Fire Rated Downlights

How do fire rated downlights work, when should you use them, and when must you use them? Fire rated downlights are sometimes referred to as fireproof. This leads many people to think that these downlights are designed in such a way that they cannot catch fire.

This is not the case, as all the downlights that we supply are ‘F’ rated, which means that they can be mounted on a normally flammable surface, and will not catch fire in any event. The fire rated downlights that we supply are at least 60 minutes rated and comply with all building regulations concerning minimum fire and acoustic ratings.

Part of the installation of a downlight requires a hole being cut into the ceiling where it is to be installed. This creates a pathway for the fire to breach the ceiling and move on to the upper floors. The plasterboard used in ceilings must have a minimum fire rating of 30 minutes. Using fire rated downlights restores the integrity of a ceiling.

How do Fire Rated Downlights Prevent a Fire Spreading?

All fire rated downlights feature intumescent strips built into their design. Intumescent materials are in the forefront of fire protection. Consisting of a fireproof material that swells when exposed to heat, it expands at such a rate that it completely seals the hole cut out to accommodate the downlight.

All fire rated downlights are rated to 30, 60 or 90 minutes to delay the spread of fire between floors and protect the building’s structure.

Do I Need Fire Rated Downlights?

Part B of the Building Regulations 1987, which cover fire safety, declared that any room in a house with wooden floor joists and fitted with downlights must be at least 30 minute fire rated. This would include all downstairs rooms in a two-storey house and any upstairs rooms with accommodation above.

For commercial applications, new builds and for properties that are rented out, all downlights must be fire rated when installed in a ceiling with living accommodation above. The minimum fire rating for downlights is generally 30 minutes but 60 or 90 minutes is desirable.

In other situations, all new installations must comply with the above, but we would always recommend using fire rated downlights in every situation. There is little difference in cost and could make a massive difference should the worst happen. If in doubt, contact your local council building regulations’ office, who will advise you accordingly.

For complete information, please visit Electrical Safety First by following the link.

Types of Fire Rated Downlights

They are normally supplied in two main types, those with and without a can. Those with a can are fully enclosed in a steel casing with an intumescent strip around the area where the fitting meets the ceiling. These are the ideal choice where the ceiling void is deep enough.

Those without a can are open above but again have the intumescent strip around the rim. Of the two, the fully enclosed fire rated type is the most robust, however, where ceiling space is limited, those without a can may be used as it takes up far less space.

To assist you further in making an informed choice, please see our lighting information page, where you will find an article entitled Recessed Downlights Explained.

If you require help, have a question or need further information on whether you should fit fire rated downlights, please contact a member of our specialist team on 0151 650 2138 for expert advice.