DO MY RECESSED DOWN LIGHTS NEED TO BE FIRE RATED?
Most ceilings have a fire rating that is used to calculate the time it can hold back flames from spreading to the upper floor - an average rating would be 60 minutes.
When you cut holes into your ceiling to install downlights you reduce this fire-stopping capability and fire can spread between floors through the holes in your ceiling.
By installing fire-rated downlights you ensure the ceiling remains an effective barrier to fire.
For commercial applications, new builds and rented properties, all downlights MUST be fire rated when installing them into ceilings with living accommodations above.
Most electricians will use fire-rated downlights throughout regardless. The minimum fire rating for downlights is generally 30 minutes but 60 or even 90 is the better option.
The choice is yours, but we would always recommend using fire-rated downlights where there is living accommodation above.
Your local council will be bale to advise you of this too.
Downlights are often manufactured with integral fire hoods, which may also have an acoustic rating which is often required for building regulations.
Again your local council will be able to advise you.
If your downlights do not have an integral fire hood, separate fire hoods can be purchased relatively cheaply and these simply go over the top of the downlight.
