minimum distance between spots and above floor

Doglover88

im thinking of fitting a small false ceiling in my porch but it has a flat roof, and i want to fit 2 or 3 downlights in the new ceiling. I know new lights have to either be the fire safe enclosed ones or have a fire hood over them, but is there a minimum distance between the false ceiling and the roof/floor above?

would it make any difference if i use low voltage lights?

fatnbald

The main problem as I am sure you know is the heat,
I do not think there is a regulation minimum, just the guidance literature form the manufacturers of each fitting.
You can reduce the heat produced and running costs, if you fit LED lights, they do not give a very bright light like the 50W mini spots that are all the rage, but if it is just courtesy light for entry / exit they should be OK.

Phil_L_2

It all depends upon the material that the roof is made of. If it is concrete it is unlikely to be an issue. The reason for hoods is to prevent the spread of smoke where the fire compartment has been breached. I would think that this will not be an issue in a porch. Finally, are you sure you really want to install spotlights. The light quality is likely to be dreadful. I would suggest some form of fluorescent lamp which will run much cooler, be much cheaper to run and will give a much better light for the application.