How to install recessed lights in attic

C: A dwelling unit attic being used only for storage requires a lighting outlet. Lighting outlets in an attic are only required if equipment is located in the attic. Subsequently, question is, Do you need an electrician to replace a light fixture? The time needed to install a fixture varies, depending on its location and the difficulty of running and connecting wires and switches.

A recessed light, sometimes called a can light, has both its housing and bulb recessed above the ceiling drywall. Converting a standard ceiling light fixture to a recessed light involves removing the old fixture and its electrical box and installing the new recessed light, usually in the same place. Yes, junction boxes in attics, suspended ceilings and crawl spaces are legal. Basically, the rule is that ALL wire connections must be accessible.

The answer is the recessed lighting should go first. An exception is if your ceilings test positive for asbestos. When looking for an electrician to install recessed lights in your home, it is best to hire a local electrician. Because the transportation cost will be lower, and locals will be more aware of state regulations. The last thing we want is water or ice forming under your radiant barrier foil. You must always use perforated radiant barrier foil when installing directly on top of existing attic insulation.

You have two options: seal and make the can lights airtight, or cut a hole in the radiant barrier to allow the warm-moist air to BYPASS the foil insulation. Your first choice should be to seal the can lights.

In fact, you want to seal ANY hole in the ceiling that allows a path for warm-moist air to go directly into the attic. Check areas around light fixtures, ceiling fans, smoke detectors, and air conditioning ducts and registers.

Sealing can lights can be done by several methods. These lights will provide both air sealing and a thermal barrier, when correctly insulated.

Other options include making a foam box or enclosure buckets, cans, etc. These enclosures can be sealed to the sheet rock with a can of foam. While LEDs run much cooler than incandescents, their electronic components and external heat sinks do get quite hot; you would still need to keep the insulation away from your fixtures.

And that leaves you with some serious problems. Those fixtures allow huge amounts of warm air—not only from the bulbs but from all over your house—to vent into your attic, which jacks up your heating bill, creates drafts, and contributes to the formation of ice dams after a snowfall.

Also, every vent hole in your ceiling reduces its fire rating. Plugging the holes should be your first priority. You could hire an electrician to replace each fixture with a sealed one rated for insulation contact IC.

Up in the attic, clean the ceiling surface around each fixture, slit the cover to accommodate the electrical cable, and place the cover over the fixture. Apply the sealant around the cable and along the edge of the cover where it rests on the ceiling.