Finishing a bonus room over a garage.

Yes—speak up now. Non-IC (non-insulation-contact) recessed cans must not be buried in insulation. With R-38 cellulose blown directly over them, you risk:

• Overheating → fire hazard
• Voided warranty and code violations (NEC 410.16, IMC 605.3)

What to do:

1. Tell the GC: Non-IC cans require a 6-inch clearance from insulation on all sides and above.
2. Insist on IC-rated cans or install insulation covers/baffles (e.g., Tenmat or similar) rated for direct contact.
3. Verify the cans are new-construction or remodel-rated for your ceiling type.

Code check:

• NEC 410.16(C) requires IC-rated fixtures where insulation is installed.
• Local inspectors will flag non-IC cans covered in insulation.

Cellulose is dense and conducts heat poorly—trapped heat from non-IC cans can ignite surrounding material.

Bottom line: Don’t let the insulator blow around non-IC cans without proper protection. Either swap to IC-rated or install certified covers. It’s a small cost now to avoid a dangerous, code-violating mess later.

Stop the insulator. Do not let them blow cellulose over those cans.

Code violation: NEC 410.116(B) and UL listing require IC-rated fixtures for direct contact with insulation. "Non-IC" cans require 3 inches of clearance from insulation on all sides (top and sides) per their listing and NEC 410.116(A). Blowing R-38 cellulose (≈10–12") directly over them creates a severe fire hazard—trapped heat cooks the wiring, the can, and the surrounding wood.

*What to do now:*

1. Return the non-IC cans. Buy IC-rated, airtight (AT) LED recessed fixtures (e.g., Halo, Commercial Electric, Lithonia). Cost difference is negligible vs. the liability.
2. If GC refuses: You must build rigid insulation dams (foam board/rock wool) around every can, maintaining 3" air gap to the can and 3" to the joists, capped with a rigid lid. Seal the dam perimeter to the drywall with foam/caulk. This kills R-value in those bays, creates thermal bridges, and is a hack—but it’s the only code-legal way to keep non-IC cans.
3. Wire check: Ensure NM-B cable entering the can is rated 90°C (modern NM-B is) and not buried in insulation inside the can junction box (NEC 334.80).

Tell the GC: "Non-IC cans + blown cellulose = failed inspection, voided insurance, fire risk. Swap them for IC-AT LEDs today, or I’m not signing off on the rough-in."