IC Rating

An IC rated downlight can come into direct contact with, and be abutted by building insulation. 

A downlight without an IC rating cannot come into direct contact with, or be covered by building insulation. 

As set out in Amendment A of Australian & New Zealand standard AS/NZS 60598.2.2:2001, an IC rated recessed luminaire is described as;

1. A closed luminaire that allows building insulation to come into contact with its sides and to cover it; 

2. Type IC recessed luminaire can be used together with building insulation that can safely be exposed continuously to temperatures up to 90°C may abut and cover the luminaire; Note: The insulation material must be glasswool insulation batts type, with maximum R-value 3.2. 

3. The declared IC rating is based on the default testing ambient temperature 25°C according to the standard.