Gas pipe near recessed lighting

I cut holes for some recessed lighting in my ceiling. The lights are 6" cans and are IC for sitting directly against insulation. The problem is I noticed pretty much exactly on the can hole edge is some copper colored piping probably leading from the furnace in the attic to the adjoining kitchen. I can't slide the hole over because of a joist so I am stuck placing the can directly against this copper colored tubing which is at about 1/2 way up the can height.

The question is this- Is this a fire/electrical/gas hazard? My guess is that since the can is IC rated and can sit against insulation it doesnt get hot enough to start a fire so it shoudn't be an issue. The electrical housing for the can is contained in a closed box as can be slid away from the tubing at least 8"-12" or so....

Any thoughts?

Garyttu, welcome to the forum. I would take precautions anyway and no chance. Just cut the holes at a different location in the ceiling, where no copper piping runs

Copper is typically used for water. Galvanized steel pipes thick construction and generaly dull silver to dark color are typically used for Gas. Electric is usually (Home) not placed into conduit but could be in a thin galvanized pipe which is usually shiny. If the house is newer they may use grey PVC for the electric if the builder deemed it necessary to have conduit.

Remember most pipes are groundes so if the possibility of the wiring coming in contact with them could be messy.

Put your hand on the pipe and have someone turn first the cold then the hot to see if you can tell.



Buddy