Downlights - do I n...
 

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[Closed] Downlights - do I need those firehats if theres insulation on them?

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Posts: 76
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I've found these firerated downlights:

https://www.screwfix.com/p/luceco-ftype-fixed-fire-rated-led-downlight-white-600lm-6w-220-240v/6092t

They are LED so I'd imagine run very cool compared to the halogen downlights of old.

Do I need to buy those fire rated hats to go on top of these or because they have their own fire rated body they are suitable to simply install?

Thanks

Alex


 
Posted : 05/12/2018 3:39 pm
Posts: 13594
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Installation instructions:

No mention of fire hats...

<div>This luminaire is compatible with most leading edge dimmers</div>
<div>such as BG Electrical Triac Dimmers; please check with</div>
<div>dimmer manufacturer for compatibility with LED lighting,</div>
<div>including min/max wattage loads</div>
<div>•</div>
<div>Luminaire is only suitable for covering with blanket/roll type</div>
<div>loft insulation material only</div>
<div>•</div>
<div>IP65 rated luminaires are protected against dust and jets</div>
<div>of water; it is suitable for installation in bathroom zones 1 and</div>
<div>2 as defined by the IEE Wiring Regulations. IP65 only when</div>
<div>installed as per instructions</div>
<div>•</div>
<div>This product is only suitable for indoor use</div>
<div>•</div>
<div>This product must be disconnected before insulation resistance</div>
<div>testing of the lighting circuit</div>
<div>•</div>
<div>Check for electrical cables and pipes before installation</div>


 
Posted : 05/12/2018 4:16 pm
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I'd say not


 
Posted : 05/12/2018 4:21 pm
Posts: 13916
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If it's fire rated then its already sealed so should be fine as it is.

[I swapped 40+ halogen downlights to LED in our house about 3 years ago and just put the insulation straight over the top..... not had any problems - they run really cool.


 
Posted : 05/12/2018 5:28 pm
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There's a bit of confusion here about the fire rating.

In typical domestic houses, there is, generally, no need to fit fire rated lights. In flats, or similar premises, they may well be mandatory to stop the spread of fire from your floor to the upstairs via your ceiling.

The fire rating is there to stop fire spreading upstairs from the room they are in, it isnt a rating to show they dont catch fire above the ceiling!

It is to maintain the integrity of the ceiling, for, usually 30 mins.

I'd be making a gap in the insulation of around 150mm round the fitting. Easily done by putting your hand up there and either pulling a bit of insulation out, or pushing it back. LEDs run pretty hot, though nowhere near as hot as halogens. The heatsinks on the back of some leds need a gap around them, or it may reduce the life of the lamp.


 
Posted : 05/12/2018 5:43 pm
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As above - LEDs dont like getting hot so avoid covering them with insulation.


 
Posted : 05/12/2018 6:03 pm
Posts: 8613
Full Member
 

One of the Q&A responses (seems to be from the manufacturer) states:

Yes, these Luceco FType Fixed Fire Rated LED Downlight White 600lm 6W 220-240V come with the heat dissipating vanes between the emitter and the transformer section, so insulation laid gently over the back will not cause any problems to the light.

Although personally I'd still be tempted to fit a loft cap as per  https://www.downlights.co.uk/faq-can-i-put-loft-insulation-over-downlights-.html as you don't need to worry about the insulation ending up pressed onto the downlight and potentially causing it to overheat (which even if it doesn't lead to a fire can still cause the bulbs to fail prematurely).


 
Posted : 06/12/2018 7:37 am

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