The H5RICAT offers tool-less wiring with Quick Connect™ push-in connectors and integrated wire traps, cutting installation time significantly for retrofit projects. For contractors working Montana retrofits — where crawling through attics filled with blown insulation is standard procedure — this housing delivers real time savings on every can.
Installation Efficiency That Actually Matters
Three 4-port push-in wire nuts eliminate wire nut fumbling in tight spaces. The Slide-N-Side™ junction box features integrated NM cable traps that grip 12 and 14 gauge Romex without requiring wire nuts. Pull wiring through the junction box knockouts, connect using the Quick Connect nuts, and you’re done.
A flat-head screwdriver and light tap with a hammer may be required to fully seat the four high-tension remodel springs. Some contractors report the retention clips can be difficult to lock manually, and the mounting brackets can bend if not handled carefully. Not dealbreakers — just reality checks on what “tool-less” means in practice.
Accommodates 1/2″ to 5/8″ ceiling thickness with a 5-1/2″ cutout diameter. The housing slides into the ceiling opening, then four remodel springs snap into place to lock it against the drywall. No need to access from above — critical for finished ceiling retrofits where attic access means destroying insulation.
Specifications and Compatibility
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Cutout Diameter | 5-1/2 inches |
| Housing Dimensions | 7-1/2″ H × 6-1/8″ W × 13.1″ L |
| Ceiling Thickness | 1/2″ to 5/8″ |
| Voltage | 120V Line Voltage |
| Socket Type | E26 (Standard Medium Base) |
| Wattage | Up to 75W (depends on trim and lamp) |
| Housing Material | 20 gauge die-formed aluminum |
Compatible with PAR20, PAR30, R30, CFL, Halogen, Incandescent, and LED lamps. Works with Halo 5-inch Recessed Trims (30, 50, 60 series) and LED Retrofit Trims (LT56, RL56, etc.). Not for use with spray foam insulation unless specified.
Code Compliance Built In
ASTM-E283 Air-Tite compliant housing restricts airflow — crucial for Montana’s temperature extremes where every gap becomes a heat loss pathway. IC-rated for direct contact with insulation, eliminating the fire hazard of non-IC cans buried in blown cellulose.
cULus Listed for damp and wet locations makes it suitable for bathrooms, covered porches, and other moisture-prone areas. Thermally protected against improper lamp use — when homeowners inevitably stuff a 100W bulb where it doesn’t belong, the housing shuts down instead of starting fires.
Applications include retrofit installations in existing ceilings, insulated ceiling applications, damp locations like bathrooms and kitchens, and wet locations like covered outdoor patios with appropriate trims.
Contractors appreciate its durability and safety features, making it a popular choice among professionals for retrofit and new construction projects requiring high-performance recessed lighting. Average ratings of 3.8-4.0 stars across Amazon and Lowe’s reflect solid but not spectacular field performance.
Montana Considerations
Air-Tite rating becomes non-negotiable when winter heating bills hit. Every unsealed can acts like a chimney, pulling heated air into the attic. The IC rating matters equally — Montana homes need R-38 to R-60 attic insulation, and non-IC housings require 3-inch clearance that creates cold spots and ice dam potential.
Standard height (7.5″) provides better heat dissipation compared to shallow-depth versions — relevant when LED retrofits generate more heat than expected in enclosed spaces. For covered porches and three-season rooms common in Montana ranch homes, the wet location rating handles condensation without drama.
5-Year Limited Warranty backs the housing. Discontinued effective November 12, 2025 — stock up if this is your go-to remodel can.
FAQ
What’s the actual cutout size needed? Cut a 5-inch or 5-1/2 inch diameter hole. The housing accommodates 5-1/2″ cutout diameter.
Can this handle blown-in insulation? Yes — it’s IC-rated for direct insulation contact. Not rated for spray foam insulation unless specifically noted.
What trim series work with this housing? Compatible with Halo 5-inch Recessed Trims (30, 50, 60 series) and LED Retrofit Trims like LT56 and RL56.
How does the wiring actually connect? Quick Connect™ includes three 4-port push-in wire nuts for tool-less connections. The Slide-N-Side™ junction box has integrated wire traps for NM cable — no wire nuts needed for the cable connections.
What’s included in the box? Aluminum housing, integrated junction box, Quick Connect wiring connectors, and remodel springs come included.
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