Fire rated downlights

FunkyMunkey

FunkyMunkey wrote: »

It's so difficult to find any info on this stuff!

Do I need to install fire-rated downlights in my living room, which has a bedroom and bathroom above?

Thanks

Anyone?!

FunkyMunkey

FunkyMunkey wrote: »

It's so difficult to find any info on this stuff!

Do I need to install fire-rated downlights in my living room, which has a bedroom and bathroom above?

Thanks

For anyone who needs to know in future: I called my local building control department and they said that fire-rated downlights are only needed for new-build houses.

HugoSP

I would still consider fitting some kind of fire hood if you don't go for fire rated down lighters.

I have seen them on e bay very cheap. I got mine from Screwfix. They were doing 20% off if you buy 5.

I needed 9 so I bought 2 lots of 5 as it works out just as cheap to buy a further 5 as it does to buy a further 4!

baldelectrician

Ystrad_Lad wrote: »

Not so I'm afraid. A ceiling with no fire rating is more at risk and is therefore more in need of protection. All new work needs to comply with the new regulations although there is no obligation to upgrade an existing installation.

If there is a fire you would bitterly regret having saved a couple of quid on the lights!!!!

The new regulations have been developed because of fires caused by downlighters that got too hot - really, it's a no-brainer.

There is a wrong answer above (this comment applies Specifically to Scottish building standards; but I get the impression reading Robby's post the same applies south of the border)

you do NOT need fire rated downlights in a normal dwelling where the floor above is part of the same house.

As desribed earlier if you wanted them in your lounge and your bedroom was above then you DON'T need them.

If you were in a downstairs flat the preferred option is to install a second =(lower) ceiling and install the new downlights in this- thus leaving he original ceiling intact.

The new Scottish Building Standards course specifically advises this.

baldelectrician

Fire rated downlights are required for SEPERATING FLOORS and CEILINGS.



It is classed as seperating when there is a different dwelling above (or below)

It should be noted to remove any insulation from around downlighters and any other materials as well. They require adequalte ventilation.

Steady_Neddy

There's a lot of wrong information on this thread. Building control is overseen by The Office Of The Deputy Prime Minister and we've spoken with them at length over this matter.

So if you want honest and accurate information Google "fire hood" and look at the page by LightingStyles.co.uk

pwcollins

Take a look at this Guide - especially Table 1 - Pg 9

http://www.esc.org.uk/pdfs/business-and-community/electrical-industry/BPG5_08.pdf

danielfulshaw

You have every right to be confused; there is no hard and fast rule and contractors are confused. I had the same issue and spoke to my wholesaler in North London who said some contractors had been asked to remove non-fire-rated downlighters by building control and when others fitted them as standrad and were inspected by someone else, they asked why they ahd bothered to include them. The NICEIC is aware of the confusion and is doing a public consultation on the issue at the moment. essentially, if you want that added protection, i would invest a few pounds more and get the fire rated downlighters. They will become standard in the not too distant future and those lights do kick out some heat..why risk it?

fluffpot

This thread is very confusing!

Fire rated downlights are not fire rated because the lights get hot. The fire rating is to protect (or rather reinstate) the integrity of a fire rated ceiling because drilling half a dozen 3" holes in it destroys this! The lights work by having an intumescent material in them which, when exposed to heat (the fire), expands and thus 'fills' the holes in the ceiling so that the fire can't spread through them.

To be honest, I don't always fit them as standard, as the non fire rated ones have an open back which if installed in a ceiling with no insulation can at least allow the air to circulate and cool them a bit.

Fluff

madjay

Fire rated downlights are For commercial applications, new builds and for properties that are rented out, all downlights must be fire rated when installed in a ceiling with living accommodation above. The minimum fire rating is generally 30 minutes but 60 minutes is desirable. In other situations, it is entirely up to you