How to Insulate Recessed Light Fixtures

by DoItYourself Staff

Recessed light fixtures are very effective but they can cause drafts and loss of heat. So how do you insulate them?

Major Problem

One of the major problems with recessed light fixtures is that as well as causing insulation problems they need to be properly ventilated to prevent them over-heating and becoming a fire risk.

Insulation Standards

There are installation standards for most recessed light fixtures and they all include an element of warning about insulation being installed too closely to them. For some of these recessed light fixtures a transformer is used so that they can run at 12 volts – these transformers need to be in the open and fully ventilated so be aware of where they are when checking your insulation.

Plant Pot Solution

The best solution is a compromise between insulation and ventilation and this can be achieved by inverting a ceramic plant pot or similar item over the recessed light fixture. To be effective, the plant pot needs to be as big as possible to ensure that there is plenty of clearance all round and it must have a hole in the bottom.

Over-Heating

When the light is switched on the necessary ventilation is available and the size of the pot makes over heating unlikely while preventing any insulation from creeping and covering the light fixture.

When the light is switched off the hole in the base of the plant pot is small enough to make a significant contribution to the effectiveness of the rest of the insulation.

Down Side

There is a possible down side to this solution because recessed light fixtures can have their effective life reduced if they are constantly running hotter than normal but you have to try it and test the results to see which solution is best for you.
Although this is not a perfect solution it is the best compromise.

Note: Although the plant pot is the best and most simple solution some people recommend that a box made of non-inflammable material is built around the light fixture. Like the plant pot, this box has to be large enough to allow the light fixture to remain at a safe operating temperature and strong enough to withstand pressure from the insulation that will be against it.