Ask the Builder
Recessed Lighting Problems
By Tim Carter
©1993-2008 Tim Carter
Summary: Have recessed lighting with a mind of its own? Your recessed lights go off and on without the switch being activated? Are you getting ready to add extra insulation in your attic? If so, avoid problems and take a few moments to read this column.
DEAR TIM: My husband installed some recessed lights in a family room we just built. I think he goofed something up. Every time I turn the lights on, 10 minutes later they automatically turn off. Also, I feel a draft through these fixtures. Did we make a mistake purchasing recessed lights? T. G.
DEAR T. G.: No. However, your husband very likely made
several mistakes during the installation. Some of these are potentially very
serious and could result in a fire. Do not use the lights again until you have
them checked by a professional or by your local electrical inspector. By the
way, the electrical inspector DID look at the lights and wiring before they were
covered, didn't he? I hope your flashlight batteries are fresh. Recessed
lighting is a very functional type of lighting. It can be used to create a
border of light in a room, flood work areas with light, spotlight pictures or
sculptures, and as general purpose lighting. Personally, I prefer to mix
recessed lights with other types of lighting fixtures. This creates layers of
light that can be; peeled from one another to create different
moods.
There are several reasons why your recessed lights turn off by
themselves. All Underwriters Laboratory (UL) approved recessed lighting fixtures
produced since the early 1980's must have a thermal protection switch built into
the fixture.
This device will turn off the light if the temperature
inside the fixture gets too hot. After the light cools down, the light
will magically turn back on. If this is happening to you, the light is telling
you that there is a problem. Your problem may be the ceiling insulation. Some
recessed fixtures are allowed to be smothered in insulation. These often are
designated IC fixtures. Fixtures without this designation must have a minimum of
3 inches of clearance between the fixture, its junction box, ballasts and any
insulation. The National Electric Code specifically states that nothing should
be installed above these fixtures that will either trap heat or block free air
circulation through the fixture.
In your case, your husband may have installed a fixture without the IC
designation. If insulation is too close or on top of this fixture, the fixture
will overheat. The problem may also be as simple as the light bulb within the
fixture. If it is too large (too high a wattage), the bulb is creating too much
heat. Remove the bulb and look inside the recessed light housing. You should see
labeling which tells you the maximum wattage of the bulb that you can place in
the fixture. Be sure to use the approved light trims for the fixture as well.
Intermixing trims between fixtures can cause you to loose your UL
rating.
Finally, the draft you feel is unnecessary. Many manufacturers
now make recessed lights that are completely sealed. Using these fixtures can
save you money. A single recessed light fixture that is not airtight can allow
up to 2.5 million cubic feet of air to pass through it in one year. This type of
air flow could waste up to 1 million BTU's of energy loss per fixture per year!
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