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Downlighters and fire safety

Downlighters and fire safety

Downlighters and fire safety

Downlights are the most popular type of lighting in the home today but if the lights are poorly installed they can cause horrific fires and this is one of the most common fires in the home over the past few years.

Downlighters are known to be described as low voltage as they operate at a mains voltage of 230 volts or at 12 volts if they are powered via a transformer.

Downlighters have built in fire protection that seals the downlighter in the event of a fire and to prevent a fire from spreading throughout the home or building. It is suggested that downlighters should be fitted with aluminium reflector lamps to ensure that heat does not build up and get trapped in cavities which can lead to a fire.

If you are going to install downlighters use a registered electrician and make sure you keep the box of the lights so that you can refer to it when replacing a fussed lamp in the future.

Here are a few steps on how to replace a lamp safely:

  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Always switch off the electricity before changing a lamp.
  • Don't fit a dichroic (cool beam) reflector lamp unless the downlighter is specifically designed for use with that type of lamp. If in doubt, fit only aluminium reflector lamps.
  • If the lamp holder is damaged, scorched or corroded, do not fit the lamp, and seek advice from a registered electrician.

If you are not changing your lights you still need to check the lights to ensure they are safe. Below are a few tips on how to do this properly.

  • Check for visible markings of damage or wear and tear
  • Check downlighters and their surroundings for signs of overheating such as curled labels and discolouration.
  • Ensure that downlighters installed in floor and ceiling cavities have sufficient space around them.
  • Ensure that downlighters are not in contact with or covered by loft insulation unless they are designed to operate safely in those conditions.
  • If dichroic (cool beam) lamps are fitted in downlighters designed for use with aluminium reflector lamps only, replace them with the correct type.