Which type of luminaire is identified for direct contact with combustible material?

• A. Type Non-IC
• B. Type IP-rated
• C. Type IC
• D. Surface mount light

Answer: (C)

Direct contact with combustible material requires a luminaire designed to handle heat in that situation. Type IC fixtures are rated for insulation contact, meaning they can be installed directly against or surrounded by insulation and other combustibles without overheating or posing a fire risk. This rating ensures the fixture’s enclosure and components stay within safe temperature limits when in contact with insulating material. Non-IC fixtures are not designed for contact with insulation and must be spaced away from such materials to prevent overheating. An IP rating relates to protection from solids and liquids, not whether the fixture can touch combustibles. A surface-mount fixture describes how the light is mounted, not its insulation-contact capability, so it doesn’t by itself indicate safety for direct contact with combustibles.