Bathroom spot lights

[ajdeath]

Hi all,
Been asked to install 5 spot lights in a Bathroom. ( 2 above bath) Is 230v lights accepatable if its the enclosed type above the bath?
Also theres loft insulation above do you have to install hoods above the fittings (they are fire rated ones) or is keeping loft insulation away from them ok?
Any help most grateful!

 

[m4tty]

230v is fine as long as they are ip rated for that location and they will be covered by rcd protection

 

[ngoodson1969]

Hi,

Yes 230V is fine as long as they are IP56 rated downlights you can use in zone 1.
Even though they are fire rated you still need to keep insulation clear of them, whether you use a fire hood or not.

Hope this helps.
Nick

 

[ajdeath]

Ok thanks. SO is it ok to not use a fire hood and just keep the insulation away?
Also is it a fire harzard to put insulation on top or is just to stop the lamps from blowing more often?

 

[Smugley]

The reason for using firehoods is different to the reason for keeping insulation (and any other combustible material) away from the lights.

Firehoods are used to maintain the fireproof integrity of the ceiling (30 mins, 60mins etc), in order to comply with Part B of the building regs. In other words they are to prevent the progress of fire in the room through to the next floor up. If no occupied space above, then I'm pretty sure not necessary, but I'd have to check that to be sure.

Keeping insulation away from the fittings is to allow proper ventilation around the fittings, usually as per manufacturers instructions, and to prevent the lights heating up and causing a fire.

To my knowledge there is no downlight fitting on the market over which you can safely lay insulation, though I'd love to see one.

You should also consider that without a firehood, or some other cover like a fireguard loftbrace, then you may get combustible material such as dust, or rodent droppings falling onto the light and causing a fire. Well worth thinking carefully about. The best/safest solution isn't always the most convenient one!

 

[eskimo39]

Why not use something like this:

Available in IP56, GU10 bulbs and has a built in fire & accoustic hood. I have installed thousands of these in ceilings with kingspan type insulation with no problems. You just need to make sure you either remove enough insulation when first fixing or if the ceiling is already in place, when you cut your holes out, get in there and remove appropriate insulation.

The 'can' types are IMO better than the seperate firehoods which are a struggle to fit in a lot of cases. These still only cost around £6 + VAT each

Hope this helps

 

[Smugley]

Yes you're right, firehoods are a right pain to install, and I don't get a good feeling that they are safely attached and form a good seal with the plasterboard around the light.

 

[abbi normal]

Yes you're right, firehoods are a right pain to install, and I don't get a good feeling that they are safely attached and form a good seal with the plasterboard around the light.

dont think I have ever seen one that does .... especially when fitted through the cut out .... loft ones have been ok ...but then you can ensure they are fixed down

 

[Lucas]

We always use LV downlighters. Reason being is that they give a better spread of light. When using IP56 spots they sit in a bowl and the light sits higher so the light goes down rather than out.