Down Lights

Most houses have them, but are they fit for purpose and correctly installed.

One of the biggest things to keep in mind is, do they need to be fire rated or not? We would always say if you don’t know then go for fire rated better to be safe than sorry.

In your domestic property if there is a habitable room above the lights then the electrical requirements state they need to be fire rated. For example, down lights in your kitchen with a bedroom above, these need to be fire rated.

Down lights in your bathroom with a loft above, these don’t need to be fire rated but its always recommended.

The fire rated term relates to the light fitting preventing a fire from passing through the floor up into another room.

What about IP rated ?

IP rated relates to the term, two-digit grading system that’s applied to the enclosure of a mechanical or electrical item, giving customers a clear indication of the item’s resistance to various types of unwanted intrusion ie – water

Down lights need to be IP rated in an area where water / steam / water splashes can get onto or inside the light. So above a shower or bath, maybe a wet room, what about the front of your property in the soffits where they aren’t in direct contact with the elements but a jet wash or windy rainy day could get to your lights.

There are many things to consider when picking the perfect down light, we hope this gives you a good start in picking the right ones.

Thanks

Modern Lighting and Electrical Ltd