caselec,
you are absolutely right.
Learn something everyday.
Edward
They make 4" IC cans, but the housing is 14"X 14"!
Mark,
You must be thinking of 4” low voltage housings. Halo, Juno, Lightolier, Nora, DMF, Elco, Etc make 4” line voltage IC housings that are not much larger than the equivalent TC versions.
Curt
Curt, you're right they them... Only minorly larger than non-ic for the line voltage ones. I was stuck in 1499 world there for a while.