Electricity and faulty wiring are some of the common causes of house fires. Because of this, you should pay attention to fire safety when planning your lighting design. Aside from having your electricals done and checked by professionals, you should also ensure you're using lighting fixtures with extra fire protection – like fire-rated downlights!
There are specific protocols that you must observe when installing lighting fixtures. If you don't adhere to these guidelines, you're not only putting yourself at risk but also your neighbours and the rest of your community.
Understanding Fire-Rated Downlights
Regarding fire safety, fire-rated downlights are the fixtures you must have in your space. They prevent fire from further damaging your home and stop it from spreading.
If a lighting fixture doesn't have any fire rating, it means it's not capable of doing anything when a fire occurs. Worst comes to worst; it can even add fuel to the flame! That's why it's crucial to check the lighting fixtures you have to avoid calamities from happening.
Fire-rated downlights are very important if your home has multiple levels. If a fire takes place and you don't have adequate protection, the levels above or below can easily collapse, blocking possible exits and putting the people that are trapped in danger. If you have a fire-rated downlight in between floors, it won't immediately cave in, and you'll have adequate time to exit!
How Fire-Rated Downlights Work
Fire-rated downlights are recessed lighting solutions that are mounted on the ceiling. They’re designed with a built-in intumescent pad that activates when exposed to a specific temperature. Is this such an important feature to have?
You see, the ceiling has a natural barrier against fire. However, the barrier weakens when you cut a hole into it, allowing the fire to effortlessly pass through the gap. While it looks like a regular downlight can fill up the void you trimmed to mount it, the downlight does not entirely seal the hole. Only the intumescent pad in a fire-rated downlight can block all the tiny crevices surrounding the fixture and restore the ceiling's original fire
integrity.
A fire-rated downlight can strengthen your home's fire protection and prevent potential risks when installed correctly. So, to maximise its effectiveness, it's better to leave its installation to professionals unless you're 100% sure that you can do an excellent job.
Benefits of Fire-Rated Downlights
One of the reasons people use fire-rated downlights rather than regular ones is the additional layer of protection it provides. If you really want to keep your home safe, you should take the time to find the fixtures which can help your goal.
Again, fire-rated downlights are your friend for fire protection. As mentioned, it's more adequate in handling fire than other non-fire-rated alternatives. Also, besides preventing the spread of fire, fire-rated downlights can limit smoke damage and defend the structural integrity of your home.
Choosing Fire-Rated Downlights
When deciding which fire-rated downlights to buy, you should not just purchase the first thing you find. It would be best to consider some aspects to ensure you get one for your space.
Depending on the model, some fire-rated downlights have unique features like compatibility with various beams or with specific areas (wet zones like the bathroom). So, check which is ideal for you're home's structure and the application your after. Also, some qualifications that you ought to inspect are the fire rating classification, beam angle, colour temperature and, of course, the design!
Since one of the main reasons you're purchasing a LED fire-rated downlight is for fire protection, go through the fire-rating classification of the fixture to ensure that it's tested and safe to use. As for the beam angle, colour temperature, and design of your fire-rated downlight, it's all up to your preference and the installation that you're doing!
Installation and Wiring Considerations
Since you're cutting a hole into your ceiling, exposing your home's foundation to various elements, you have to be very careful with the fixtures, appliances, and devices you install. You don't want one of your lights or contraption to spark a fire inside, spreading from one room to another!
For example, using insulation over your lighting for extra protection. Not all lighting fixtures can be covered by insulation. In fact, you should not even consider it unless it's indicated explicitly that you can. Only insulation-coverable fittings are the only ones that you can spread insulation over. Otherwise, it becomes a fire hazard.
Another crucial point is to have your fire-rated downlights professionally installed to avoid any risks. Even if you have to pay extra, as much as possible, it's best to get an electrician. However, if you really must do it, follow the installation manual to the dot.
Conclusion
You won't realise how valuable fire-rated downlights are without knowing something about them. But now that you do, you should be able to see its real value and seriously consider investing in them. They can keep you safe in case of a fire and prevent irreversible damage from occurring. It can even save lives! Just make sure that everything is installed correctly and get first-rate fixtures only.
Where's the best place to get them? On our website, LED Supplier! There, you'll see a comprehensive range of LED fire-rated downlights in different finishes, colour temperatures, beam angles, and more. Also, we house the finest LED indoor, outdoor, and commercial lighting, so don't forget to check them out!
