Top 3 Mistakes Inspectors Cite on Residential Downlight Installs
Looking at common feedback from code officials, electrical inspectors, and trade publications to discern the top three mistakes inspectors most often cite with residential downlight installations. One of the biggest errors is installing a non-IC-rated downlight in contact with or too close to insulation. Non-IC (Insulation Contact) fixtures require clearance from insulation because they overheat when buried, posing a fire risk. Inspectors frequently find fixtures either covered with blown-in insulation or improperly spaced, which is an automatic red flag.

