Fire Rated Downlights

A downlight, also called recessed light, pot light

, or can light, is installed into a hollow opening in a ceiling. Light comes out from a hole in the ceiling and concentrates the light in a downward direction appearing as a broad floodlight or a narrow spotlight. It has two parts: the trim and the housing. The trim is the visible part including the thin lining around the edge. The housing is the fixture installed inside the ceiling and has a lamp holder or casing. A casing has a tubular body that encloses the lighting material.

Fire Rated Downlights are installed on ceiling surfaces which are considered to be fire barriers. If the space above the ceiling is occupied by people, either a firehood or a fire rated downlight must be installed.

Local building control authorities determine the amount of time that a ceiling can hold back the fire, thus the term fire-rated ceilings. Typical fire rating for a ceiling is an hour and the best ones can last up to two hours. Cutting a hole in a ceiling to fit downlights will compromise the ceilings fire rating. Because downlights are not designed to fit seamlessly into a ceiling, the gaps formed within the light fitting will now be the ceilings weakest point where flames and smoke can pour through and spread the fire to the floor above. Ideally, each luminaire in a downlight fitting should be fitted with a fire protection cover which prevents both flames and heat being transmitted through the luminair up into a ceiling gap.

Building regulations for fire safety require a ceilings fire integrity to be restored after lighting is fitted. Such regulations indicate that if a fire element is to be effective, then every joint, imperfection or opening to allow services to pass through the element should be adequately protected by sealing or fire-stopping so that the resistance is not impaired.

Upon installation of fire rated downlights, it is best to fit a fire protection cover. However, covers may also be retrofitted quite quickly and economically. Fire protection covers may be woven cloth types or fully intumescent caps. Both can be highly effective in stopping spread of fire, although caps are simpler to install in both new applications and retrofits. Fire protection covers are lightweight making them suitable for plasterboard and suspended ceilings.

Fire rated downlights and accessories are readily available from hardware and electrical retailers or wholesalers. They come in many different colors and designs. Most suppliers emphasize their products compliance to current regulations.

by: Larrie Kon

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