What is the difference between fire rated and non fire rated downlights?

Difference between Fire Rated and Non-Fire Rated. It's pretty simple really. Fire Rated Downlights are enclosed whereas the non-Fire Rated are open. This means that a Fire Rated Downlight can last for approximately 60 Minutes in the event of a fire.

Simply so, can you use non fire rated downlights?

Non-fire-rated downlights can be installed into domestic ceilings below a roof void. Otherwise they must be used with an intumescent fire hood, and can easily end up costing more than fire-rated fittings with this extra expense.

Also Know, where should you use fire rated downlights? Fire rated downlighters must be installed into any partition (usually a ceiling) that must meet fire resisting (FR) standard, i.e. the requirements of the relevant part of BS 476.

Secondly, what are fire rated downlighters?

A fire rated downlight is a recessed light that protects the ceiling from fire after a hole has been cut to hold a new light fitting. Installing fire rated downlights is only necessary when they are recessed or semi-recessed, rather than surface mounted.

What does fire rated mean?

A fire-resistance rating typically means the duration for which a passive fire protection system can withstand a standard fire resistance test. This can be quantified simply as a measure of time, or it may entail a host of other criteria, involving other evidence of functionality or fitness for purpose.

30 Related Question Answers Found

How do you tell if a downlights is fire rated?

If you pull the downlight out of the ceiling there will be a sticker/label on the fitting to say it's fire rated and any replacement should also be fire rated.

What are non fire rated downlights?

Fire Rated Downlights are enclosed whereas the non-Fire Rated are open. This means that a Fire Rated Downlight can last for approximately 60 Minutes in the event of a fire.

Do I need fire hoods for LED downlights?

If your LED spotlights are fire rated, then the answer is no (this will be indicated on either the packaging or can be checked on the manufacturers website). The purpose of a fire hood is to stop or slow down the passage of fire, through the holes cut in the ceiling that the downlight sits in.

Can fire rated downlights be covered with insulation?

The short answer is that in most cases you cannot just cover fire rated downlights with insulation. Fire rated downlights are essential for safety but it is important to remember that they still need lots of air both around and over them in order that they can dissipate the heat created from the lamps inside.

Do bathroom lights need to be fire rated?

All Integral LED Fire Rated downlights are rated IP65. This means that they are dust tight and waterproof, suitable for bathrooms (zones 1 and 2), kitchens, and other rooms where splashing and vapour would make lower-rated downlights not only unsuitable, but potentially dangerous.

How do fire rated downlights work?

Fire rated downlights seal off the hole and slow down the spread of fire. Modern fire rated downlights are fitted with an intumescent pad which swells up when it reaches a certain temperature and blocks the spread of fire. The fire then has to find another way around - delaying its progress.

Are downlights safe?

When installed properly, halogen downlights should have at least 200mm clearance from structural members and insulation. Halogen downlights are safe when installed correctly.

Do downlights need to be earthed?

*If class I fittings were to be used, then confirmation of earth continuity is required and the earth must be terminated at light fitting. *Downlights do require ventilation, so if there an thermal insulation in the ceiling void, precautions must be taken, to allow ventilation of the fitting in the void.

Do I need ip65 in kitchen?

In rooms where water is present - such as bathrooms and kitchens - certain lighting must meet a minimum IP rating to reduce the risk of electric shock. In this zone, the rating must be a minimum of IP44 although, in practice, many shower lights are rated IP65. Zone 2: The area reaching 0.6m outside Zone 1.

Do LED downlights get hot?

LED downlights do get hot but not as hot as other light bulb options. If the light bulb is straight up or down, it will tend to run cooler than a light bulb that is running horizontally with the ground. Each LED light bulb has a heat sink. This area is meant to draw the heat away from the lightbulb as it operates.

Can I put insulation over LED downlights?

The insulation can then be laid over the loft cap and packed to the sides if necessary. Loft caps for downlights can be used with either fire rated or non fire rated downlights. When you're covering downlights with insulation it is important not to pack the insulation to close around the sides.

Are LED lights fire safe?

LED lights do not emit light from a vacuum as most other bulb types do. Overheating is one of the reasons a bulb could start a fire, but that is highly unlikely to happen with LED lights. They may feel hot to touch, but they produce light at a significantly lower temperature than other bulbs.

What is a fire rated ceiling?

An Underwriters' Laboratories (UL) fire resistant rated ceiling system provides separation between the elements of the building services (i.e. ductwork and piping) and the occupied space below. A UL fire resistant rated ceiling also provides a known, specified fire resistance period.

Do I need fire rated downlights in loft conversion?

No, it's not required, but many of the good ones are fire rated anyway. The term only means that in the event of a fire, they are less likely to allow the spread of fire through the holes in the ceiling than non fire-rated ones.

Should I get fire rated downlights?

Do downlights have to be fire rated? It is highly recommended that all downlights installed are fire rated. This is purely for your protection in your home, as they give you more time to escape a fire and help slow the fire spreading through floors.

How long should a fire safe be rated for?

Typically, a 30 minute UL rated safe will protect paper documents for at least 30 minutes in a typical house fire. A 90 minute UL rated safe will protect paper documents for at least 90 minutes.

What does CODE RED mean fire?

Code Red signifies the worst conditions for bushfires and grassfires and homes are not designed or constructed to withstand fires in these conditions. The safest place to be is away from high risk bushfire areas. These are the worst conditions for a bushfire or grassfire.