Downlights covered

You will often see that when we talk about downlights we refer to their ‘IC rating’. IC stands for ‘insulation contact’ and determines whether downlights can safely come into contact with flammable material or with any covering that might interfere with their cooling system.

IC-4 or IC-F?

IC and IC-4 mean that the light can be covered with insulation, CA90 means that insulation can abut but not cover the fitting and non-IC means that insulation must be kept clear. If you are particularly sharp eyed, you may have noticed slightly different symbols and codes being used in our catalogue and product pages. For example, a downlight that has been in our range for some time, DIAMENTE, is rated IC-F. That is essentially the same as being rated IC-4, able to be covered with insulation. The classification system has recently been updated and, since the light in question was rated under the old system, it retains the old rating.

Abut and cover

The old symbols will gradually disappear as products get fresh ratings. What matters of course is whether you can or can’t cover the fitting with insulation. The Haneco downlights that are safe to use with insulation are VIVA Multi, VIVA, CORONA, AURORA 80, AURORA 700, AURORA 1000 and DETAIL.