Downlights

[rtonne10]

Hi there,

Can anyone tell me, I have been asked to install downlights downstairs in a house. They are wanting downlights in their kitchen and living room. I've not got my regs or on site guide handy and just want to know if I have to install fire rated lights in both rooms or just the kitchen.

Thanks

 

[philip962]

Personal I put fire rated in all rooms they are about the same price and better to be over cautious than to drop a ball and get called back

 

[SirKit Breaker]

I do the same as phillp962 as well. But from memory i think that you have to fit fire rated downlights into any fire barrier that you break, a ceiling is a fire barrier if it has a habitable room above. So if you did a loft conversion you probably wouldnt need to. To be fair the fire rated ones are a lot easier to fit anyway as the usually have a proper terminal block and the cables are kept away from the heat properly, unlike the cheap crappy ones with a flimsy frame and an exposed lamp. a good quality FR downlight with lamp is only about £6 or £7 anyway, and sometimes cheaper. Sylvania do a really good one that is low profile, just a bit taller than the GU10 lamps, and they will go into some tight spots. Have a look at Commercial Lighting | Shop Lighting and LED Lights | National Lighting

Cheers.............Howard

 

[brucelee]

hi guys
sorry to jump in on your post
if i were to install some downlighters in the soffit outside over a garage door which downlights would be acceptable for Ip ratings and fire ratings etc any advice please cheers

 

[ezzzekiel]

as long as there ip rated for water then cant see you needing firerated, although it wont harm but ip65 would be what i would fit

 

[SirKit Breaker]

hi guys
sorry to jump in on your post
if i were to install some downlighters in the soffit outside over a garage door which downlights would be acceptable for Ip ratings and fire ratings etc any advice please cheers

There are some 240v GU10 downlights fire rated and suitably IP rated for bathrooms above baths and showers, I have fit loads of em, bob on and should do nicely for what you are trying to do. electrifix stock them at about a tenner each.

Cheers........Howard

 

[sparkylad]

Hi rtonne10.
I dont think you would find the answer you are looking for in the IET regs ,cos its a building regs issue...or was it that to which you were referring ?

Most domestic single dwelling house ceilings are only classed as 30 min fire rated, with the exception of garages with a habital room above and rooms below a 2nd storey loft conversion ,which are usually 60 min.
Tests have shown that downlighters have no appreciable effect on the resistance of fire or smoke within this 30 min window,and therefore it is not a requirement to install them in these circumstances. it would.however, be a requirement in the garage or loft conversion scenario.
Different requirements are stated for properties over 3 floors dependant on the floor structure .and there may be a requirement in converted flat/ apartment properties
If building control were involved in the work it would be advisable to seek their advice as they differ in their requirements from one authority to another.
On a final point. if you and the customer are happy to have them installed in non-required locations then thats fine....belt & braces job !

 

[nickblake]

have a look at page 14

 

[brucelee]

as long as there ip rated for water then cant see you needing firerated, although it wont harm but ip65 would be what i would fit

cheers mate so dust tight and protection against water jets is acceptable and as for the fire rating its not a issue there is no insulation where theyre going cheers mate

 

[brucelee]

There are some 240v GU10 downlights fire rated and suitably IP rated for bathrooms above baths and showers, I have fit loads of em, bob on and should do nicely for what you are trying to do. electrifix stock them at about a tenner each.

Cheers........Howard

thanks howard i will have a look at them and a tenner is reasonable eh mate
i only need three of them and they will be either supplied from a sw/f/spur or own circuit in the board using 1.0mm t/e upto fittings then i will use either 4 way jbs or the ashley type boxes with heat resistant flex do they have a terminal for the cpc or do you connect it to the fitting it self with a crimp does that sound ok