The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) published white paper NEMA LSD 57-2013 Polyurethane Foam Application: Lighting Equipment, which provides information regarding the application of polyurethane spray foam insulation that may come into contact with luminaires in various building applications.
There are numerous luminaire types on the market that have been tested and are rated for use in contact with insulation material utilized in building construction. However, the testing procedures and assumptions of this rating are associated with blown-in or batting-type dry insulation. The use of liquid spray-in place expanding foam has started to see application as another type of insulation used in buildings. Although it has excellent insulating capabilities, its characteristics are markedly different than blown-in insulation.
Therefore, NEMA partnered with the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) to test various types of luminaires with polyurethane spray foam and analyzed the results. That analysis led to the recommendations included in LSD 57-2013. These recommendations include acceptable installation practices.
NEMA LSD 57-2013 Polyurethane Foam Application: Lighting Equipment is available at no charge.
NEMA is the association of electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers, founded in 1926 and headquartered in Rosslyn, Virginia. Its 400-plus member companies manufacture a diverse set of products including power transmission and distribution equipment, lighting systems, factory automation and control systems, and medical diagnostic imaging systems. Total U.S. shipments for electroindustry products exceed $100 billion annually.