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Electrical

Recessed Downlights

Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 3.28 PM

Hi, I was getting some recessed downlights fitted in the kitchen, lounge and hallway. My builder/electricians bought the downlights and made the holes while they had the lights. Am not sure what stage they realised that between the plasterboard and the CONCRETE ceiling (purpose built block of flats with concrete floors, two floors above me) the space is not uniform and in some places as low as 70mm. Without my knowledge they decided to cut the back of the casing where necessary and fitted. By chance when I found out and I refused to accept with the vague knowledge of having lost the fire-rating. Although they are saying they will certify the works/installation my concern is that will I have issue when it comes to selling/renting? Is the fire-rating vital given the concrete ceiling? Thanks for your advice. Update: thank you all for your advice. I have thought about replacing all the lights but the only light I found after hours of search is one in downlights.co.uk which is priced at about £24 each. The current holes are 90mm Cutout and lowest height is 70mm. The one I found is 91mm Cutout and 65mm recess. I need 21 of them and thus costing around £500. A very expensive future change of light as they are integrated. Builder gave me option of filling all holes and fitting smaller ones.

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4 Answers

Homesafe Electrical Ltd

Rating: 5 out of 5

Bristol

Hi, The Concrete ceiling will be acting as your fire barrier. As long as they haven't damaged the integrity of that then this eliminates the need for fire-rated down lights in the first place. As for hacking away at the light fittings that is definitely not acceptable, not only will it void any guarantee you may get with fittings but it may affect any insurance in the unlikely event of any problems. The fittings will require some clearance around them anyway as per manufacturers instructions. I'd recommend getting some low-profile LED light fittings. Cheers

Answered30 May 2017

JK Electrical

Rating: 5 out of 5

Glasgow

Unfortunately, the options are limited when a ceiling void is too shallow to accomodate a downlight. Alternatively, one can try to find a fitting of similar appearance that will fit. Another solution is to consider surface-mounted fittings instead. The only other option left open is to have the ceiling dropped. I'm assuming that it was a builder who installed these downlights as no professional, competent, qualified electrician would even contemplate sawing-off part of the casing of a fire-rated downlight so to make it fit into a void. Given that whoever did the job was willing to certify the work he carried-out complies with the requirements of BS 7671, a red flag is raised. That you were kept in the dark and not informed of the builder's 'improvisation' should then set alarm bells ringing. Householders should NEVER allow anyone but a professional, competent, qualified electrician anywhere near the electrical installation in their home. It is always wise to ask an electrical contractor to supply documentary evidence to prove that he is actually a professional, competent, qualified electrician. A bona fide contractor will be happy to produce his credentials on request whereas a charlatan will not.

Answered1 June 2017

ElectricsPlus

Rating: 5 out of 5

Bridlington

Tricky one this, what I would have done is to discuss this situation with you rather than modifying the light fittings and come to an agreed decision. The installer obviously did not know of this narrow void, similarly it would be unfair on the installer for you to simply wash your hands, after all it is your home and you should bare some of the responsibility. Also just because there is a concrete ceiling doesn't mean there is no fire risk, many concrete buildings still go up in smoke. I wonder whether the building fire regs were looked at before this modified installation took place.

Answered30 May 2017

Albany Park Electrical

No reviews yet

Worcester Park

Its never nice to know someone has manufactured their own design out of brand new downlights. If it is a concrete ceiling above they do not need to be fire rated. This applies whether you're selling or renting. Concrete ceiling/flooring is deemed a sufficient fire barrier as fire will not easily spread to the floor above.

Answered30 May 2017