According to the current building regulations, the residential dwellings with the height of the top floor up to 18m above ground should have ceilings resitant to fire for up to 60 minutes. This means that the downlights / the recessed lights fixed in the ceiling have to be at least fire-rated, to last for at least 60 minutes. We call these lights: fire protection lights(from Aurora), and we have tried to answer some questions about the fire rated downlights(including the standards that speak about them). Also, read about the key components of the fire rated ceiling lights, or the way they work if tested through fire.
In the article about the Fire Protection Downlights, we mention the concept of Intumescent Material. Aurora’s revolutionary intumescent fire hood range is made from a fully breathable material with a patented “Instant Release” intumescent envelope and adjustable self supporting fixing method. The construction of the fire hoods allows heat from the lamp to be effectively dissipated, preventing the terminal block and downlight from overheating. When exposed to fire, the intumescent material will swell(intumesce) to approximately 36 times its original volume, providing an insulating barrier against the fire, effectively sealing the hole once occupied by the downlight.
Other key features of the intumescent material – the fire hoods:
- Covered by £10M “Failure to Perform” insurance, subject to correct installation;
- Fully tested to BS 476 Part 21. Fire tests on building materials and structures;
- Maintains the ceiling’s fire protection integrity for a minimum of 60mins(60 minute rated ceiling) as required by the Building Regulations Document B3 and the I.E.E. Wiring Regulations(BS7671 – Regulation 527-02);
- Comply with sound insulation tests BS EN ISO140-3-1995/140-6-1998‘
- Patented “Instant-Release” intumescent envelope – UK Pat. P. No. 0216915.9 / International PCT/GB03/003229;
- The fully breathable material eliminates the overheating;
- Flexible and light, the unit can be installed from below or above the ceiling;
- Unique self supporting fixing method(no tools, screws required);
- Versatile rectangular design accommodates multiple downlight sizes;
- Suitable for use in plasterboard, suspended or concrete ceilings(9-35mm);
- 30% temperature reduction at terminal block compared to competitive products.
You can check out our online catalogue withe downlights/ceiling lights or wall lights and fire rated lights(from Aurora), and then buy online via our secure website.
