Installation of Recessed Luminaires Rules 30-308 (page 150), 30-408 (page 152)
Recessed Fixtures (Luminaires) Blanketed with Thermal Insulation
Rule 30-308 (4) requires that recessed luminaires blanketed with thermal insulation be restricted to those approved and
marked for this application.
Two new letter markings are appearing:
“TI” may appear on some luminaires and stands for thermal insulation. It has not been required by the standards
since April 1998 and has been replaced by the markings given below, and can be expected to be seen less frequently.
“IC” stands for insulation contact and is a required form of marking which identifies luminaires which meet a specific
set of tests in the standard involving insulation contact.
Please note that “IC” and non “IC” type fixtures are similar in appearance and one must pay attention to the labels.
Marking on Luminaire:
“Suitable for use with Thermal
Insulation,” and
“Vapour Barrier must be
suitable for 90C”
May be blanketed with thermal insulation as permitted by Rule
30-308 (4)
Supplementary Note:
The Ministry of Housing has advised that cellulose fibre insulation
has a maximum temperature rating of 80C and must not be
subjected to higher temperatures. Installations where cellulose fibre
insulation is in contact with the recessed luminaire may not be in
compliance with the Ontario Building Code.
“Type IC”,
“Blinking light of this thermally
protected luminaire may
indicate overheating”, and
“Vapour Barrier must be
suitable for 90C”
The standard for Cellulose Fibre Thermal Insulation for Buildings
(CAN/CGSB – 51.60-M90 planned to be superseded by
CAN/ULC – S703.1) is changing and will provide for exposure up
to 90C. Product from bags marked for compliance to CAN/ULC –
S703.1 will not be subject to this cautionary note.
“Type IC”,
“Inherently Protected”, and
“Vapour Barrier must be
suitable for 90C “
Various methods may be used to correct installations after the fact.
One solution is to blanket the fixtures with fibreglass insulation so
as to avoid contact with cellulose fibre.
Marking of luminaire:
“Do not install insulation within 76
mm (3 in) of any part of the luminaire”
and
“Blinking light of this thermally
protected luminaire may indicate
overheating”
May be accepted in proximity to thermal insulation
provided it is separated by at least the specified
distance from the luminaire.
Contrary to past practice with thermal insulation, boxes
may be used provided the dimensions are achieved.
These fixtures have internal over-temperature
protection which will operate should the temperature
exceed acceptable levels.
Where boxes are used, thermal insulation is not
permitted on top of any box used to surround or
enclose the luminaire. In addition, installations are not
acceptable where loosely filled thermal insulation is
blocked by an open top box such that the insulation
may cover the top of the luminaire.
Where there is no thermal insulation, combustible
surfaces must not be closer than 13mm (0.5 in).
Tony Moscioni
Electrical Inspector
© Electrical Safety Authority