Downlighters - fire rated or non fire rated??

[SeumasMor]

Hi

Just about to purchase 240v down lighters for my new build bungalow, would i need fire rated ones for a single floor building? I`m aware that 'fire rated' are needed to stop fire spread through ceiling to a compartment above, but does this 'compartment above' refer to living accommodation above the ceiling with downlighters? Or would it also include the loft space which is my compartment above? I`m in Scotland so I`m unsure if it is different regulations here.
Any advice much appreciated.

Cheers
Seumas
www.seaharris.com

 

[sparkyspike]

You don't need fire rated ones, unless there is a separate property above (which there isn't).

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Certainly with the E&W Building Regs you wouldn't need them - don't know about the Scottish ones.

But to answer the actual question posed by the title of this topic:

Neither - they are dreadful things - please think again, and choose lighting which actually works properly and which won't be a complete PITA to install.

Firehoods/fire-rated or not, you'll still have the time consuming and fiddly job of building an enclosure to go over each hole, and sealing it into place from above - firehoods/fire-rated or not you cannot just have holes in the ceiling, as you'll not meet the regulations for insulation (your ceiling separates a conditioned and an unconditioned space) and you'll get condensation in the loft.

Don't go there.

 

[brainwasher]

This is a good read for compliance to building regulations when it comes to downlights in ceilings that enter attic space - http://www.aico.co.uk/firecap_loftcap.htm. Chapest ive seen these is here http://www.allaboutelectrics.co.uk/doc/12/vid/2447/AICO_THERMAL_LOFT_CAP.html

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Cool - scratch the bit above about building an enclosure.

But the rest still applies, including the whole idea of downlighters like that being sh**e.