Big Mark Posted April 15, 2012 Share Posted April 15, 2012 I'm decorating our kitchen and will be installing down-lights. What is the regulations regarding whether the lights have to be fire rated or not? I thought all downlights fitted have to be fire rated but if so why do so many places sell non fire rated ones? The kitchen is in two halves, one half is an extension with a flat roof and I pulled the ceiling down from there yesterday, there is no insulation and the sheeting is just chipboard. The other half is part of the main house, I've not dropped the ceiling yet so am not sure if there will be any insulation in the ceiling void, probably not in this old house. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottC Posted April 15, 2012 Share Posted April 15, 2012 As fair as I know you only need to fit them if the 'ceiling' is/needs to be fire rated. Easiest option is to just fit fire rated and be done with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Mark Posted April 15, 2012 Author Share Posted April 15, 2012 As fair as I know you only need to fit them if the 'ceiling' is/needs to be fire rated. Easiest option is to just fit fire rated and be done with it. I have no idea how I'd know if a ceiling is/needs to be fire rated. Have just ordered fire rated ones anyway tho, better safe than sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Posted April 15, 2012 Share Posted April 15, 2012 Toolstation do some reasonable fire rated ones for not too much money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted April 15, 2012 Share Posted April 15, 2012 I have no idea how I'd know if a ceiling is/needs to be fire rated. Have just ordered fire rated ones anyway tho, better safe than sorry. I presume this is a house, ie, your house, and not flats. You only need fire separation between compartments, so you kitchen and the upstairs karzi would not qualify. If it were another residence above, then yes, it would be a fire rated ceiling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveR Posted April 15, 2012 Share Posted April 15, 2012 You can buy 'fire hoods' for downlights - dunno where they fit with regard to building regulations but it may be useful info to investigate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Mark Posted April 16, 2012 Author Share Posted April 16, 2012 I presume this is a house, ie, your house, and not flats. You only need fire separation between compartments, so you kitchen and the upstairs karzi would not qualify. If it were another residence above, then yes, it would be a fire rated ceiling. Thanks for the info, I didn't realise fire rated lights are really only for flats, good to know for the future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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