Downlight dangers

Fire safety and electrical safety regulators across Australia have raised concern about an increase in building fires caused by heat from recessed lighting ( downlights) setting fire to building material and other materials.

The type of luminaire (light fitting) of particular concern is the incandescent halogen recessed �downlight� which operates at very high temperature.

If thermal insulation is installed too closely around these lights, or they are installed too close to combustible material, ignition can result. Combustible material can include things like leaf litter which blows into roof spaces.

 

Transformers which supply the lighting can also suffer excessive temperature rise if improperly covered by thermal insulation.

The new edition of the Wiring Rules has responded to this problem with specific new provisions about the precautions that must be taken when installing recessed luminaires.( downlights)

The revised Wiring Rules require that unless a recessed incandescent luminaire is specially designed and certified by the manufacturer with specific installation instructions for use in proximity to combustible materials, it must be installed with the default clearances and precautions detailed in the Wiring Rules.

These precautions are necessary to ensure the safety of people and their property.

Recessed downlights are a very popular form of lighting for MANY good reasons. They are classy, streamlined, space efficient, effective and they can highlight particular features of interest.

However without a fire resistant enclosure, downlights are left EXPOSED above your ceiling and can become the foundation for a string of undesirable consequences....

A hole in your insulation (for safety clearances) may cost nothing immediately, but the property owner keeps on paying for it dearly. More importantly however, it creates a TRAP for loose material and time build up, collecting it around any high temp globe!!!

Ask yourself HOW a hole or gap will prevent rodents, nesting birds, turbulence (even people, inadvertantly) from moving unfixed loose material or ducting against just one downlight (among many?) bridging the gap and putting EVERYTHING at risk?

Install Downlight Protection Covers

Most 12 volt downlights of today come with protective covers as a kit, this means when your downlights are installed properly you can enjoy the benefits of the mood lighting they produce.

                                                    

Their are many downlight covers available on the market today for people with existing downlights without protection. When purchasing them through your electrician, make sure they carry an Australian Standard. Each protective cover will suit individual needs and will have to be installed by a qualified electrician. 

Downlight Guards offers vital fire protection, by isolating fire hazards from insulation and flammable materials in the ceiling with an approved fire-resistant enclosure. Using downlight guards also helps you safeguard against faulty non compliant installation. (See AS/NZS 3000:2000 clauses 1.7.6, 1.8.6, 4.3.2, etc.) In-ceiling hazards are as rife as they are invisible, and out-of-sight and out-of-mind zones are often the most dangerous. Rodents, birds, people, turbulence, leaves, dust, and rubbish are no longer exposed to the extreme heat of the downlight.

On top of this, the barrier means that cold, heat and noise no longer transfer through the downlight, and dust, allergens, toxins, fibres, flies, spiders, etc. can no longer enter your living space through the downlight.

Downlight protective covers suits most good quality 12 volt downlights up to 50w maximum, with a detached transformer and 200mm minimum length globe holder leads; some compact fluorescents; downlights with a spring clip span under 180mm when installed; downlights in locations with ceiling access � it can be installed between floors prior to ceiling installation.