LED downlights

[Rob69]

Hi All ,

Could you please tell me with regard to LED's (low power) used in downlighters if they require Fire rated fittings and /or Fire Hoods.

Thanks Rob

 

[SteveT]

General Answer:

Fire rating is not about the type of lamp, it is about the fire rating of the partition they are fitted.

i.e. in a ceiling that is rated as a fire compartment, most domestic properties do not require fire rated fittings, if you have a loft room they may be.

It is normally the LABC who misinterpret the regs.

of course in flats etc they must be fitted, but in most domestic not.

Also people fit the incorrect lamps, dichroic, they should be reflector types in fire rated fittings so as to prevent overheating and shortening lamp life.

 

[Rob69]

Thanks SteveT ,good answer mate.

It raizes the question why do sparkies fit "fire rating" downlights in normal houses ie in kitchens,lounges

at all then as not in a loft space????

 

[SteveT]

Because we tend to follow the herd maybe

 

[Rob69]

One last question......could you just explain why they have to be fitted in

flats then.

Cheers Steve

 

[aptsys]

So that the fire doesn't spread (quickly) to another dwelling.

 

[Rob69]

Thanks Gang

 

[SteveT]

Yep thats it, each flat is classed as a seperate fire compartment, 60mins ceiling, contains fire, linked fire alarms alert others, hopefully everyone escapes unhurt!

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

Thanks SteveT ,good answer mate.It raizes the question why do sparkies fit "fire rating" downlights in normal houses ie in kitchens,lounges

at all then as not in a loft space????

The simple answer to this like many other similar misinterpreted regs like bonding Non extraneous plastic fed pipes...

Is because approx 80%+ of electricians are too LAZY to read the wiring regs BS7671..

and would NEVER even think of reading any building regs..

they just ask what their mate does then do the same....

without knowing why or if they have to do what they are doing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:Cheadbang

 

[Sidewinder]

rob69,

Just a thought, are you mixing up fire rated fittings with the "F" mark for fittings suitable for mounting in and on a flammable surface?

 

[Rob69]

Hi Sidewinder,

No not got problem with that cheers anyway!

Rob