How close light fittings to steel beam

[baker332]

Hi all,

Is there any regs on how close I'm allowed to fit spotlights to a steel structural beam?

TIA

 

[ericmark]

Never seen any

 

[sparkwright]

You can really only go by the spots manufacturers instructions, these normally include minimum measurements.

 

[RandomGrinch]

The only (non-electrical) regs that I think could be affected, involve fire protection.
In a domestic situation, a structural steel beam usually requires half an hour of fire protection; this can be provided by a layer of pink plasterboard, intumescent paint etc.
If installing a spotlight disturbs this fire protection, then there may be an issue - perhaps fire-rated spots could appease the building inspector?

 

[securespark]

Yes, luminaire manufacturers (especially track lighting) usually give a minimum distance to surfaces.

These are usually on a sticker attached to the fitting as well as in the instructions.

 

[baker332]

Thanks guys I will check the spotlights guidelines.

My steel will be in the ceiling and therefore the fire resistent plasterboard shall just butt up against normal plasterboard, hence asking the question as the spotlights might well be drilled into the fire plasterboard.

Thanks

 

[RandomGrinch]

the spotlights might well be drilled into the fire plasterboard.

Then they may well need to be fire rated spotlights, but this isn't my speciality!
If this is part of a current project, building control may be able to advise.

 

[baker332]

Then they may well need to be fire rated spotlights, but this isn't my speciality!
If this is part of a current project, building control may be able to advise.

Yeah thought as much but rather ask here first as quicker than getting BC out for one check and they're so hard to get hold of.

 

[Murdochcat]

If it’s a new steel ask the BCO ?

 

[baker332]

If it’s a new steel ask the BCO ?

Will do but as above really.