Down Lighters in Bathroom & Loft Insulation

[Phaeton]

Thoughts please guys on the correct way of doing this.

We have some Wickes downlighters in the bathroom, they are the ones with the springs that hold them through the plasterboard. Currently we do not have any loft insulation above the ceiling, however next week loft insulation is being installed, should there be any protection between the lights & the insulation?

Edit: They are 35W Halogen.

Regards

Alan...

 

[micknew]

Seen large flower pots over down-lighters, seemed ideal.

 

[GT1]

Fire rated downlights are very admirable and mandatory in SOME cases. But a lot of people are being sold them on the premise that they are essential for safety.
Which is nonsense unless the other light fittings on that floor are ALSO fire rated..!
Remember the purpose of fire rated lights is to prevent the spread of fire through the holes. Which is pointless if you don't ALSO protect the rest of the rooms.!
There aren't many fires that START in a bathroom !!

 

[sparc]

Interesting idea, telectrix. I'd done a search on 'flower pots' while trying to find a cheaper solution for a customer. I've fitted 35 fire-rated downlights in the upstairs rooms and landing. I've moved all sheet insulation and tons of vermiculite away from each downlight, but need something to keep these away, so they can be re-laid. The 'official' hoods and guards are coming in a couple of quid more expensive than the downlights.

These terracotta pots at 79 pence each Flower Pot - 15cm. from Homebase.co.uk

I'm wondering if I can 'suggest' the customer uses these. I'm unsure whether fitting hanging baskets or flower pots myself would get me into trouble - as they are not 'approved' products.

To my mind putting anything in that improves safety should be applauded, but no doubt someone somewhere would find a reason why I shouldn't!

What's your take on this - would you install the hanging baskets yourself, or let the homeowner do it?

 

[kingeri]

It's a tricky one, cos the plantpot idea is actually great, but if you suggest it to a customer they can look at you as though you're a cowboy. I tend to just leave the insulation well clear of the downlighters and suggest various things to the customer about how to proceed if THEY want.

 

[ruston]

Tel's idea is mint . Beats the plasterboard boxes I used to make with a few holes cut in them to allow the heat to escape.

 

[Newbyspark]

I've heard of clay flower pots being used, lots cheaper than hoods. Is this ok.

 

[Richard Burns]

How could the customer say no, you are just making the downlight nice and safe and lovely!:sick:

 

[Newbyspark]

Just read all the other posts. Beat me to it. Sorry