Table of Contents
Do recessed lights need to be fire rated?
Surface mounted downlights don’t need a fire rating, only recessed downlights have this requirement. If you’re installing recessed downlights into a commercial grade ceiling with a concrete structure and false ceiling, you don’t necessarily need fire rated downlights.
Are LED recessed lights a fire hazard?
LED lights do not deteriorate from switching on and off. They deteriorate from high temperatures. So if heat factors are efficiently managed, the LED bulb should not be a fire hazard.
Can lights in fire rated ceiling?
Fire rated downlights offer a solution to the issue of compromised fire integrity when installing recessed downlights, which require a hole to be cut in a ceiling. Using a fire-rated downlight can significantly decrease the time it takes for a fire to spread compared to a non fire-rated alternative.
Do I need fire hoods for fire rated downlights?
So that is why in general you need to install fire hood or use fire rated fittings. Its a common misconception that downlighters are fire rated so the heat produced from the fitting either will won’t happen or they will not catch alight. They still will if you leave insulation on top of them.
How do I know if my downlights are fire rated?
The most obvious way to know if existing downlights are fire rated is by removing the light and checking for a sticker or label. This label should say that the light is fire rated. If there is no label to say that the light is fire rated, you can check for critical differences in the light’s design.
How do I know if my downlight is fire rated?
Do downlights need fire hoods?
In any building where people maybe living or inhabiting above, the ceiling below must be fire rated. Fire rated downlights are used to restore the fire integrity of a ceiling. In the event of a fire, the downlight hole is like a gateway that allows fire to spread through, unchallenged.
Do I need fire rated downlights in kitchen?
Every downlight, whether a kitchen, bathroom or living room downlight, should be fire rated. This is for the safety of yourself, your family, and your home.
How much clearance do you need for LED downlights?
As a rule of thumb, we suggest you divide your ceiling height by 2 to give you the space required between each downlight. For example if your ceiling is 8 foot high, then position your lights 4 feet apart.
Do LED downlights need heat covers?
The manufacturers of most integrated LED fittings don’t recommend installing insulation directly over the fittings. Therefore a fire retardant cover is required, which will ensure that the fitting does not overheat.