IC Rated
A safety rating for recessed light fixtures that are approved for direct contact with ceiling insulation. Non-IC fixtures require clearance from insulation to prevent fire risk.
When a recessed light fixture is mounted in an insulated ceiling — which includes most modern homes — the insulation can trap heat around the fixture housing. IC (Insulation Contact) rated fixtures are designed and tested to operate safely even when completely buried in insulation.
Non-IC fixtures require a minimum 3-inch clearance between the housing and any insulation. In practice, this means building a dam or box around the fixture in the attic to keep insulation away — extra work that many installers skip, creating a potential fire hazard. This is why building codes in most jurisdictions now require IC-rated fixtures in insulated ceilings.
The upgrade from IC to AT (Airtight) adds an air seal to prevent conditioned air from leaking through the fixture opening into the attic. This matters for energy efficiency — a non-airtight recessed light can leak significant heated or cooled air into unconditioned space. Modern LED wafer lights are inherently airtight since they don't require a can housing with openings.
Specifications
| IC | Safe for insulation contact |
| Non-IC | Requires 3-inch clearance from insulation |
| AT (Airtight) | IC + sealed to prevent air leaks |
Related Terms
- Recessed Lighting
Light fixtures installed flush into the ceiling, creating a clean, unobtrusive look. Also called can lights or downlights. Available as integrated LED or with replaceable bulbs.
