Downlighters and Loft Insulation

blueflyingtonight

I had my loft insulation upgraded for free by British Gas about a year ago. I have halogen downlighters in the bathroom ceiling. One of the bulbs has gone so I climbed into the loft to change the bulb. The downlighters have a very large pile of insulation over them which raises the question whether this is safe. Are they in danger of overheating and creating a fire risk? One would hope that professional insulation installers wouldn't put the material over the lights if this was a potential problem. I am thinking of changing the bulbs to LEDS which will run cooler. Any electrical experts out there to advise?

Thanks in advance.

Steve

Captain_Flack.

Should have hoods fitted, even before the insulation was upgraded. That's down to whoever installed the lights/homeowner. A cheap solution would be plant pots.

I_have_spoken

Bodge job to cover with insulation, they ought to have ventilation. It's almost certainly not to code, but I upended these perforated metal holders from Ikea over my IP65 fire-rated downlights.

NB you should be able to change the bulb from below...

blueflyingtonight

I have taken one fitting out and have managed to download the installation instructions. Clear message that they should not be covered by insulation materials. So can I use the IP65 unit to hold a 240v GU10 LED?

Thanks

Steve

wiogs

I was in B&Q yesterday and saw some insulation "tubes" specificity for this very purpose.

Can't recall what hey cost but they were on my way to the checkout which is the only reason I noticed them.

Ectophile

I_have_spoken wrote: »

Bodge job to cover with insulation, they ought to have ventilation. It's almost certainly not to code, but I upended these perforated metal holders from Ikea over my IP65 fire-rated downlights.

NB you should be able to change the bulb from below...

That makes a change from upended terracotta flower pots, which seems to be a popular solution.

My downlighters just have holes in the insulation around them.

The_Angry_Jock

Whoever fitted my living room spots used tin cans with both ends removed.