Bathroom lighting suggestions?

Naf

Hi, the lights in our bathroom are currently halogen spotlights; MR16 I think is the ones. Whenever they were fitted the buffoons have just taken all of the insulation from the ceiling, and none has been replaced. Obviously these lights get hot so I can't just lay the insulation right over them; my thought was to get a piece of wide gauge pipe around each fitting and lay the insulation around that.
Will that work well enough?
Is there a better way?
FIL suggested just fitting a flourescent strip-light instead - is that a viable alternative?

Not sure how well you can see everything from these;
https://www.dropbox.com/s/nosl4roc10kqf0q/Photo%2009-04-2013%2017%2018%2053.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/t5xszsw3ppglt59/Photo%2009-04-2013%2017%2018%2044.jpg

flashg67

I know you can buy pre-shielded down-lighters - I guess they're compulsory in certain locations, but I can't see the shields separately anywhere. Your idea sounds practical, unless any electricians can advise why it may not be safe/legal etc. I have the same issue and have just left the insulation off. What about tin cans with the ends removed?

Naf

flashg67 wrote: »

I know you can buy pre-shielded down-lighters - I guess they're compulsory in certain locations, but I can't see the shields separately anywhere. Your idea sounds practical, unless any electricians can advise why it may not be safe/legal etc. I have the same issue and have just left the insulation off. What about tin cans with the ends removed?

Through the summer, leaving the insulation off is fine; but in the winter the bathroom is freezing, and I'd really like to be able to keep it a bit warmer next year.

Wi88le

Firstly you need to get the wiring sorted out, tidied and connector blocks replaced with joint boxes.

You can get things to go over the top of lights or use terracotta plant pots (with holes to allow ventilation) metal tins are likely to transmit the heat too much.

Are the lights firerated or ip rated? Doesn't look like they are fire rated, swapping them is one option, then have insulation close to them.

Ectophile

That's a horrible rat's nest of wiring you have there - it probably doesn't comply with the "IEE wiring regulations".

Terracotta flowerpots are a common trick to keep the insulation away from a downlight. The hole in the bottom adds ventilation.

Fire rated lights would block the holes up. Be aware that "fire rated" doesn't mean "won't set flammable materials alight if they get too close". It means that they seal the hole, so that if there's a fire in the room below, it will take longer to spread to the room above.

Naf

Oooh, the terracotta pots sound like a good idea - they'll also help to reduce airflow through gaps where the lights aren't very well fitted. Fire rated lamps look to be awfully expensive...
I'm not overly worried about the wiring: so long as I can get insulation laid, it can sit on top.

madjay

Why not just use this it is what is designed for


http://www.screwfix.com/p/halolite-downlight-insulation-guard-220mm/97932;jsessionId=4R0hRl6T2GrFnTHDHH8RnrhGNQTF2MwlhVCxZK0HVvGJnDKkLD2D!1846579579!1365588691193

Naf

madjay wrote: »

Why not just use this it is what is designed for


http://www.screwfix.com/p/halolite-downlight-insulation-guard-220mm/97932;jsessionId=4R0hRl6T2GrFnTHDHH8RnrhGNQTF2MwlhVCxZK0HVvGJnDKkLD2D!1846579579!1365588691193

At present, mostly because those are £9 each, but terracotta pots are £1.50.

madjay

Terracotta pots do not give the right amount of ventilation causing the pot to heat up. They are not used as an industry standard method to resovle this situation but as a quick "cowboy fix". I not not believe the IEE regs cover the used of plants pot in an electrical Installation, and it may effect you house hold insurance.

Naf

Job's a good 'un u reckon
https://www.dropbox.com/s/frx62wzy5q6g91u/Photo%2011-04-2013%2017%2059%2002.jpg
At least for the time being I have insulation back in the bathroom.
Is a fluorescent tube a reasonable replacement for a bathroom light?