Just installing my potlights...

I read a post stating his pots are leaking all the sound....How do you avoid this?

Would insulating above the pots help?

thanks.

Here are some strategies:

1) yes, insulation helps but the ceiling should have been insulated to begin with and you should have selected cans that are IC (in contact rated). Insulation will not help containing the subs rumble.

2) Buy IC and Air Tight cans and seal the lip area well.

3) Build air tight sound proofed back boxes for all the lights. Basically a 5 sided box that sits above the ceiling and totally surrounds the back of the lights. Several threads exist on designs. You can also reference back boxes constructed per fire code for ideas.

4) Use surface mounted lights that don't require any ceiling penetration

5) Use recessed cans only in soffit areas, assuming the the soffits were added after the walls and ceiling were built with sound proofing techniques.

6) Use rope lighting in cornices and sconce lighting for theater lighting and totally avoid ceiling cans.

I didn't build the boxes thinking it wouldn't be too bad. I have IC rated cans and insulation tucked all around (didn't seal the lips though). I wish I built the boxes. The leakage isn't horrible, but it is there.

Check out this thread in the archives:

http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=654719