Light fitting and insulation

The fitting below was discovered during a representative inspection of a dwelling in an estate of over 100 units. There are over 1000 of these fittings, all covered in at least one layer of glass wool type thermal insulation.

One might wonder how the warning label was missed, or perhaps ignored, so very many times. There are also issues with achieving 30min modified fire resistance for the first floor. The one in the photo is in a bathroom. The contractor smugly  defended the absence of an IP rating as the fitting was installed at a height of 2.7m, well outside the designated zones in 701. I hear this sort of comment all the time. Perhaps if guys were better tutored on Chapter 13, a more holistic attitude to design might prevail.

Parents
  • I should have pointed out that these are new homes. A dispute has arisen about some aspects of the work carried out by the electrical contractor. In this case, he would have been well aware that thermal insulation was to be installed and without him specifically requiring measures to prevent the insulation covering the type of fittings shown in the photo, he has clearly not demonstrated compliance with 7671. 
    The problem is that I have to code the issue. Having carefully examined the install to ensure that the fittings are well clear of joists and understanding that the thermal insulation is effectively classed as non combustible, I am leaning towards the conclusion that the likely impact is one of lamp longevity rather than a potential ignition source. However, it’s late and I need to ruminate with a clearer head. 

  • I am leaning towards the conclusion that the likely impact is one of lamp longevity rather than a potential ignition source.

    Could the lamps themselves not melt or catch fire?

    If the issue is only lamp longevity, C3 (of sorts), but on the evidence so far, I find it difficult to see how an EIC could be issued.

Reply
  • I am leaning towards the conclusion that the likely impact is one of lamp longevity rather than a potential ignition source.

    Could the lamps themselves not melt or catch fire?

    If the issue is only lamp longevity, C3 (of sorts), but on the evidence so far, I find it difficult to see how an EIC could be issued.

Children
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