Low wattage same as low voltage lights for building control?

[RRRRRR]

Ok- good advice- thanks. Guess I've done it wrong then. Could I save by getting LED drivers and say 3W lamps? If not, what lighting can I put in- only 2.6 by 1.5m. Thanks

 

[RF Lighting]

You could install LED downlighters, CFL downlighters or PL downlighters, but not standard downlighters fitted with LED or CFL lamps, because as mentioned before, these could be swapped for high wattage halogen lamps.

 

[sparkiemike]

You should be reading the new part L
https://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/br/BR_PDF_ADL1B_2010.pdf

Section 4.24

Also read the domestic building compliance guide (section 12)
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/br/domestic_building_compliance_guide_2010.pdf

The new "Part L" of the building regulations now requires that 75% of all lighting is energy efficient i.e 45 lamp lumens per circuit watt. This requirement not only includes new services but also any existing services that are extended. Extra low voltage (12V) or low voltage (240V) halogen fittings will not comply with the guidance and are singled out as not complying.

 

[Taylortwocities]

You should be reading the new part L
https://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/br/BR_PDF_ADL1B_2010.pdf

.

Part L (2010) only applies for new applications. If the paperwork for the building regs for the alteration was done prior to 1st October 2010 (very likely) then the old Part L1B applies.

That has been confirmed to me by the LABC on two recent jobs.

 

[RRRRRR]

Thanks again for people taking the time for really useful posts.

This just leaves me with the one question now: Don't worry- I'll be gone soon: So I get the correct lights as per regs., but as there's a room above the conversion, I need 100mm insulation in ceiling void, and as mentioned (by 'ban-all-sheds' I believe), this insulation would have to be removed around the lights. Surely this is acceptable or does this mean I need full insulation, and no conversion can have downlights?? Starting to go a bit bonkers here!!!!!!!

 

[Taylortwocities]

Now you are beginning to understand why downlights are hated on this forum!

You must comply with Building Regulations. Lots of them.

The downlights you install will need to comply with
Part B (passage of sound)
Part C (Resistance to contaminants and moisture)
Part E (fire)
Part L1 (Energy stuff)
Part P (electrical safety)
and others I havent remembered

These may help you comply with some, but not all, of the regs
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/TLALC724.html

 

[RRRRRR]

I really appreciate you taking the time to point all this out, but what a nightmare! Is there not one, simple, readily available kit from Screwfix or TLC that sparkies buy to keep their sanity?! I guess I'll have to trawl through all those documents and take a guess at the ones I'm missing......

 

[TicklyT]

Ask Florrie!
A basic fluorescent fitting is compliant, and, IMO, gives a better quality of light with fewer shadows for work areas.
Many consider them to be be somewhat utilitarian in appearance, but they do a good job efficiently.
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_In..._Index/Fluorescent_Batten_Fittings/index.html
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_In...en_Lighting/Twin_Flo_1/index.html#TN_Diffundi

Or compact fluorescent fittings

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/GLAT113E.html
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/QMPL7W.html
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/QMPL7C.html

Of course, any reccessed fittings still run the risk of compromising insulation and fire containment etc.
The above are compliant because they accept fluorescent tubes or compact fluorescent lamps only.
Many fittings supplied with CFL replacement lamps are not compliant because they can also accept standard tungsten lamps.

 

[sparkiemike]

[If the paperwork for the building regs for the alteration was done prior to 1st October 2010 (very likely) then the old Part L1B applies.

How do you know that or is ??

If the building inspector is asking for "low wattage" I am pretty sure he means low energy.

 

[Taylortwocities]

That's why I said

very likely

If he is doing lighting now then the BR will probably have been done pre 1st October so the old rules apply.

Building projects usually have something like a 3 year window to completion from approval to proceed. Imagine, you get planning permission plus the BR agreements and start building your house under the regulations at the time. 18months into the project the building regs are altered. Do you rip down the house and start again under the new regs?

 

[pjcomp]

It's not unusual to find building regs conflicting with the each other - the effect of complying with one can lead to transgressing another. It's what the government calls joined up thinking

PJ

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Yes - try replacing Georgian sash windows in a listed building and also complying with Part L...

 

[Stoday]

The new "Part L" of the building regulations now requires that 75% of all lighting is energy efficient i.e 45 lamp lumens per circuit watt. This requirement not only includes new services but also any existing services that are extended. Extra low voltage (12V) or low voltage (240V) halogen fittings will not comply with the guidance and are singled out as not complying.

This is, indeed, so. However, the old rule that only lampholders other than BC and ES are permissible is no longer a requirement; BC and Es lampholders may be installed provided they have energy efficient lamps plugged into them.