Clearance, Cans on Isle 3

Okay, I have to admit it, this blog is not about supermarkets or department stores. But it is about something I find quite often in attics. It has to do with older "canned" recessed lighting. Look at the picture below:

The picture is of the older canned lighting in the attic. The lights will have a warning label on them. The label generally reads something to the effect of, "Warning, risk of fire, 3-inch minimum clearance needed to combustibles." Of course "combustibles" refers to anything that can catch on fire, insulation being one of those. So there needs to be a minimum 3-inch distance between the canned lighting and the insulation. The reason for the clearance is that the older canned lighting can generate a lot of heat.

So the danger is real, but the solution is easy. Crawl up in the attic and move the insulation at least 3-inches away from the light. If the insulation looks like it might fall back towards the light, then add a sheet of metal to act as a barrier. So there you go, and hence the title, "Clearance, Cans on Isle 3."

I hope this gives you a little more information about a professional home inspection and its value. Be safe out there.

Posted by Joseph Lang of Pillar To Post Professional Home Inspection

(c) 2009 Joseph Lang dba Pillar To Post