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	Subject - Recessed light in cold air return highlt I'm finishing my basement and have two cold air runs that take up 8 ft of ceiling space. The cold air runs is the floor joists sealed with sheet metal entering a cold air pipe. I would like to put a recessed light in this area. Is it against code to mount a recessed light in this area? Any hazards? highlt I do not have a code book but found following information: 300.22 - Type NM cable shall not be installed in spaces used for environmental air, however NM is permitted to pass through perpendicular to the long dimenstion of such spaces. Section 300.22(B) indicates that all wiring in duct ors or plenums for environmental air must use Type MI or MC or be in conduit. Section 300.22(C) says MI, MC, AC, or other factory assembled cable listed for the use. I'm trying to identify if it's ok to mount a Halo IC rated 6 inch can in this air space. If I use MI or MC cable is this ok? Do I need a special can light to mount in this? Thanks highlt I plan to remove the sheet metal when I drywall the ceiling and let the drywall serve as the barriar to seal the return. I just want to make sure there is no issue with putting recessed light in this area. I was reading other articles on the site that stated it was ok to run non-metallic cable through this but I could not find anything stating you could have a light in it. Feedback appreciated. Electricman Read 300.22 Electricman I am sure that all electrical equiptment that can be installed in these spaces HAS TO BE LISTED FOR THIS USE. Check out 300.22(2). I really dont think this is a good idea, not only because of the safety factors involved but it will also affect return air flow to your furnace. My suggestion would be to find an alternative type of lighting sceme that does not require using this space. Remember be smart, your safety and your familys depend upon it. stedder Another problem with this scenario is that some air will be sucking in around the trim and in very little time you will notice dust streaks from this which will become a constant problem, if this is a full reno (wall and ceilings) maybe the return could be diverted to a less offending bay. highlt Electricman you said enough. I will opt to not put a recessed light in this area. I wasn't sure if they made some fixture for this type of issue. Sounds like it's not a good idea. Thanks for the feedback. MONOLITH I believe we have all seen plenum ceilings, where the entire space over the ceiling tiles is an air return. These areas, although requiring plenum rated cables, all have light fixtures in the same space. Now, admittedly, I don't have time to dig thru the book right now to research this, But I am curious from a logistical or practical sense, what the difference would be (not necesarily from a code standpoint). stedder Jeez you're right ML, in the past the codes didn't put as much thought into it but now fire and even energy codes might apply and require "air tight" items.