Do fireproof downlights really work? -Can save your life if necessary
Clause 11.2 of Approved Document B of the UK Building Regulations (BRC) states that
"If fire isolating members are effective, every joint, or imperfect junction, or opening through a member that is permitted to be used as an access point,
should be adequately protected by sealing or firestopping so that the member's fire resistance is not compromised."
Under Part B of the UK Building Regulations, fire resistant downlights should be tested in accordance with should be tested in accordance with BS 476-21:1987
As standard homes in the UK typically have two floors, timber-floored structures with plasterboard ceilings must pass stringent fire tests
if there is living space above.
In these properties, the entire floor/ceiling structure between the two floors must be able to withstand a fire for at least 30 minutes in order to:
a) Prevent the fire from spreading rapidly and thus trapping the occupants of the building;
b) Reduce the chances of the fire becoming larger, as large fires can be dangerous not only to residents, fire and rescue service personnel,but also to those in the vicinity of the building.
And fire-resistant downlights help to slow the spread of fire compared to traditional downlights.
When you cut a hole in the ceiling and install recessed lights, you are reducing the existing fire rating of the ceiling.
The hole then allows the fire to escape and spread more easily between floors.
Fire rated downlights play an important role in fire safety as they effectively block the hole that cuts into the ceiling.
Each downlight has an expansion pad on it that expands when it reaches a certain temperature,
ultimately slowing the spread of fire. Different fireproof downlights have different fire resistance times, ranging from 30 minutes to 90 minutes.
Without fireproof downlights, this could mean your ceiling collapsing in just a few minutes, rather than giving you extra time to escape safely.
Vertex Fire Resistant Downlight Introduction-F1001
Accommodating all GU10 Halogen, standard size LED and CFL bulbs.
Manufactures from die cast Aluminum with a circular design, create a modern look in your kitchen, bathroom, laundry and living room.
Tested for 30, 60 & 90 minutes fire rated ceilings fire resistance periods;
comply with Part B Fire Safety Regulation and UK Building Regulation BS476; conform to BS EN ISO 140-3:1995 and 140-6:1998 for acoustics.
