Downlight installatio near joists

[james7777777]

Hi,

I am fitting a set of 15 kitchen downlights (50w) but have made the classic mistake of cutting out some holes right next to the joists. The manufacturers intructions dont actually mention distance from joist, just says keep 100mm from insulation material, however I have a concern over the potential fire risk. To be fair I can keep may hand right next to the light fittings and there is very little heat coming off but the lights themsleves are of course very hot to touch. Anyone know if there are regulations about the distance or what is generally considered a safe distance for a downlight from a joist. It will be a major pain to move these but cant really take a chance on this can you.

 

[malcolmsanford]

http://www.esc.org.uk/fileadmin/user_upload/documents/industry/guidance/DownlighterTradeLfltweb.pdf

Have a good read of this, it's as good a guide as you will find. There is no mention of distances away from joists and so it would be down do what the manufacture advises

 

[james7777777]

Thanks, last piece of advice was missing though!

 

[Des 56]

If you are fearfull of problems because of the proximity of the heat to the wood
You could get some slate or an asbestos type cloth and tack it to the beam

Personally I have yet to see recorded evidence of a fire being caused by a downlights scorching and setting fire to the wood

Perhaps fires have been started by dust or debri on the fitting catching fire
I may be wrong
A fire retardant and a descent fitting with a lamp that reflects the heat down should see you ok

 

[telectrix]

as above, but if you are overly concerned, fit LED lamps.

 

[malcolmsanford]

Thanks, last piece of advice was missing though!

It's wasn't advise as such as more of a rant and not fitting the useless things, but I think everyone is fed up with my rant about these things.

As Des and Tel say if you can put an hand between the fitting and the joist I would imagine there is little chance of them causing to many problems.

 

[james7777777]

Believe me I also hate the bloody things and they cost me a fortune in electricity. however I have a wife.

 

[Deleted member 19807]

sorry to mention the P word but how are you notifying this work?

 

[james7777777]

Im not, thought that was just bathroom light installations?

 

[Deleted member 19807]

unfortunatly not.

 

[telectrix]

and kitchens.

 

[telectrix]

unless of course, you are replacing old fittings on a like for like basis ( nudge ,nudge, wink, wink.)

 

[malcolmsanford]

Believe me I also hate the bloody things and they cost me a fortune in electricity. however I have a wife.

If you have a pre 1991 wedding contract look at the small print you should be able to evoke, the get out clause 20B

"If she makes me fit or install stupid things in a kitchen ceiling then I can out her for a new model"

always worth a look at that small print

 

[mogga]

Halers evolveled

 

[telectrix]

If you have a pre 1991 wedding contract look at the small print you should be able to evoke, the get out clause 20B

"If she makes me fit or install stupid things in a kitchen ceiling then I can out her for a new model"

always worth a look at that small print

and not to forget the clause " if she makes me fit isolation switches in the backs of cupboards and then stuffs piles of bottles, potions, drain cleaner, dish-rags, and other never to be used junk, making them totally inaccessible, she can be traded in for a guard dog,-- quieter, cheaper to feed, don't need 500 pairs of shoes, don't need 75 handbags, and is always pleased to see you.