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Do downlights have to be fire rated?

If you’re planning to change or update the lighting within your home, most likely you’ve talked about the lighting options you want to install. Downlighters are perhaps one of the most sought-after lighting choices, but there are a few things you should think about first.

One is whether your downlights are going to be fire-rated or not? If you’re unsure what is meant by this, continue reading to find out the most common questions electricians and homeowners ask.

What is a fire-rated downlight?

Downlights with fire ratings can in limiting spreading of flames as opposed to traditional downlights.

When you drill the ceiling and put in recessed lights that reduce the safety rating for the ceiling. The hole allows the fire to exit and move quickly between floors.

The downlights that are fire-rated play significant significance in fire safety as they block the opening cut in the ceiling. Each downlighter has an intumescent pad that expands when it is heated to a certain point which will ultimately reduce spreading of flames. Different downlights with fire ratings have different times for fire ratings that range from 30 minutes or 90 minutes.

If you don’t have fire-rated downlights it could mean your ceiling can collapse within one or two minutes instead of giving you time to escape to security.

Do downlights need certified as fire-rated?

It is recommended to use fire rated downlights. This is to ensure your safety at home, as they allow you to have an extra time to avoid the flames and stop the spread of fire through floors.

What is the fire rating for downlights?

The Part B section of Building Regulations includes fire protection testing of ceiling lights that are recessed. The downlights with a fire rating are granted a rating of 30 60, 90, or occasionally 120 minutes. This is the length of time that the fitting will stop the flame for.

Do downlights come with IP ratings?

Based on the position of the light source, such as kitchens and bathrooms the IP ratings may differ. It is recommended to look at the BS 7671 and Parts A C,E, and P from the Building Regulations.

Are you able to cover fire-rated downlights by thermal insulation?

Always adhere to the instructions of the manufacturer that come with the downlight to set it up. This is because certain downlights with a fire rating cannot be covered with thermal insulation as they could get too hot and ignite, even if there are LED lamps within.

If you already have insulation in place, you may put an insulation box on the top layer to safeguard. Some manufacturers offer downlights with fire ratings that can be inserted in thermal insulation directly so make sure to check for the appropriate symbols.

What if the buyer does not want downlights that are fire-rated?

The advantages of having a fire rating surpass the cost difference.

They should be highly advised to implement greater safety measures at home. Without them flames could not be stopped and could even spread faster and put their lives at risk.

Another option to use fire-rated downlights is to install fire-rated hoods with fire ratings that are installed over downlights that are not fire rated. The cost for carrying out this work is likely to be approximately the same as installing downlights that are fire rated.

Can a homeowner install downlights that are fire-rated themselves?

A registered and competent electrician must install downlights to the house since the fitting is covered in Part P of the Building Regulations.

If downlights are installed and the electrician who registered with the company will then issue the minor Part P certificate for work to serve to prove that the work is secure.

If you don’t get this certification, your home insurance may be canceled and the wiring may not be considered safe, meaning that you still put yourself and your family members at danger of a fire in the house or electric shock.