Fire Hoods...

[SSE]

Those fire hoods that can be put over downlights in the attic space, is there a regulation sayin' they must be installed? Just I have added lights in for someone and they don't seem keen to have these added even though I recommended them. Do I just put down on my Minor Works that I recommended them or what?

 

[Blowcat]

I have not seen any reg for this, you just have to make sure they are clear of objects, and do not put insulaion over the top.
I've read somewhere on here about putting them on if in flats and there is a property above.

 

[Richard Burns]

Fire hoods are only required if you are breaking though a fire compartment, eg to an attached garage or to another dwelling not for going through to the attic. Other than that it is considered a good idea to have fire protection but even plasterboard with holes in from downlighters tends to provide the 30min time.
Generally it is easiest to fit fire rated downlights as they cost about the same as separate fire hoods on their own.

 

[ackbarthestar]

Fire hoods are only required if you are breaking though a fire compartment, eg to an attached garage or to another dwelling not for going through to the attic. Other than that it is considered a good idea to have fire protection but even plasterboard with holes in from downlighters tends to provide the 30min time.
Generally it is easiest to fit fire rated downlights as they cost about the same as separate fire hoods on their own.

I think the information will be found in both part B of the Building Control regs. Although you will probably need to read bewteen the lines!

Downlighters with heat generating light sources, wherever they are installed, are a pain in the a***. They are one of the major causes of fires in domestic properties.
IMO they should either be fire rated, 'boxed in' or 'flower potted'. I've found fire hoods just exasperate the situation in that they act the same as thermal insulation and prevent suitable ventilation and cooling.
However, this is my Opinion, and you will need to do your own research

 

[SSE]

Thanks for the replies. Each light is well away from insulation, I made sure I've removed insulation so theres no chance insulation will go on top of the lights unless somebody put it there themselves after I leave. The house is a bungalow so theres no property above obviously. What do you mean by flower pot?

 

[ackbarthestar]

Thanks for the replies. Each light is well away from insulation, I made sure I've removed insulation so theres no chance insulation will go on top of the lights unless somebody put it there themselves after I leave. The house is a bungalow so theres no property above obviously. What do you mean by flower pot?

Flower pots are clay receptacles used to hold flowers:joker:, when turned upside down they act as a barrier against thermal insulation but also allow heat to escape though the hole/s though the bottom/top. They were to be used by the enlightened before Part B and Building Control. But now are regarded as an obsolete idea and non quantifiable under the present rules of engagement.
I use the term 'flower pots' to describe the process of protection from the suffocating heat experienced by installed light heat sources. Fire retarding 10" square open ended boxes were also used to allow the free flow of heat from the light fitting.

 

[telectrix]

better still, fit LEDs.

 

[ackbarthestar]

better still, fit LEDs.

agreed, and that's where the industry is going, although some of the higher wattage's (>3W) still produce heat and are provided with heat sink fins to reduce the heat build-up.
IMO the whole area of downlights needs to be definitively addressed

 

[malcolmsanford]

better still, fit LEDs.

And even better still ..............................................................

 

[telectrix]

agreed, and that's where the industry is going, although some of the higher wattage's (>3W) still produce heat and are provided with heat sink fins to reduce the heat build-up.
IMO the whole area of downlights needs to be definitively addressed

the heat produced is far less than with halogens, way too low to cause any detrimental effects to associated wiring, connections etc. ow that we can get 3watt LED lamps for under a tenner, they are becoming a more viable solution.

 

[High Tower]

If you have just fitted them then you should be fitting "Fire rated" down lighters, they are self contained and require no hoods, just move away the insulation and fit them. If you shop around then you should be able to get them for around £5-8.