I read something on the net saying that, in all cases, recessed spotlights need to be fire rated. I found this odd since clearly non fire rated are on sale and if they would be illegal to fit in all cases, then they should not be sold.
Clearly in case of a three story house, where fire would potentially go through floors and block fire escape routes, many spotlights would need to be fire rated.
But in the case of a standard two storey or a ground floor extension where spotlights are installed, which regulation, if any, may require them to be fire proof rated?
Obviously if we take a different example like the security of your laptop when used for internet banking, we know that banks require you to have antivirus, firewall software and patches up to date on your laptop so it is safe to use but most let you use it even when you do not (no matter how much computer consultants would love it to be mandatory). I guess with this what I mean is that there is no Act requiring it. So for fire rating of spotlights, is there any act requiring them to be fit everywhere or could common sense be applied by the building inspector?
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
if a conservatory or an extension single storey ie no room above it is ok but it is better to fit fire proof idf it is problem with height in ceiling slimline ones are available if you use non fire rated then try to use led bulbs
As far as I understand and what I put it into practice regarding downlights and fire rating is this. That if there is another dwelling above. i.e. a separate household for example in a block of flats or a conversion of maisonettes then fire rated downlights are required. In new build work inc extensions then fire rated is required as standard. If on the other hand the property is a freehold with one dwelling all under 1 roof then fire rated is not required even if there is another room above. I actually did this in a property I rewired about 2 years ago that my NICEIC inspector visited. He was happy to confirm my understanding on this. However regulations do change slightly every year or so, so it is just possible that the requirements have changed in this time. If someone has a more definitive answer I would also be interested to hear.
Part B fire regs is what you are after. I understand your confusion about how the law is applied. Basically if your work does not meet local building control standards then you can't get them to pass it and issue a compliance certificate. That means your work is effectively illegal leaving you open to civil or criminal prosecution if anything goes wrong!
Answered24 April 2016
2
Anonymous user
fired rated spots should always be used if you break the fire rating ie plaster board and there are rooms above also I believe on some occasions you need to use fire rated spots on extensions even with no rooms above as you have broke the fire rating non fire rated spots are usually ok on the top floor or in bungalows but I would always use fire rated for extra safety.
