R302.14

Section R302.14 is titled 'Combustible insulation clearance' and covers the requirements for separating insulation, which can start on fire, away from heat sources as well as coordinating related recessed luminaire energy conservation features. A separation distance of combustible insulation from heat sources, specific examples of heat sources, and a cross-reference to the energy conservation section of this code is established. The purpose of this section is to prevent insulation from catching fire. This section has an exception which allows for a reduction in the separation distance where devices have been tested to assure they will not start insulation on fire. The purpose of this exception is to allow for a practical alternative where the levels of safety are not reduced.

The model shows 2 partial ceiling sections. The 1st has blocking installed to keep blown-in insulation away from a recessed luminaire (commonly referred to as a 'can light'). The 2nd shows a can light which has been designed to be in direct contact with insulation. Such luminaires are labeled 'IC-Rated'. ('IC' is short for 'Insulation Contact'.) IC-rated can lights have few or no holes in the housing and a thermal overload device, whereas non-IC-rated fixtures have holes to allow heat to escape and often lack a thermal overload device. Fans and heaters are other common types of recessed fixtures which must be checked for their required insulation clearance (not shown in this model).