Our electrician tells us that we can not use recessed electrical fixtures since the code requires three inches of clearance around the can. This is an old house and we only have 7″ of clearance between the fist floor ceiling and the floor of the finished attic. The smallest can I saw is 5 inches and therefore, lacks sufficient clearance. Any one know of a can fixture that may be smaller in depth? Thanks.
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http://www.cooperlighting.com/
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Get a new electrician.
An IC (insulaation contact-rated) can can be in direct contact with combustibles like framing.
Cliff
Sounds like he just has something against recessed lighting. not my favorite either, but I don't make up stories to avoid doing it.
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Like the poster below mentioned cans come in what is known as IC and non-IC, your electricion is correct in saying that non-IC cans do need clearance, however the fact that he is unaware of IC cans would trouble me. They are readily available and only a little more expensive, and can come in direct contact with insulation etc.
Thanks. One qustion, I went to Lowe's and did not find one. Do I need to go to to a specialty lighting store?
You probably won't find low profle IC rated cans at HD or Lowes. Contact a lighting store, electrical supply house, or buy online (http://www.Grainger.com, http://www.pegasusassociates.com are just two of many).
My local Lowes carries IC cans... you may want to ask if that is most convenient place to aquire them. Mine carries cooper, halo, and emerald brands.
Any electrical supply house will have IC cans... not at all an uncommon item.
It's the LOW PROFILE IC cans that can be hard to find at the big box, those that will fit in the 7" space the OP stated he had to work with. No problem finding them at speciality stores or online.