Downlighters and building regs

[chillout]

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?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Why have you got insulation? Surely the bedroom isn't an unconditioned space?

 

[Steve]

The ceiling you're penetrating is unlikely to be a fire barrier.

 

[chillout]

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.

 

[Steve]

you wont need firehoods in the bedroom, unless the loft is converted into a proper living space with building regs etc.

 

[chillout]

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?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

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....

 

[chillout]

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.

 

[Steve]

Whats this, ban giving constructive advice about downlighters?

 

[MrsBanal]

He got told to be nice otherwise no sexytime.

 

[mikhailfaradayski]

He got told to be nice otherwise no sexytime.

and i bet he waits all month long for that 30 seconds.

Maybe thats why theres such a distinct pattern to his cycle of behaviour ?

 

[mikhailfaradayski]

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?

 

[sergeantash]

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?

 

[mikhailfaradayski]

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?

 

[sergeantash]

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?

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.