Light fittings and distances to adjacent surfaces

[stem]

I have purchased some lights recently that have installation symbols that make me wonder if I am missing something. I am referring to the distance symbol which shows the light pointing towards a surface with a distance specified in between.

1. A set of halogen lights specifically designed to mount under kitchen cupboards, have a distance of 0.5 metres shown. Does everyone else except me, have the bottom of their cupboards almost a meter above their worktops to allow the 0.5 metre between the lights and the top of their food processor or mug tree stood on the worktop?

2. An uplighter I want to mount in my conservatory (200W Max) shows a distance of 1 metre. The sloping polycarbonate roof in my conservatory is 0.7 metres above it at its closest point.

3. Some eyeball lights I want to use to mount in my bedroom ceiling to direct light inside my wardrobes when the doors are open show 0.5 metres and I would have to mount them about 0.3 metres from the doors to avoid joists above.

What to these symbols actually refer to? Recommended distance? Minimum distance? Distance from all surfaces including glass, stainless steel, or just inflammable ones? The instruction leaflets are no help they seem to be one leaflet for a multitude of fittings in 20 languages and say refer to the symbols on the fitting . If the distance shown is minimum from all surfaces none of these lights are suitable for the purpose I want to use them for. So, am I missing something? What does everyone elso do?

 

[Steve]

Distances are for any material. Even non combustible materials - heat builds up near the bulb.

1. Should be ok, its done a lot, but let common sense prevail - dont put flammable things under the lights.

2. I assume the 200w is a halogen tube type bulb. I wouldn't put this where you suggest - halogens get very hot, and shining one up onto a PLASTIC roof is not a good idea, for obvious reasons. This is the main reason it has a distance limit.

3. 0.3m horizontally should be ok. Possibly have a micro switch on the door that turns the lights on when the doors are fully open? Thus avoiding the light shining on the doors. But i cant see it being a problem.

All advice taken at own risk