Introduction
The Halo H7ICAT 6" AIR-TITE™ New Construction Housing is a versatile and widely used recessed lighting solution designed for both residential and light commercial applications. As a line voltage (120V) incandescent housing, it supports a 90-watt lamp and is engineered for direct contact with insulation, making it suitable for energy-efficient building designs. This housing is part of the H7 Series and is compatible with a range of Halo trims, including models 376P, 376W, 378, 420, 478, 74, and 76.
The H7ICAT housing is UL Listed for use in wet locations, California Title 24 compliant, and features patented innovations such as the AIR-TITE™ design, which reduces air leakage between conditioned and unconditioned spaces. It also includes contractor-friendly features like thermally protected sockets, die-formed construction, and tool-less installation options. This article provides an in-depth look at the installation process, key features, and technical specifications of the H7ICAT housing, based on official documentation and technical data.
Key Features of the Halo H7ICAT Housing
The Halo H7ICAT 6" AIR-TITE™ New Construction Housing is designed with a variety of features that make it a preferred choice for installers and building professionals. These features are outlined below, based on manufacturer specifications and official documentation.
1. Air-Tite™ Design for Energy Efficiency
One of the standout features of the H7ICAT housing is its AIR-TITE™ design, which reduces airflow between conditioned and unconditioned spaces. This feature helps meet insulation and air barrier requirements, particularly in energy-conscious building codes like California Title 24. The housing is constructed to minimize air infiltration, which in turn supports better thermal performance and reduced energy loss.
2. Compatibility with Multiple Halo Trims
The H7ICAT housing is designed to accept a wide range of Halo trims, including 376P, 376W, 378, 420, 478, 74, and 76. This versatility allows installers to achieve various lighting effects using the same base housing, making it a cost-effective and flexible solution for different design needs.
3. IC Rating for Insulation Contact
The housing is IC rated, meaning it is designed to be in direct contact with insulation. This is a critical feature for applications in attics, walls, and other areas where insulation is present. The housing is UL Listed for this use, ensuring compliance with safety and building codes that require insulation contact capability.
4. Thermally Protected Socket
To prevent overheating and potential fire hazards, the H7ICAT housing includes a thermally protected socket that guards against over-lamping. This safety feature helps ensure that the housing does not exceed safe operating temperatures, even if a higher wattage lamp is accidentally installed.
5. Die-Formed Construction
The housing is constructed from die-formed aluminum, which provides structural integrity and durability. The die-forming process ensures consistent dimensions and a robust build, which is essential for long-term performance and ease of installation.
6. Plaster Frame and Laser Centering
The housing includes a plaster frame with a plaster lip notched at 90° intervals for laser centering. This design allows for precise alignment during installation, ensuring that the final lighting fixture is centered and aesthetically aligned with the ceiling surface.
7. Contractor-Friendly Installation Features
The H7ICAT housing includes several contractor-friendly features that streamline the installation process. These include:
- Got Nail!™ bar hangers for secure mounting
- Pass-N-Thru™ tool-less shortening of bar hangers, allowing for quick adjustments
- Slide-N-Side™ wire traps for efficient and organized wiring
- Quick Connect wiring connectors, included in the junction box, to simplify electrical connections
These features reduce installation time and labor costs, making the H7ICAT a preferred choice for professional installers.
8. Junction Box Accessibility
The housing can be removed from the plaster frame for junction box access. This design allows installers to easily access the electrical components for wiring or inspection without the need for extensive disassembly of the ceiling structure.
9. Paint-Over Protection
The socket plug in the H7ICAT housing provides protection against paint overspray. This feature ensures that the electrical components remain clean and functional even after the ceiling is painted, reducing the risk of electrical issues or maintenance needs.
10. Line Voltage Operation
The housing is designed for line voltage operation at 120V, making it compatible with standard U.S. electrical systems. This eliminates the need for additional transformers or low-voltage systems, simplifying installation and reducing overall costs.
Technical Specifications
The Halo H7ICAT 6" AIR-TITE™ New Construction Housing comes with a set of technical specifications that define its performance and compatibility. These specifications are critical for ensuring proper installation and compliance with building codes.
1. Dimensions
- Ceiling Opening: 6-1/2 inches
- Diameter: 6 inches
- Height: 7-1/2 inches
- Width: 13.95 inches
These dimensions ensure that the housing fits into standard ceiling structures and provides adequate clearance for insulation and wiring.
2. Housing Material
The housing is constructed from aluminum, which provides excellent durability and heat dissipation. This material choice also supports the IC rating and helps maintain the housing's structural integrity over time.
3. Lamp Type and Wattage
- Lamp Type: Incandescent
- Lamp Wattage: 90 watts
- Number of Lamps: 1
The housing is designed to accommodate a single 90-watt incandescent lamp, which provides sufficient illumination for most residential and commercial applications.
4. Voltage and Amperage
- Voltage Rating: 120V
- Amperage Rating: Not specified
The housing operates on standard U.S. line voltage and is compatible with typical residential electrical systems.
5. Mounting Type
- Mounting Type: Ceiling
The housing is designed for ceiling mounting and is not intended for wall or other surface applications.
6. Compliance and Certification
- UL Listed for Wet Locations
- California Title 24 Compliant
- ECCN: EAR99NLR
These certifications ensure that the housing meets safety and energy efficiency standards for use in the United States.
7. Product Weight
- Product Weight: 2.86 pounds
The relatively light weight makes the housing easy to handle and install, reducing the physical strain on installers.
8. UPC Code
- UPC: 080083609628
This barcode is used for inventory and sales tracking purposes and is also useful for identifying the product in technical documentation and support materials.
Installation Process
Proper installation of the Halo H7ICAT 6" AIR-TITE™ New Construction Housing is essential to ensure safety, performance, and compliance with building codes. The installation process can be broken down into several key steps, each of which is detailed below.
1. Pre-Installation Preparation
Before beginning the installation, it is important to gather all necessary materials and tools. These include the H7ICAT housing, the selected Halo trim, wiring supplies, and standard installation tools such as screwdrivers, wire strippers, and a voltage tester.
Additionally, ensure that the ceiling structure is complete and that insulation (if applicable) is in place. The housing is designed for new construction, so it should be installed before drywall or other ceiling finishes are applied.
2. Cutting the Ceiling Opening
The first step in the installation is to cut a 6-1/2 inch opening in the ceiling. This can be done using a drywall saw or similar tool. It is important to measure carefully and ensure that the opening is centered and properly aligned to avoid misalignment of the final lighting fixture.
After cutting the opening, insert the H7ICAT housing into the ceiling. The housing is designed to fit snugly into the opening and should be positioned so that the plaster frame aligns with the ceiling surface.
3. Mounting the Housing
Once the housing is in place, secure it using the included bar hangers. The Got Nail!™ bar hangers provide a secure and stable mounting solution, ensuring that the housing remains firmly in place during and after installation.
If necessary, the bar hangers can be shortened using the Pass-N-Thru™ tool-less feature. This allows for quick adjustments without the need for additional tools or hardware.
4. Accessing the Junction Box
To access the junction box for wiring, the housing can be removed from the plaster frame. This provides direct access to the electrical connections and allows for efficient and organized wiring.
Use the Slide-N-Side™ wire traps to secure the wires in place and ensure that they remain neatly organized. The Quick Connect wiring connectors, included in the junction box, simplify the electrical connections and reduce the risk of errors during installation.
5. Installing the Lamp and Trim
After the wiring is complete, install the 90-watt incandescent lamp into the socket. The thermally protected socket ensures that the lamp does not overheat, even if a higher wattage lamp is accidentally used.
Once the lamp is installed, attach the selected Halo trim to the housing. The trim should snap securely into place and align with the ceiling surface. Ensure that the trim is properly centered and that all mounting screws or clips are tightened to prevent movement or vibration.
6. Final Inspection and Testing
Before completing the installation, perform a final inspection to ensure that all components are properly installed and secured. Check for any signs of damage or misalignment and verify that the electrical connections are secure and functioning correctly.
Finally, turn on the power and test the lighting fixture to ensure that it operates as expected. If any issues are encountered, refer to the manufacturer’s technical documentation or contact Halo support for assistance.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Although the Halo H7ICAT housing is designed for long-term performance, regular maintenance and troubleshooting may be necessary to ensure optimal operation. Below are some common issues and recommended solutions.
1. Overheating
If the housing becomes excessively hot during operation, it may be a sign of over-lamping. The thermally protected socket is designed to prevent this, but it is still important to use the correct wattage lamp as specified.
Solution: Replace the lamp with a 90-watt incandescent bulb. Avoid using higher wattage lamps, as this can lead to overheating and potential damage to the housing or trim.
2. Poor Lighting Performance
If the lighting fixture produces uneven or dim light, it may be due to improper installation or misalignment of the trim.
Solution: Remove the trim and reposition it to ensure proper alignment. Check the socket and lamp for any signs of damage or wear, and replace if necessary.
3. Air Leakage
If the housing is installed in an area with insulation, it is important to ensure that the AIR-TITE™ design is functioning properly to prevent air leakage.
Solution: Inspect the housing for any gaps or damage that may compromise the air seal. If necessary, reseal the housing or replace it with a new unit.
4. Electrical Issues
If the lighting fixture fails to turn on or experiences frequent outages, there may be an issue with the wiring or electrical connections.
Solution: Turn off the power and inspect the wiring for any loose or damaged connections. Use the Quick Connect connectors to ensure secure and stable electrical connections. If the issue persists, contact Halo support or a qualified electrician for further assistance.
5. Paint Overspray
If the housing or trim becomes painted during installation, it is important to ensure that the electrical components remain protected and functional.
Solution: The socket plug in the H7ICAT housing provides protection against paint overspray. If paint has come into contact with the electrical components, carefully clean the affected areas with a dry cloth. Avoid using solvents or abrasive materials, as these can damage the housing or wiring.
Conclusion
The Halo H7ICAT 6" AIR-TITE™ New Construction Housing is a robust and versatile solution for recessed lighting in both residential and light commercial applications. With its IC rating, thermally protected socket, and contractor-friendly features, it provides a safe, efficient, and easy-to-install lighting option for new construction projects. The housing is compatible with a wide range of Halo trims and is designed to meet energy efficiency standards such as California Title 24. Its patented innovations, including the AIR-TITE™ design and tool-less installation features, further enhance its appeal to installers and building professionals. When installed correctly, the H7ICAT housing ensures long-term performance, reliability, and compliance with U.S. building codes.