External Lighting Query

[talbotsgowalkabout]

Hi All,

I want to place some ajdustable mains downlighters in the soffit of a eave to my flat (the eave is sloped - hence the need to have adjustable downlighters to get a vertical beam).
1. Is there a minimum IP rating I should have for the DL's. given that they are outside?
2. do they need to be fire rated? (the eave is in a single storey extension nobody is directly above)

I have been looking at ones similar to this http://www.ryness.co.uk/ProductDetails.aspx?categoryID=564&productID=1140&category4ID=130 which are IP44 rated is this sufficient?

Thanks in advance.
Simon

 

[ricicle]

Is there sufficient room above the intended position - consult manufacturers instructions.

Beware that a lot of older soffets were made of asbestos which is ok if left undisturbed but should not have holes cut in them without the correct PPE.

If the soffit is plastic or wood then the fitting should be rated for fixing into combustable material (F symbol in a triangle)

 

[talbotsgowalkabout]

Hi Ricicle,

Thanks for responding.

The extension is new and there is a 147mm void in the ceiling cavity, so should be sufficient space for the DL. The soffit is new superlux plastic soffit board, so I am assumting the fire rating is required.


Do you think the IP44 rating will be sufficient

 

[Steve]

IP44 should be fine in a soffit. (I'm no expert wait for confirmation)

How will these lights be used?

If they will be on a timer or photocell, or otherwise on for long periods, consider CFL lamps - these are 9 or 11 watts each, and are low energy. Do not use these on a motion detector, since they have a long warm up time.

 

[talbotsgowalkabout]

Thanks Steve.

Will look into whether the DL will take CFLs.

 

[securespark]

Not sure the board will withstand temps that a 50W lamp produces: need to check with the manufacturer of the board.

Also, can an adjustable downlight be rated to IP44??

 

[talbotsgowalkabout]

Not sure the board will withstand temps that a 50W lamp produces: need to check with the manufacturer of the board.

Also, can an adjustable downlight be rated to IP44??

That's what it says on the box - I did wonder th same thing thought.

I will also check with the manufacturer of the of the soffit board to confirm it can take the heat.

 

[talbotsgowalkabout]

Not sure the board will withstand temps that a 50W lamp produces: need to check with the manufacturer of the board.

Also, can an adjustable downlight be rated to IP44??

I've gone back to the Manufacturer (Micromark). They had originally quoted it the DL was suitable for zone 1 in the bathroom. But now they aren't so sure, and suggestion it should be zone 2 (in conflict with their own catalogue)

Can any one advise whether an adjustable DL will by suitable for exterior use? Given that it is in the soffit of the eave - it will not be directly exposed to the weather/rain, however it will be exposed to dampness over extended periods of time.

I have resolve the heat issue - got some CFL's and LED's and tested them last night. Much cooler than a standard halogen.

 

[Click-Sure]

I fitted (at customer request) some LED downlighters above a garage door recently.

Back to swap the lot for CFL next day.

The light is very cold, almost like an old mercury vapor street lamp. Things will change and I think LED technology will have a lot to offer in the future.