Downlights - is this right?

Debt_Free_Chick

Mikeyorks wrote:

Yes, must be low voltage. Normally connected via a transformer between the light(s) and the mains supply

I think the specific requirements for bathroom lights are that they must be sealed units and either waterproof e.g. if over a shower or splashproof e.g if above the sink.

A bathroom is split into Zones from "0" to "3" and there are specific requirements for lighting in each Zone. Each Zone has an IP (Ingress Protection) rating and you need to check that the fittings you buy match the IP for the Zone. A single bathroom could have different zones, allowing different lighting in each area.

A basic, no-nonsense guide here with the fully, gory details in Part P of the Building Regulations.

Volcano

Hmmm.... I was wondering about that too robby-01. I'm just putting in a couple of mains spotlights in my bathroom and the instructions show that the spotlights will be outside of the recognised "zones", so no restrictions placed on them. They are also completely sealed so steam ingress won't be a problem.

lapat

Al_Mac wrote:

We have them, bathroom, kitchen and toilet. Apparently the fire brigade hate them, they help spread fire from floor to floor

how do they do that...?

baldelectrician

In Scotland you are not permitted to install these in downstairs flat ceilings.
You must install a second ceiling a few inches (4-6 inches dependent on particulat light specs) below the old ceiling - leaving the old ceiling untouched.

This is a requirement of the Scottish buliding regs, it is NOT a requirement to use fire rated lights in these circumstances.

As an personal issue- I ONLY install 12V ELV downlights in bathrooms, the regs say you can use mains in certain circumstances but it's a personal preference with me.

tooconfused_2

lapat wrote:

how do they do that...?

ceilings/plasterboard have a time limit it takes for fire to burn through if you put dirty great big holes in the ceiling even with the lights in the flames/smoke just jump from one level to the next

markwallace

http://www.nhbcbuilder.co.uk/NHBCpublications/LiteratureLibrary/Technical/StandardsExtra/filedownload,21353,en.pdf