Downlight regs

[sellers]

went to the wholesalers today to get some downlighters, he asked me where they were going, and aparantly if going in a kitchen with a bedroom above they need to be firerated (existing single occupancy property)

I was under the impression that this was only the case in 3 story buildings? Can anyone share some information and where these regs are? I found in the leccy's guide to building regs that you should not degrade the integrity of the existing fabric.

I take that as if the ceiling was fireboarded then firerated downlights apply, this ceiling is standard board.

 

[PC Electrics]

went to the wholesalers today to get some downlighters, he asked me where they were going, and aparantly if going in a kitchen with a bedroom above they need to be firerated (existing single occupancy property) WRONGI was under the impression that this was only the case in 3 story buildings? Can anyone share some information and where these regs are? I found in the leccy's guide to building regs that you should not degrade the integrity of the existing fabric.

I take that as if the ceiling was fireboarded then firerated downlights apply, this ceiling is standard board.

http://www.talk.electricianforum.co.uk/downloads.php?do=file&id=89

http://www.talk.electricianforum.co.uk/downloads.php?do=file&id=181

 

[sellers]

Thats what I thought! I took the standard ones and said I will change if I find out they are needed.

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

That just the gitty wholesaler trying to up his sales targets..

Golden rule No 1....

Wholesalers don't generally have any requirement to sit or pass any electrical exams... (there ruddy shopkeepers!)

Whereas you and I and other competent electricians DO have to sit & pass regular examinations.

:C

 

[batty]

I think you have to use your loaf hear. As a rule I fit fire rated full stop but if it an existing building with no insulation you could use standard downlights but if there is insulation if you use standard downlights you will have over heating problems and possibly a fire. As said use your loaf.

 

[adonoghue1985]

I'd go with a part b rated downlights regardless as you've always got that peace of mind yourself as well as the customer.

 

[PaulSC]

As others have said.

A typical house is considered one fire compartment, unless there's an integral garage which is then classed as a seperate fire compartment. You would only need fire rated units if bridging from one fire compartment to the other (which is probably unlikely), though three storey houses are treated differently.

As stated in a previous thread, a few 60mm holes will not make a house any less safe in terms of fire safety as you have a flippin' great hole between both floors for your stairs, not to mention doorways which can be left open.

I tend to use non-fire (or accoustic) rated units as I find they simply fit better. The intumescent seal (which is often black) that sits around the rim of the housing can make them sit slightly proud of the ceiling surface.

Just my personal preference.

 

[binky]

Not this again