Fire-rated downlighting is designed to maintain the integrity of your ceiling should a fire break out. They contain a metal can in the rear which contains materials which expand, creating a seal inside the light housing to protect in the event of a fire. It prevents flames affecting the ceiling cut-outs and slows the collapse of your floor, this gives occupants important time to evacuate.

Compliance requirements

When purchasing your fire-rated downlighting one of the major considerations is that it complies with Part B Fire Safety Regulations (England and Wales). Tables A1 and A2 in Approved Document B (volumes 1 and 2) contains a clear reference to the specific requirements.

Along with the requirements of Part B, recessed downlighting must also be in compliance with Part C (air flow), Part E (acoustics), Part L (energy efficiency), and Part P (domestic electrical safety) Building Regulations.

Fire-rated fittings

Compliance with Part B Building Regulations means that recessed ceiling lighting is quite often tested for levels of fire protection, and could be fire rated for 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes.

Most 2-storey and 3-storey houses have at least a 30-minute fire-rated requirement but a four-storey property usually has at least a 60-minute rating. Higher homes with a top floor of somewhere between 18m and 30m in height need 90-minute ceiling protection, and anything taller requires 120 minutes.

These figures generally apply to commercial properties as well, with a few concessions for ceilings that have sprinklers. Downlighting which is non-fire-rated may be installed into homes where the ceiling is under a roof void. Alternatively, they should be used in conjunction with an intumescent fire hood, which could potentially cost much more than fire-rated fitting.

Bathroom Halogen downlighting

A great advantage of halogens is the great light quality which makes it perfect for bathroom use, where the warm tones flatter skin tones. The great colouring is useful for tasks like applying makeup.

With an IP65 rating, Halogen lighting can be placed in zones 1, 2, and ‘outside zones’ of your bathroom as long as it has an IP rating of 65. It is protected against jets of water and dust, even with a light with an adjustable head.

Advantages Of LED.

LED lighting is the most ideal for industrial settings. It uses anywhere up to 90% less energy than the halogen light, and its great lifespan means that it is cost effective.

Which Fire-Rated Downlighting should I choose?

Halogen is great for its superior light quality and affordability. You would choose LED lighting for its energy-efficiency and long-life.