Insulation Contact (IC) ratings play a crucial role in determining downlight safety in insulated environments. An IC rating certifies that a downlight meets the requirements outlined in the current Australian/New Zealand Standard for Recessed Luminaires (AS/NZS 60598.2.2), verifying it's safe for direct contact with insulation.
With most modern Australian homes featuring insulation throughout ceilings and walls to regulate thermal transfer—keeping interiors warm during winter and cool in summer—selecting properly rated downlights is essential for both performance and safety.
Unlike traditional light fittings where the heat-generating components remain isolated, downlights are recessed into ceiling cavities where they may directly contact insulation materials.
IC
● Ideal for residential or commercial use in Australia and New Zealand.
● Insulation for buildings can be used to loosely cover a fitting.
● Can be employed where some air transmission between a living space and a roof is permitted or desired.
IC-4
● Ideal for residential or commercial use in Australia and New Zealand.
● Building insulation can be used to conceal fittings.
● Can be utilised in situations where air transmission between living spaces and roof spaces is either prohibited or undesirable.
CA90
● Ideal for residential or commercial use in Australia and New Zealand.
● Building insulation cannot be used to conceal a fitting.
● Insulation can be installed to a fitting's side walls.
CA135
● Ideal for residential or commercial use in New Zealand only.
● Not permitted for use in Australia.
● Insulation can be installed to a fitting's side walls.
● Not to be used where building material or insulation is not rated for exposure of 135°C (here, insulation cannot be installed to a fitting’s side walls).
Do Not Cover
● Ideal for both residential and commercial use in Australia only.
● Currently prohibited for residential installation in New Zealand.
● Building insulation cannot be used to conceal a fitting.
Non-IC
● Ideal for commercial use only in Australia and New Zealand.
● Not suited for use in homes or other locations where insulation may be placed in the future or now.
● Not proven to be effective with building insulation.
As Australian-designed and operated companies like DETA understand, our unique building practices and climate conditions require lighting solutions specifically engineered to address local needs. The IC rating ensures these fixtures can operate safely without creating fire hazards when in contact with thermal insulation materials commonly used in Australian construction.
