Check these out Kraft faced insulation installed with an air space between a drop ceiling, junction boxes covered by the ceiling grid and not accessible, kraft paper touching recessed lighting, Recessed lighting was IC rated but some heat damage was done to the paper. The pic looks like the paper is burnt but it was not it actually looked like the vapor barrier material had melted and leached through the paper. I don’t really think you need a vapor barrier in a basement ceiling with a heated space above. Will write it up I just don’t like that damage that was done by the recessed lighting. what do you guys think
I am wondering what type bulbs they are using?
From the UL white book 2011:
Incandescent Recessed Luminaires (IEZX)
GENERAL
This category covers luminaires intended for installation in recessed
cavities in walls, ceilings and similar locations in accordance with Article
410, Parts XI and XII of ANSI/NFPA 70, ‘‘National Electrical Code’’
(NEC).
SPECIAL-USE LUMINAIRES
Recessed-type luminaires suitable for optional use with infrared heating
lamps are marked and rated for 250 W reflector-type lamps. Recessed
units suitable only for use with one or more infrared heating lamps are
covered under Air Heaters, Room, Fixed and Location-dedicated (KKWS).
TYPES OF RECESSED LUMINAIRES
TYPE IC LUMINAIRE — Luminaires marked ‘‘TYPE IC’’ may be
installed such that insulation and other combustible materials are in contact
with, and over the top of, the luminaire. Type IC luminaires are provided
with thermal protection to deactivate the lamp should the luminaire
be mislamped.
INHERENTLY-PROTECTED LUMINAIRE — A recessed luminaire
which does not exceed temperatures greater than 90°C on outside surfaces
even when covered with insulation and mislamped or overlapped is identified
by being marked ‘‘INHERENTLY PROTECTED.’’
The paper face needs to be covered and I would not call that covered. They should remove the paper if they want to keep the insulation. Insulating between floors is usually for sound but requires a denser fiberglass for best results.
I can’t agree with you more I have written it up for sure I just don’t know why someone would think of using a vapor barrier in abasement ceiling like that makes no sense
They may have been trying to make a sound barrier.
Un-accessable junction boxes
You wouldn’t believe how many times I see the insulation installed this way in UNFINISHED basements.:shock:
The junction boxes are accessible, it’s a dropped ceiling.
Believe it or not, but in my area hung ceiling tiles count as a fire barrier according to the local authorities.
Is the basement heated? If it is, the insulation is totally worthless and should be removed, anyway.
Anyone question why everything in the electrical system is in conduit?
This suspended ceiling is rated and the grid is rated.
Here is the tile they used. http://www.armstrong.com/resclgam/na/ceilings/en/us/prod_detail.asp?itemId=45123.0
Why they used a kraft faced insulation is beyond me, but it does no harm, helps on sound control an in either case protected by the ceiling.
Conduit, it’s the Chicago way:D
I never recall seeing a can light such as in one of the pictures fire rated? Does anybody know?
They are not, unless they are installed with a listed fire rated enclousure.
Part Number FN-Z-12-20-9
Fire Rated Recessed Light Enclosure: This is our original enclosure - one of the industry’s first - developed, tested and listed in 2002. It measures 12.20" Wide x 20.20" Long x 9.50" Deep. Can be installed in floor/ceiling assemblies with joist spacing ranging between 16" o.c. and 24" o.c. This one hour rated recessed lighting enclosure can be used with all types of recessed lights including down lights, energy efficient fluorescents, low hats, high hats, and incandescents. The FN-Z-12-20-9 is also compatible with all makes and models of lighting fixtures.
http://www.frpsonline.com/fire-rated-recessed-light-enclosure.php
So if the can lights were fire rated, then the paper on the insulation would be a non-issue?
No in this case due to the plenum space above the ceiling.
Preferred product;
***Sonobatts ***Insulation is designed
for use over suspended ceiling
panels to economically improve
both the noise control and
thermal performance of new or
existing ceiling systems. The
product is sized to fi t over
standard ceiling tiles.
http://commercial.owenscorning.com/products/other/sonobatts-insulation/:)
Thanks for the info.
This kinda reminds me of performing Rural Devolpment loan inspections. They require a taped firewall between the garage and the living space, but allows only a hollow core wooden door between the garage and the living space. Me thinks whoever writes these rules are not very good at thinking. Sad but true.