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Attic combustion, electrical and fire clearance checklist

A pre-insulation checklist for qualified review of chimneys, metal and factory-built flues, combustion-air openings, draft and venting concerns, recessed luminaires, transformers, fans, motors, junction boxes and wiring; constructing approved dams or guards where required, preserving service access, restoring fireblocking and rated penetrations, protecting heat-producing equipment from insulation contact, documenting manufacturer-listed clearances and correcting unsafe conditions before spray foam, loose fill, batts or sealants are installed.

6 items to check

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Every chimney and vent type is identified and required clearance is marked

Critical item

Clearance depends on the listed assembly and surrounding materials.

Combustion air, draft, venting and enclosure changes are reviewed by a qualified professional

Critical item

Air sealing can depressurize spaces and affect appliances.

Recessed lights and heat-producing fixtures are classified and protected correctly

Critical item

Non-IC or unknown fixtures should not be buried.

Junction boxes, disconnects, transformers and serviceable equipment remain accessible

Critical item

Insulation should not conceal required access or cooling.

Fireblocking, draftstopping and rated penetrations are restored with compatible systems

Critical item

Air sealing should not weaken required fire separation.

Electrical, combustion and fire corrections and testing responsibilities are documented before insulation

Critical item

No safety issue should remain an informal field note.

Use before air sealing or insulation touches heat-producing or electrical components. Product labels and adopted requirements control exact clearances. Do not enter unsafe attics or crawlspaces, step between framing, disturb suspect vermiculite or other hazardous materials, cover exposed electrical hazards, block combustion air or vents, seal active moisture, or work near hot flues and recessed fixtures without required clearances and qualified review. Air sealing can change building pressures and combustion behavior.

Reference standards

  • A current home energy assessment where appropriate, locally adopted building, energy, fire, mechanical and electrical requirements, approved project details, climate and moisture conditions, existing combustion equipment, hazardous-material findings, permits and inspections, utility or rebate program rules, and exact air-sealing, insulation, ventilation, firestop and equipment instructions
  • Equipment listings and instructions plus adopted fire, fuel-gas, mechanical and electrical requirements

    • Tools

  • Energy bills, plans, attic and crawlspace records, equipment data, permits, rebate requirements, photographs and material certificates
  • Camera, flashlight, tape, depth markers, ruler and owner-safe observation tools; qualified blower-door, pressure, infrared, moisture, combustion and electrical measurements where appropriate
  • Qualified energy assessor, insulation and air-sealing contractor, electrician, HVAC or combustion-safety professional, roofer and environmental specialist as needed

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