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
  • Some downlighters I've come across have two single core cables to the lamp, but they're actually insulated & sheathed - it's not at all obvious as the wires have a small conductor so even with the sheath they still look the same size as ordinary basic insulation only. So maybe worth a double check on that score.

    +1 for chock blocks needing an proper enclosure (or surrounded by fireproof construction materials) - tape won't stop an overheating joint setting fire to things. I suppose these days of LED downlighters the currents are pretty modest, so it's not quite the risk it used to be, but all the same I wouldn't object to a C2 on that score.

       - Andy.

  • Not sure the enclosure MIke shows above would perform much better than the choc block on it's own.

Reply Children
  • I have observed that specific type of box being melted to a 50W GU10 lamp above a down lighter. 

  • oh no I agree it wont, its utter rubbish when heated,  but that is not what BS7671 requires - the cover just has to pass a product standard, and so long as it does that, then it does not have to be fire proof.

    Only enclosures that do not meet a suitable product standard have to be fireproof instead.,

    Mike