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What is IC rated pot light
Pot light or Recessed lights are the 9ne of the most popular thing world of lighting. They are the essential components for planning a good lighting design. A recessed or pot is usually used to provide general lighting in a given space. You may have heard the term while buying lights, IC rated! Now, what is IC rated pot light? And why are they important?
We will discuss everything in this article. Let's hop on!
Pot lighting
Pot lighting or recessed lighting refers to fixtures that are attached to ceilings or walls. Recessed lights consist of two parts: the recessed device (the recessed section in the roof that you do not see), and the visible border. Recessed lighting provides efficient ambient lighting for residential and commercial use.What is IC rated pot light or lighting with insulating contact?
This is one very misunderstood concept. IC means Insulation contact. There are two types of recessed lights available: IC rated and not an IC rated. IC represents contact with the insulation and refers to whether or not it is safe for the insulation to touch the recessed lighting fixture. In other words, An insulation contact rated means that the lighting can come into direct contact with the thermal insulation. Conversely, an index of non-IC, or non-insulation, means that the device can not come into direct contact with the thermal insulation and must be kept within a few centimeters of any insulation. Knowing if you need fixtures with insulating connection is the other essential aspect when choosing the installation.
Find out if your recessed light is IC qualified by reading the information found on a label inside the device.
ICAT rated pot light
Pot lighting with an ICAT rating means the lighting is airtight and capable of having other insulation against it. ICAT stands for "Insulation Contact Air Tight." Most canned lighting in residential applications has this rating. However, it is still a good idea to isolate ICAT recessed lighting with a barrier to maintain isolation from direct contact with the light can. The best method is the use of rigid wire mesh that is available in rolls at home improvement centers.Differences between IC rated and non-IC rated pot lights
Installations:
The main difference between these two is in their facilities. They are installed differently.The non-IC rated lights can not touch the ceiling as they have no insulation contact certifications. As a result, to save the roof from the heat, they must put at least 3 inches away from the ceiling. This is necessary for the proper heat flow.
On the other hand, the IC-rated lights can be installed in insulated ceilings or walls.
Cost:
The price of non-IC rated pot lights is relatively lower than those with the certification of insulation contact.But the cost in usage is lower in IC rated pot lights than the non-IC rated ones. Because being safe, the IC-rated lights reduce the cost of electricians and repairs.
Color:
The IC rated pot light projects silver lightings, whereas the non-IC rated lights emit white color.Advantages of IC rated pot light
IC rated pot lights, or recessed spotlights offer the convenience of well-distributed lighting, oriented to specific areas of a room in the house.Practical, aesthetic, and often discreet, the recessed spot fits easily into a ceiling or a piece of furniture.
- It helps to enhance the lighting mood of a room.
- These pot lights with IC certification are more energy-efficient than others.
- This is important because it saves electricity, avoiding unnecessary cooling costs.
- You can easily cover these pot lights with insulation which will ultimately reduce the heat.
- the lighting can come into direct contact with the thermal insulation
- They are straightforward to install and also reduces the chance of fire hazards.
Why shouldn’t you use non-IC rated pot lights?
- If the light is not an IC rating, it cannot be replaced easily.
- You should take proper care when the insulation around it is installed because of the heat it throws out.
- Keep in mind; a recessed non-IC score light will never be 100 percent insulated.
- Non-IC rated pot lights cause unnecessary heating
- They are not very safe and increase the chance of accidents
- Also, They cost much higher
Can you use a CFL or LED bulb with an IC-rated recessed light?
Yes, you can use CFL, and LED bulbs with IC-rated recessed luminaires. It is important to note that the shape of the insulation should be as close as possible to the lamp specified by the manufacturer. However, because of the length and width of some light bulbs, the radiance can be modified and different from that originally intended.Why favor aluminum cases?
Aluminum housings are stronger and have superior heat dissipation properties than metal enclosures. Molded aluminum housings are stronger because of their one-piece construction compared to a case made of several pieces of metal that are fixed or welded together. For this reason, aluminum cases are perfect for IC-rated lighting.Where to place your IC rated pot or recessed spotlights?
The pot light or downlight is multifunctional lighting that fits almost any room. It is also suitable for outdoor use. You can use these lights in a living room, a dining room, or even a kitchen. They are appropriate to adorn the ceiling. In this case, they provide the primary lighting function. The luminous power to be diffused will depend on the volume of the room and will be adjustable according to the desired lighting environment. In the same vein, you can also embed the spots in the entrance or hallway.Using in the kitchen is safe as they are IC rated and reduces the possibility of fire hazards.
Since you can also consider the purchase of low voltage spots, they will be useful for direct lighting in your bathroom. However, make sure that the light intensity does not interfere with your main lighting and that the chosen spots are suitable for lighting a damp room.
Under furniture and inside the dressing room you can also install spotlights in an ultra-flat version based on the LED bulb. The interest lies in the lack of heating, and they provide enough lighting to see clearly.
IC rated pot lights are being popular day by day for their safety and efficiency. They may cost a little more to install, but in the future, they save more than non-IC rated lightings.