When designing a lighting system, your focus should not only prioritise functionality and aesthetics. Safety is also a critical aspect, whether it's for your home or business. So, what fixtures are equipped with precautions to keep your space safe?
What is a Fire-Rated Downlight?
A fire-rated downlight is designed with an intumescent pad that activates when exposed to a specific temperature. With this, the hole you cut to install your fixture is entirely blocked, extending the time when the fire will spread.
Lighting products with fire ratings have undergone specific procedures of fire resistance testing to identify how long they can stand a fire. You see, when a recessed downlight is mounted, a large hole is cut, reducing the ceiling's innate ability to serve as a barrier. If a fire breaks out, the spot where your downlight is can increase the risks of fire spreading as it's naturally drawn to wide openings.
When you have a fire-rated downlight, the tiny crevasse that the fixture cannot fill up is sealed by the intumescent pad, reinforcing the fire integrity of your ceiling and delaying the fire spread! In addition, it can reduce structural damage and prevent your home/building from collapsing.
Traditional Lighting Solutions
Halogen, incandescent, and CFLs are some of the most common traditional lights you may still use. If you have these fixtures at home or in your shop, chances are, you're paying a higher electricity bill compared to your neighbour who is using an LED fitting. How so?
LED lights are the most energy-efficient fixtures you can get. It can transform about 95% of the energy it consumes into light, with only 5% going to waste. On the other hand, incandescent bulbs are the least efficient traditional lighting and can last the shortest (1000 hours).
As for halogen bulbs, it's about 28% more efficient than incandescent bulbs, with approximately 3,000 hours average lifespan. Nonetheless, CFLs give you more advantages, with about 75% more efficiency than incandescent bulbs and a 10,000 hours life expectancy.
When it comes to fire safety, do you think fixtures that produce heat are safe? Of course not! Well, one advantage of LED fire-rated downlight over traditional lighting solutions is it emits negligible heat (barely noticeable). Incandescent, halogen, and CFL bulbs get so hot because the majority of the energy they consume is being released as heat instead of light.
Yes, at first glance, traditional lighting solutions may be more affordable than LEDs. However, when you add all the costs from monthly electrical bills, maintenance expenses, and the possible damage for not having enough fire protection, are they really the best choice?
Fire-Rated Downlights vs Traditional Lighting
Building regulations recommend using fire-rated downlights to guarantee that excessive heat and fire will not slip through the cavities of your ceiling. Also, the UK has banned the retail of incandescent and halogen bulbs, with fluorescents to follow. So, if you still have those, it’s best to swap them out since it’ll be harder for you to get replacements.
Regarding energy efficiency and cost savings, an LED fire-rated downlight integrated with an LED bulb is ten times better than traditional lights. Since they can effectively convert energy into light, they require less power! As a result, lower electricity bills and more savings.
Besides that, LED fire-rated downlights are easier to install and maintain than traditional lighting fixtures. Once the fire-rated downlights are up in your ceiling, they can last 30,000 hours with minimal maintenance requirements! Just wipe them occasionally to remove any dust or dirt blocking the light.
LED fire-rated downlights are gaining popularity not just because of their efficiency and safety features but also due to their design flexibility. You can find this lighting fixture in various finishes, types, sizes, and colour temperatures, allowing you to get the style you want!
How to Choose the Right Lighting Solution?
To know the right lighting solution for your space, identify your priorities and requirements. What is the purpose of the area, and how do you intend to use it? Once you nail it down, it'll be easier for you to eliminate those that will not coincide with your conditions.
If you are still lost and don't know where to start, consider bringing in a professional to guide you. Those people can assist you with the proper selection for the size and layout of the room, with consideration to the activities that you'll be doing there.
Once they give you your recommendations, evaluate the long-term costs and benefits for each. Which will require more bulb changes? Is that fixture suitable for your lifestyle? After answering each question, you’ll be able to find the right lighting solution for you!
Conclusion
Get an LED fire-rated downlight if you want a light fixture that improves fire protection, offers energy efficiency, boosts space functionality, and is easy to install and maintain. Traditional lighting solutions may be the first to arrive, but LED fire-rated downlights are innovated to allow you to enjoy a bright space without paying a hefty price!
If you're looking for top-quality LED fire-rated downlights, visit our website, LED Supplier! We have an extensive collection, so you'll find one that suits your needs and style.
