Downlighters and building regs

Joined
10 Jul 2009
Messages
609
Reaction score
1
Country
United Kingdom
Im havin some downlights installed. Above one of the rooms is a bedroom, therefore Im considering using fire rated items. However bldg regs now say insulation should not be broken, therefore is it better to use a normal downlight with a firehood and run the insulation over the hood?
 
Sponsored Links
Why have you got insulation? Surely the bedroom isn't an unconditioned space?
 
Oh yes oops, no I meant Im havin them installed into the lounge ceiling and the bedroom ceilings. Want them all to match though. Not sure which option to use for bedroom ceilings.
 
Sponsored Links
you wont need firehoods in the bedroom, unless the loft is converted into a proper living space with building regs etc.
 
I see. Is there not a risk of some kind of flammable item coming into contact with the lamp and does building regs now not require insulation that is unbroken though?
 
You will need to build or buy a completely sealed enclosure around the bedroom ones though, large enough to provide the clearance the manufacturers ask for, and reinstate the insulation over that.

If you don't you'll get cold spots on the bedroom ceiling, possible draughts, dirty patches from convection current borne particles and condensation in the loft which will rot the timbers.

http://www.nhbc.co.uk/NHBCPublicati...ical/StandardsExtra/filedownload,16553,en.pdf

Pre-formed cap to seal downlights: http://www.aico.co.uk/firecap_loftcap.htm (It's NOT a firehood....)

IET article on installing downlighters safely


I see. Is there not a risk of some kind of flammable item coming into contact with the lamp
Yes, and there have been fires caused in that way.


and does building regs now not require insulation that is unbroken though?
Yes, and they require energy efficient lighting.


And all this aggro for a cr*p lighting solution....
 
Cheers read all that, very interesting. I have considered using the CFL's but their just too big as Im installing a few above alcoves and near walls to 'wash' pictures. Dimmable ones are approx 105mm and the non dimming ones are 70mm. Really wanted to be able to dim them.
 
You will need to build or buy a completely sealed enclosure around the bedroom ones though, large enough to provide the clearance the manufacturers ask for, and reinstate the insulation over that.
or use fitting that are already compliant with various parts of the building regs, e.g. B, C, E
why not look at JCC fireguard range?
And all this aggro for a cr*p lighting solution....

maybe thats what he wants?
 
Pre-formed cap to seal downlights: http://www.aico.co.uk/firecap_loftcap.htm (It's NOT a firehood....)

These are great and ideal for my needs, I've tried Google but any idea where I can get them online?
somewhere like this:-

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_In...nlights_Index/Fire_Cover_Downlight/index.html

any-hoo, what do you intend to do with it? Paint it red and start doing Tommy Cooper impressions?

:D :D thanks mate, I'll go order some - they're for my loft insulation, presently I have just a plank of wood at distance above the top of the downlighter itself, then put the insulation on top.
 

DIYnot Local

Staff member

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.


Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local

 
Sponsored Links
Back
Top