Code Requirements
Recessed lights in ceilings are widely used in residential and commercial buildings. Each ceiling is subject to fire regulations and where applicable the ceiling construction needs to be fire rated. However, once a hole is made in the ceiling for recessed lighting, the integrity of the construction and its ability to perform in a fire is reduced significantly. Code Officials and lawmakers have recognized this fire hazard and the potential risks it poses to life and property. The International Building Code, which serves as the base for most municipal, local and state building codes dedicates an entire chapter to fire regulations.
The 2006 International Building Code Section 712.4.1.2 (Page 104) states:
“Penetrations of membranes that are part of a fire-resistance-rated horizontal assembly shall comply with Section 712.4.1.1.1 or 712.4.1.1.2. Where floor/ceiling assemblies are required to have a minimum 1-hour fire-resistance rating, recessed fixtures shall be installed such that the required fire resistance will not be reduced.”
The 2003 International Building Code Section 712.4.1.2 (Page 98) states:
“Penetrations of membranes that are part of a fire-resistance-rated horizontal assembly shall comply with Section 712.4.1.1.1 or 712.4.1.1.2. Where floor/ceiling assemblies are required to have a minimum 1-hour fire-resistance rating, recessed fixtures shall be installed such that the required fire resistance will not be reduced.” The Uniform Building Code (UBC) in Section 710 which states: “When materials are incorporated into an otherwise fire-resistive assembly that may change the capacity for heat dissipation, fire test results or other substantiating data shall be made available to the building official to show that the required fire-resistive time period is not reduced.”
The 2006 International Building Code Section 703.2 Fire-resistance ratings states:
“The fire-resistance rating of building elements shall be determined on accordance with the test procedures set forth in ASTM E 119 or in accordance with Section 703.3. Where materials, systems or devices that have not been tested as part of a fire-resistance-rated assembly are incorporated into the assembly, sufficient data shall be made available to the building official to show that the required fire-resistance rating is not reduced. Materials and methods of construction used to protect joints and penetrations in fire-resistance-rated building elements shall not reduce the required fire-resistance rating.”
The 2008 National Electrical Code® (NEC) in Section 640.25 Loudspeaker Installation in Fire-Rated Partitions, Walls, and Ceilings:
“Loudspeakers installed in a fire resistance-rated partition, wall, or ceiling shall be listed for that purpose or installed in an enclosure or recess that maintains the fire resistance rating.”
