Who manufactueres light fixtures for NMD-3 / wiring rated at 60 C insulation?

Question:An electrician told us that we need to find special light fixtures. Our home was built in 1968 and has 60 degree C insulated wiring. We want to replace an older light fixture (not recessed) and want to be sure it's compatible. The electrician told us to call around to find something that would work BUT I have called specialty electrical and lighting stores to ask about special ordering this sort of fixture but they tell me that there is no way to tell in advance whether or not a light fixture is rated for the 60 degree insulation. (FYI: We do not want to install a junction box.) Anyone know of a specific manufacturer who makes a light fixture rated to 60 degrees? Or are we out of luck? Thanks.

Answers:
First, I'd like to clarify your existing wiring. Before 1984 the wire used for residential construction was designated type NM, and was rated at 60°C. The National Electrical Code in 1984 raised the temperature rating for insulation used on type NM cable (commonly called "Romex") from 60°C to 90°C. The new cable with the higher temperature rating has been given the designation NM-B. (In Canada the designation is NMD 90.) If you look at the outside jacket of your cable, it should be identified as either type NM or type NM-B, corresponding to 60°C or 90°C insulation. I don't believe that it will be marked as NMD-3.

The higher temperature wire is required by recessed light fixtures that are now days often surrounded by fiberglass or other thermal insulation, causing the heat from the light bulb to be trapped in the fixture and raising the inside temperature. Whereas 60°C wiring was once considered adequate when recessed light fixtures were ventilated, the code now assumes that there is no air circulation in the fixture, requiring a higher temperature wire.

But you are changing out a fixture that is not recessed, so the existing 60°C wiring should not be a problem with any fixture. You do not need to find a special light fixture as long as the fixture is ventilated.

It may be that your new fixture is marked 90°C. This just indicates that the wire used in the fixture is rated at 90°C, not that the fixture requires 90°C house wiring. In fact, most or all fixtures will be marked 90°C to be consistent with the latest Code.

I suggest you read the following engineering bulletin from the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA):
http://www.nema.org/stds/eng-bulletins/u...