Does exposed basic insulation on downlights need to be resolved.

On EICR prior to a CU change I found about 12 downlights with basic insulation exposed, some connections in connector strip and some connector strip covered in insulation tape.

Napit code breakers recommends a C2 in this situation. 

 Best practice guide 4 says providing they are not easily accessible or likely to come in to contact with metal work code C3 is recommended.

In my mind best practice guide 4 is probably the more sensible approach. 

Something that I come across regularly

My planned approach going forward with exposed basic insulation will probably be:-

    In enclosed roof/floor space between building floors  C3

    In loft space with easy access C2

Connector strip covered in insulation tape C3

Not sure how I feel about just covering exposed connector strip with tape.

If I have to actually re-make the joints labour costs as much as the lights, so replacing probably makes sense and gives a good result providing hole size doesn't exceed say 85mm.

But if the existing holes exceed 100mm I end up using something like a 135mm concealer ring   which is a great technical solution, but in my opinion doesn't look great.

I think it's a reasonable solution if the customer has no plans to make other changes in the next few years.

My current customers plan to renew their kitching in the next year, I am sure they won't live with a compromise solution for the new kitchen. which means whatever I ask them to pay for replacing the lights or remedial work will effectively  be throw away money.

I am sure if I ask NAPIT support line 3 times I will get 3 different answers, all eventually coming down to the statement, use your engineering judgement. This email is an attempt to get opinions to help form that judgement.

Parents
  • One issue with insulating tape is that there are standards for the different types, covering relevant mechanical and electrical properties for the voltage ratings and conditions of use ... but not all insulating tape on the market has evidence it conforms to the British or BS EN standards !!!

    How can someone looking at the installation later know what tape that was applied and that it met the relevant standards?

Reply
  • One issue with insulating tape is that there are standards for the different types, covering relevant mechanical and electrical properties for the voltage ratings and conditions of use ... but not all insulating tape on the market has evidence it conforms to the British or BS EN standards !!!

    How can someone looking at the installation later know what tape that was applied and that it met the relevant standards?

Children
  • The glue on insulating tapes does not last forever.

  • This is made worse by some of the old recessed downlights heat production accelarating the glues demise.

    Personally I think choc blocks should be replaced with an enclosure like at MF WagoBox making sure there is no single insulation exposed and that CPC is sheeved and present then cable tie up the box.  The downlight should be checked to be fire rated and their IP rating.  Ik rating probably does not need to be considered as much as it is in a dwelling kitchen.

    As a side note check if the lamp is LED, if not an advisory note to the customer about changing the lamp for the energy saving.  Lamp cost ofset again the saving of electrcity price per kWh.  New LED light bulb only a few pounds.  The Caveat....Dimmer Switch

    Eg

    12 *60w Vs 12 * 7w LED