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fire hoods for energy saving downlights?

Hello,

We're in the process of transforming our kitchen & have reached lights in our discussions. Hubby wants adjustable downlights. I want cheap to run, preferably energy-saving. We've done a lot of price-comparing, but one issue that will affect the cost is fire-rating. Do low-energy (as opposed to low-voltage) downlights still need fire hoods?

Thank you
£2 savers club - £62

Relaunched grocery challenge:

March target: £150 on food, £50 on other stuff - still not doing very well at keeping track...:o

:hello:

Comments

  • The main purpose of a fire hood or a fire rated fitting is to stop a fire spreading from the room below to the room above through the holes made for the light fittings.
    The benefit of protection from a fire starting in the light fitting is secondary.
    So you should have a fire hood/protection for energy saving fittings too, to restore the fire resistance of the ceiling which is breached by putting holes in it.
  • catt_2
    catt_2 Posts: 356 Forumite
    You and Hubby can both have what you want!

    First, I strongly recommend you go energy saving or low energy as they are also called. You can get the lights (bulbs) for the light fitting in 7w, 9w or 11w. They should work out cheaper if you buy the light fitting and light bulb combined.

    Secondly, you can do away with the need for a separate fire hood (which are fiddly to fit) by buying fire-rated light fittings. Do a google or ebay search for "low energy fire rated downlights".

    Finally, these are available in fixed, tilt and IP65 bathroom. There is a good choice of finishes ranging from white, polished chrome, matt satin chrome, etc.

    I have just done this job so feel free to PM me for more information.;)
  • point3
    point3 Posts: 1,830 Forumite
    Fire-rated fittings or fire hoods are necessary if the fitting breaches the ceiling (fire barrier between floors). We're having the ceiling dropped and the downlights fitted into the false ceiling so fire-rated lights aren't strictly necessary.
  • phil_51
    phil_51 Posts: 106 Forumite
    And you need to have Part P to fit them!
  • madjay
    madjay Posts: 299 Forumite
    phil_51 wrote: »
    And you need to have Part P to fit them!

    No you don't if you are just changing a liminaire type.... You do if you change a light point position!
  • madjay
    madjay Posts: 299 Forumite
    phil_51 wrote: »
    And you need to have Part P to fit them!

    No you don't if you are just changing a luminaire type.... You do if you change a light point position!
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