Should i install some downlight fire hoods?

[deaftoan]

Hi Folks,

The wife and i have just moved in to our new home and having previously lived in a very cold victorian house i'm looking to make sure the attic is well insulated before the winter kicks in.

When i popped up to the attic the other day i noticed that the dowlighters in the ceiling of our son's bedroom aren't mounted in a false ceiling as i'd first assumed but are actually cut through straight into the attic, with the insulation above resting directly on the back of each light (5 of them)

They're M258 EXN 50w halogen lamps so they get pretty warm. I gather loft insulation is fireproof but should they have fire hoods as well to further reduce the chance of fire? It seems counter intuitive to pack the insulation around them when they emit so much heat.

The fitting has a pair of spring loaded 'wings' up in the attic (excuse my layman terminology) and the lamp is held in by a circlip type of thing (photo attached)

Any advice warmly received.

Thanks,

Huw

Untitled

• deaftoan
• 11 Oct 2012
• 1

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Downlights need ventilation and should not be covered by thermal insulation unless they are designed in a manner that allows it.
As far as firehoods are concerned, I guess the attic is not lived in, so the danger to life is less.
Do you know the type of fitting are the cans fire rated?

 

[deaftoan]

Hi PrenticeBoyofDerry

Thanks for the quick response.

I had a quick look on screwfix and saw these

http://www.screwfix.com/p/halolite-instant-release-intumescent-downlight-fire-hood-150mm/56254


I believe the lights are something along the lines of these (but i can check tomorrow if that would be of use?)

http://www.screwfix.com/p/lytlec-fi...Q2gDv4s58F112JhSM5!-2034724314!1349988431121#


Would i be safer using the fire hoods and cutting out a gap in the insulation at the position of each light, or is covering the light with a hood making the situation worse by containing the heat that it emits?

 

[RF Lighting]

You do not need or want fire hoods. They are designed to stop the passage of fire and that's it. They are not some wonder product that cures all incorrect downlighter installations.

What you require is a box to keep the insulation away from the light, and then cover the whole lot with your insulation.

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/JC94020.html

 

[deaftoan]

Hi RF Lighting,

That looks like the sort of solution that fits the bill. I'll get on it tomorrow.

Thanks Both for your quick responses.

Huw

 

[Taylortwocities]

RF has the solution for you.
Especially as your aim is

to make sure the attic is well insulated before the winter kicks in.