What are Fire-Rated Lights? And why you should install them
Recessed downlights have long been popular. They feature a sleek, stylish, and space-saving design and effortlessly modernise any room in which they are installed. They also provide functionality and an even spread of light throughout the room when spaced correctly.
However, most earlier downward lightning styles are fire hazards. They heat up fast, posing a risk to nearby insulation. Moreover, their installation process compromises the ceiling and allows fire to spread long before it can be detected.
Fire-rated downlights are a great way to combat this issue, as they feature a safety-conscious design that helps slow the spread of fire. Plus, their installation process restores the ceiling’s formation after it is compromised during installation, so you can enjoy the glamour of downlights without jeopardising your home.
If you’re unsure whether you need fire-rated lighting or looking for ways to enhance the safety of your home, read on for everything you need to know about fire-rated lights.
Table of contents
- What are fire-rated lights?
- How do I know if a light is fire-rated?
- How to check if your existing downlights are fire-rated
- What are the fire ratings for downlights?
- When did fire-rated downlights become law?
- Do downlights need to be fire-rated?
- What are the UK regulations for fire-rated downlights?
- When are fire-rated downlights required?
- Do all lights need to be fire-rated?
- Who can install fire-rated lights?
- Fire-rated lights at Dusk Lighting
What are fire-rated lights?
Fire-rated downlights are specifically designed to help stop the spread of fire.
To install downlights, a hole is cut into the ceiling. However, in the event of a fire, this acts as a gateway for the fire to spread upwards. As such, the ceiling’s fire rating is reduced as it poses a direct risk to nearby structures and debris and allows the fire to spread quickly between different rooms and floors.
Fire-rated lights block this hole and slow fire spread, making them essential to fire safety.
Moreover, modern fire-rated downlights feature an intumescent pad which expands when subjected to the heat of a fire, temporarily blocking the fire and delaying its progression.
ASTRO Minima Slimline Round Adjustable Fire-Rated Downlight in Matt White
How do I know if a light is fire-rated?
The easiest way to check if a light is fire-rated is to check the product description. Fire-rated lights are labelled as such, making it easy to tell them apart from traditional downlights.
At Dusk Lighting, we’ve made it easy to find fire-rated lights for your home. Narrow your search by selecting ‘Fire-Rated’ as a desirable product feature when looking in any of our lighting categories.
We offer a wide range of fire-rated lights for you to shop, including Astro fire-rated downlights. So no matter if you’re looking for lights for your bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen, you’ll find modern designs to suit every interior. We also offer fire hoods so you can effortlessly convert your standard downlights into fire-rated versions!
ASTRO Firehood 300 for Downlights to Convert to Fire-Rated
How to check if your existing downlights are fire-rated
If you already have downlights in your home, you may wonder whether they are fire-rated.
People who install DIY downlights are often unaware of fire regulations, and lights that have not been replaced in a long time run more risk of failing to meet the latest fire regulations.
To check if your existing lights are fire-rated, remove one and look for the fire-rated label.
If the label has been removed or damaged, you can always take one of your lights to a reputable store for advice.
ASTRO Minima Slimline Square Fixed Fire-Rated IP65 Downlight in Matt Black
What are the fire ratings for downlights?
Fire-rated lights come in various ratings, and each rating reflects the amount of time the light can block the fire.
You can choose various ratings, varying from 30, 60, and 90 minutes. Some downward lights are also available with ratings of up to 120 minutes.
Downlights with a lower rating are often used on the lowest floors of a building, where occupants have less distance to evacuate. Meanwhile, those with higher time delays are used at higher levels to give people more time.
When did fire-rated downlights become law?
Fire-rated downlights became law in 1987 under the Part B Building Regulations. This regulation covers all fire safety measures within and around buildings. It states that all buildings must have adequate safety measures in place to prevent fires and ensure occupants can safely evacuate a building complex in the event of one.
ASTRO Taro Twin GU10 Adjustable Downlight in White
Do downlights need to be fire rated?
Not all downlights need to be fire-rated. However, if the ceiling is compromised during installation and a space is created in which fire can spread, fire-rated lights are essential.
There are certain circumstances where downlights do not need to be fire-rated. For instance, if there is no living space or loft above. However, fire-rated downlights are still recommended to protect the roofing structure and the overall safety of the building in question.
Our collection offers various styles and finishes of fire-rated downlights, so you won’t be stuck for choice! With white, black, nickel, and chrome, you’ll easily find the perfect downlights to suit your home.
What are the UK regulations for fire-rated downlights?
In line with the Building Regulations, downlights must be able to maintain the fire rating of 30, 60 and 90-minute ceiling types. To be compliant, they must also prevent fire from spreading in all three ceiling types.
However, it’s important to note that imported downlights are not tested the same and may not meet the required level of fire protection.
Similarly, if a fixture is described as ‘suitable’ for use in 90-minute ceilings, this does not mean that it has passed testing for 30 or 60-minute ceilings. In these circumstances, the lights may compromise your safety and will not be classed as legally fire-rated.
LIMELIGHT Bleam Slim Trim Round Adjustable Downlight in Matt White
When are fire-rated downlights required?
Fire-rated downlights are required when a hole is cut into the ceiling during installation, as this compromises the ceiling’s fire resistance.
If the downlight is surface-mounted, you do not have to use fire-rated lights when there is a living space above.
Do all lights need to be fire-rated?
Not all lights compromise a structure’s integrity or increase the risk of a fire occurring or spreading. With this in mind, only some lights in your home need to be fire-rated.
However, in any instance where a ceiling’s integrity is compromised, or a fire risk is posed, you must install fire-rated lights to remain compliant with the law.
If you can choose between fire-rated and non-fire-rated lighting, experts always recommend choosing the fire-rated version, no matter what room you’re installing them in.
Who can install fire-rated lights?
The Building Regulations act declares that a registered electrician must install downlights to prevent unsafe DIY work, which can be a fire hazard in and of itself.
After your downlights have been installed, you will receive a certificate as proof that your new fire-rated lights are compliant and safe.
Fire-rated lights at Dusk Lighting
Downlights are a fashionable addition to modern homes. They are as glamorous as versatile and can be positioned in various ways to complement your interior, whether to illuminate your favourite feature, provide task lighting, or shed focused lighting in a specific area of your living space.
However, traditional downlights are a safety risk, and many early designs are classed as fire hazards.
Fire-rated downlights are a fantastic way to enjoy downward lights safely. They offer the same glamorous design and impact as original versions without putting the structure of your home at risk.
In the event of a fire, fire-rated lights provide the extra time you need to evacuate a building safely and prevent a fire from spreading as quickly as possible. The Electrical Safety Council (ESC) recommends fire-rated downlights for every ceiling, regardless of which building you want to install them in.
We have a fantastic selection of fire-rated lights for you to shop, so you can enjoy your favourite lighting styles without compromising legal requirements or the safety of your home. Shop fire-rated ceiling-mounted and recessed lights in an array of styles and colours, and enjoy safe and secure lighting with Dusk Lighting!
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