Wow, what a lesson learned.
About 6 years ago, I hired someone to install recess lighting into my home. This person was recommended by a colleague of my husband and I did not call any references or verify anything about this person. That was my first mistake.
I then went down to my favorite lighting store in Berkeley and purchased recessed lights. I explained to my favorite lighting guy that I was having recessed lights installed in my home. He asked me if I needed remodeled cans or new construction cans. Of course I said, "remodeled cans". Didn't remodeled cans mean, they were perfect for my lighting remodel? That was my second mistake.
I purchased 21 of these cans with all of the trims, etc... and had them installed.
Last summer I replaced my furnace and removed and replaced all of my old asbestos duct-work. During this time, many things were moved around in the attic to accommodate this project. (Yes, a licensed heating professional and asbestos abatement company were hired!) Shortly after this home improvement, my hallway recessed lights stopped working, one by one. I hired an licensed electrician, (and yes I checked his references) who said the lights were overheating. I found out that the recessed cans that I purchased, (the remodeled cans) were for properties with no insulation. If insulation surrounds the remodeled cans they will get too hot and stop working or the wires inside the fixtures will fry! Remodeled cans have no barrier to protect the unit. I took a light down and guess what? The wires were burned!
IC or “insulation contact” rated new construction recessed lights are needed if a recessed can comes into contact with insulation. These lights have a metal box built around the can to protect the light from insulation!
Learn from my mistake!
