A fire rated recessed light is a specialized fixture designed to restore the fire-resistance rating of a ceiling after a hole has been cut for installation. These fire rated recessed can lights are built to prevent the spread of fire and smoke between floors for a specific time, ensuring safety and compliance with building codes.
Project Matcher: Do You Need Fire Rated Lighting?
Identify your project needs to ensure you are using the correct code-compliant hardware:
- Multi-Family / Commercial Build: If you have living or workspaces above your ceiling, you likely need Fire Rated Recessed Lighting to meet the 2-hour fire wall requirement.
- New Construction (Exposed Joists): You need Fire Rated Recessed Housings which are installed before the drywall is hung.
- Remodel / Shallow Ceiling: You need Fire Rated Canless Wafer Lights. These provide the required fire protection in a slim profile that doesn't require a traditional housing.
- Single Family Home (Standard): Unless specifically required by local code, you may be able to use standard Recessed Lighting Housings or Canless Lights.
Sizing Guide: 4-Inch vs. 6-Inch Fire Rated Lights
- 6-Inch (Standard): The professional choice for general illumination in apartment living rooms, kitchens, and commercial hallways.
- 4-Inch (Task/Modern): Provides a sleek, minimalist look for modern condos and is perfect for focused task lighting in kitchens or bathrooms.
Meeting the Two-Hour Fire Rating Requirement
Most building codes for apartments, condos, and multi-story commercial buildings require a two-hour fire rating for ceiling assemblies. Our selection includes fire rated recessed housings and integrated LED fixtures that are UL 263 listed, meaning they have been rigorously tested to withstand intense heat and flame for a full 120 minutes. Using these fixtures eliminates the need for expensive and labor-intensive manual fire boxes or "tents."
Recessed Lighting Color Temperature Guide: 3000K vs. 4000K vs. 5000K
| 3000K (Soft White) | 4000K (Cool White) | 5000K (Daylight) | |
| Light Appearance | Warm Yellow Glow | Clean Neutral White | Bright Bluish-White |
| Best Applications | Living Rooms, Bedrooms, and Dining Areas | Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Home Offices | Garages, Basements, and Utility Rooms |
| Atmosphere | Warm, cozy, and relaxing | Clean, neutral, and productive | Bright, crisp, and high-visibility |
How Fire Rated Recessed Can Lights Work
When a standard light is installed, it creates a break in the ceiling's fire barrier. A fire rated recessed light solves this. It is constructed with fire-resistant materials and often an intumescent gasket that swells when exposed to high heat. This expansion completely seals the fixture, blocking flames and smoke from passing through the opening for a certified duration (e.g., 1-hour or 2-hour), meeting standards like UL 263.
Benefits: Code Compliance & IC Rated Safety
Choosing fire rated recessed lights is a critical decision for specific projects.
- Essential for Code Compliance: Building codes legally require fire rated recessed can lights in many multi-family buildings (apartments, condos) and commercial spaces to maintain the fire separation between floors and units.
- Safe for Insulation: Many of our fixtures are also IC rated recessed lights. This "Insulation Contact" rating means the fixture is approved for direct recessed lighting with insulation to be placed over and around it without a fire hazard.
- Energy Efficient: Our fire rated recessed lights are also often airtight recessed can lights, which prevents air from leaking between the room and the ceiling void, improving your home's energy efficiency and reducing heating/cooling costs.
Shop Fire Rated & IC Rated Recessed Lights
For projects that demand code compliance and peace of mind, trust fire rated recessed lights from Bees Lighting. Our collection ensures you can meet building codes without sacrificing style or efficiency. Shop below or call our lighting specialists at 855-303-0665 for help with your specification.