How far should a recessed light be from insulation if it is not designated for contact?

In residential construction, recessed lighting that is not designed for direct contact with insulation must be kept at a safe distance to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards. The appropriate clearance specified by codes is typically 3 inches. This distance helps to ensure that heat generated by the light fixture does not get trapped by insulation, which could lead to an increase in temperature and pose a risk of combustion.

The 3-inch clearance allows adequate airflow around the fixture, effectively cooling it and maintaining safety standards. Adhering to this guideline maximizes both the performance of the recessed light and the safety of the building structure.