Why would you need them?
What Are Fire-Rated Downlights?
Fire-rated downlights are engineered to prevent the rapid spread of fire through ceilings. When installing downlights, having a hole in the ceiling is necessary. However, this opening can act as a conduit for fire to move upwards, compromising the ceiling’s fire integrity and facilitating the swift progression of flames between rooms and floors. Fire-rated lights seal this gap, mitigating fire spread and making them a safety must-have. Modern variants can sometimes have intumescent pads that expand under high temperatures, effectively blocking the passage of fire and delaying its advancement.
How to Identify Fire-Rated Downlights?
Quite simply, the quickest way to determine if a light is fire-rated is by reviewing the product description. Fire-rated lights are explicitly labelled on our website, distinguishing them from standard downlights.
What are these Fire Ratings?
Fire-rated lights are available with different time-based ratings, indicating how long they can resist fire penetration. Common ratings include 30, 60, and 90 minutes, while some offer up to 120 minutes of protection. Typically, downlights with shorter ratings are installed on lower building levels, where evacuation routes are shorter, while higher-rated lights are used on upper floors to make up for the extra time needed to evacuate.
Do my downlights have to be Fire-Rated?
Not all downlights require fire ratings. If the installation doesn’t compromise the ceiling’s integrity—such as scenarios without a living space or loft above—fire-rated lights might not be mandatory. However, using fire-rated downlights is advisable to safeguard the building’s structure and ensure overall safety.
Important Note: According to Building Regulations, downlights must be installed by a registered electrician to prevent potential fire hazards stemming from improper DIY installations.
Browse our great selection of fire-rated downlights.
