this fact, have blocked the vents or installed insulation directly over these fixtures. This has been the cause of many fires. In the past few years something else has come to light. Wood exposed to what were thought to be harmless temperatures (150 to 200 deg. F.) will over a period of 20 to 30 years, change in chemistry and ignite in this low range. The 1982 I.C.B.O. uniform building code, just adopted by the city of Seattle, states that a permanent loss of strength will occur when wood is subjected to prolonged temperatures in excess of 150 deg. F. I have personal knowledge of a fire that started in a properly installed, non-modified recessed light that had been in place for about 25 years. My recommendation to people with these fixtures is to have them removed and replaced by a safer installation.

Much to the credit of the building industry, safer and more energy efficient recessed fixtures have been developed, though there is some question as to their compatibility with the new code. If there is a need or desire to keep a recessed fixture, I always suggest the use of fluorescent bulbs. When used with a diffusing plastic lens, they provide more uniform and efficient general lighting than the cans did anyway.

Finally, plumbing penetrations are common to most houses and allow air infiltration into wall cavities. While the electrical outlet gaskets help, the problem is best handled at the source. A little caulk, while installing floor and/or ceiling insulation, will go a long way toward much lower energy consumption.