Downlights & Celotex Insulation

[chloebear]

Hi All,

Firstly is it Ok to install downlights into a cieling with Celotex Insulation above it??

and if so has anyone got any good ideas for making the required space around the downlights for disipation of heat.

I keep coming accross this problem and would love somekind of practical and safe solution to the problem.

 

[davelerave]

are you fitting led or halogen

 

[chloebear]

Hi - GU10 Halogen

 

[jeremy]

The easiest way is to gain access on top or failing that remove the ceiling. This is necessary to remove excess insulation and run cables. If your current lighting is from 3 plate fitting probably best to use push fit as you'll hopefully never see them again. Remember to derate your cables for running through insulation. I'd keep the lamp wattage as low as possible and make sure you DONT use cool beam lamps. Hope this helps

 

[chris@expert]

Hi

This is a major conundrum within the building/ lighting industry and everyone seems to have their own view and it depends on which type of insulation you've got. Here is my view; if you've got rock wool insulation then use either loft caps or Aurora Insulation coverable downlights. Both of these allow insulation to be covered directly over them.

Celotex is more difficult as you to cut around the insulation to install them. I've have been told recently that you shouldn't cut Celotex as this will void the energy efficiency rating of the room. Any ideas on this?

Chris Horridge
DownlightsDirect

 

[chris@expert]

Hi

Here is an answer to my own post which is from Celotex themselves:
Unfortunately you wont be able to cut into the insulation as this will effect the boards thermal performance.

[FONT=arial, sans-serif]As a recommendation we would advise that under the insulation a batten is fitted at the necessary depth to encompass the down lighter so that neither the Vapour control layer or insulation is damaged.[/FONT]

[FONT=arial, sans-serif]If anyone would like to expand on this?[/FONT]

 

[telectrix]

just a case of the old chestnut. save a few pence on the heating bills and risk a fire. i know what my preference is.

 

[chris@expert]

I'm not sure were the risk of fire would come from if you had a loft cap covering the downlights or if you had a fire can style downlight. Also if you use LEDs, they don't generate any heat so pose no fire risk.

Although I'm still not 100% clear on how to combine recess downlights with Celotex insulation. But you can't cut it so what do you do?

Chris
DownlightsDirect