Recessed lights in California: what the code requires

The three rules for recessed downlights

California’s Energy Code treats recessed downlights in a ceiling as a special case, because a hole in the ceiling leaks heated or cooled air into the attic. The rules in section 150.0(k) are:

1. A certified high-efficacy source. Every light source in a ceiling recessed downlight must be certified under Joint Appendix JA8 and marked for it (JA8-2022 or JA8-2025). Screw-base sockets are not allowed in these fixtures. JA8 also sets a color rendering index of 90 or higher, 45 or more lumens per watt and dimming down to 10 percent.
2. Rated for insulation contact (IC). The fixture must be listed to touch attic insulation. Non-IC cans need clearance and cause problems in a modern insulated ceiling.
3. Airtight. The fixture must be certified as airtight, with leakage under 2.0 cfm at 75 Pascals when tested under ASTM E283. It must also be sealed with gasket or caulk at the ceiling.

The older Energy Code Ace guide for the 2019 standards states that recessed downlights that do not meet all of these “cannot be used for residential lighting.” The 2025 compliance forms keep the same JA8 and airtight checks. Exhaust-fan housings with a built-in light are exempt. Because the Energy Code changes every three years, check the current section with your electrician or city.

The driver or ballast must be reachable from below the ceiling, so it can be replaced without cutting a new hole.

What the label should say

Look for three things on the fixture or box:

• JA8 marking, such as JA8-2022 or JA8-2025, on the light source
• “IC” or “ICAT” (insulation contact, airtight)
• An airtight statement with the 2.0 cfm at 75 Pascals figure

If the electrician supplies the fixtures, ask which ones and keep the box. Inspectors sometimes ask for it.

Wafer lights and housings

Two kinds of fixtures are common.

Housing cans. A metal or plastic housing sits above the ceiling and the trim snaps in below. They are the traditional type, but need space above the ceiling and are slower to install in a finished ceiling.

Slim “wafer” lights. These have a thin LED panel and a small junction box that sits beside it. They need only a small hole and little room above the ceiling. They suit a ceiling with joists close to the drywall. Check that the whole unit, not just the LED, is marked IC and airtight.

Planning the layout

Layout matters more than count.

• Spacing. A rough rule is lights about half the ceiling height apart. On an 8 foot ceiling, about 4 feet apart.
• Distance from walls. Keep 2 to 3 feet from walls to avoid harsh scallops on the wall, or closer if you want to light art or shelves.
• Joists. Lights cannot go where a joist is. The electrician finds the joists and shifts a light if needed.
• Ducts and pipes. An air duct, plumbing or a beam above can block a spot.
• Kitchen and bath. Task areas need more light than living areas. A light over a shower must be rated for damp or wet locations.

A fixture with adjustable color temperature is useful, because it lets you match the existing room.

Controls

Under section 150.0(k)2 of the 2022 Energy Code, lighting needs a readily accessible wall-mounted on and off control. Lights in habitable rooms need a wall-mounted dimming control, and lights in bathrooms, garages, laundry rooms, utility rooms and walk-in closets need at least one fixture on an occupancy or vacancy sensor. Use dimmers that are rated for LED. Buy dimmable lights if you plan to dim, and match the dimmer and bulb. The smart switches and dimmers page covers the details.

How the job goes

For a typical room with attic access, the electrician marks the layout, cuts the holes, runs wire from the switch or a nearby box, mounts the housings, connects them and installs the trims. Drywall patching is a separate cost if the ceiling needs opening. In a finished ceiling without attic access, expect several small cutouts and patching. Plan for dust, and ask whether patching and paint are in the quote.

A permit is generally needed for new wiring. The inspector checks the wiring and may check the fixture labels. The permits guide covers how this varies by city.

Cost

As of October 2026, published guides put recessed lighting at about $125 to $300 per light in an existing ceiling. Fixr’s national guide (January 2025) puts the average at $1,467 for six lights. The recessed lighting cost page lists the factors. Cost goes up with a finished ceiling, a second-story location, new switch wiring and patching. It goes down when lights are installed during a remodel with the ceiling open.

For a bright room that also needs air movement, consider a ceiling fan on its own box instead of cutting extra cans.