Fire-rated downlights are versatile, functional, and energy-efficient, making them incredibly popular and a top pick for people who want safe, balanced illumination. They come in various shapes, sizes, and finishes, so you'll never run out of options whatever your interior design plan will be.
Aside from that, fire-rated downlights will never go out of style because of their minimalist and modern look. These lights are perfect if you don't want to keep updating your fixtures but also don't want to be behind the trends.
Usually, you'll see these lights in the bedroom, kitchen, bathroom (IP65 rated and above), dining room & living room. You'll also see them often in hotels, restaurants, and lobbies. However, you are free to be creative and use them anywhere you want!
What Are Fire-Rated Downlights?
Due to LED downlights being recessed (which means the bulk of it is hidden on the other side of your ceiling) you will need to cut a hole in your ceiling for installation. This hole results in the compromise of your ceilings' natural capacity to act as a fire barrier as it gives the fire a gateway to move through.
A fire-rated downlight has a special coating or layer that swells when it reaches a specific temperature, forming a protective barrier that blocks off any holes that the fire may have been able to pass through. With this, the fire spread decreases in speed, giving you not only extra time for necessary evacuations but also diminishing the amount of structural damage to your home.
When it comes to these recessed downlights, it's best to call for an electrician (on their working days) to come in and mount them because the fixtures must be fitted correctly. Additionally, if you have wooden ceiling joints, you must use a fire-rated downlight because, in case of a fire, the joints will collapse even before anyone could get out. So, be prepared and keep your home safe with these lights.
Rather than having surface-mounted alternatives, fire-rated downlights are an integrated LED lighting format that will not only provide a seamless finish to your kitchen (or wherever you desire to place them) - but you will have a layer of protection that other forms of lighting simply won't supply.
Not only can they be fully recessed, but they can be semi-recessed. Depending on your personal preference, will determine the style you want to opt for. Most choose a fully recessed form of lighting fixture due to the minimalistic aesthetic that it poses, compared to the surface-mounted competition. Both offer fantastic benefits, so whatever you're looking for will determine on your final purchase decision!
Do I Need Fire-Rated Downlights?
We're often asked, "Do I need fire-rated downlights, or can I go for a cheaper option?" Well, at the risk of being blunt, put it this way - do you want to make sure that you're sleeping in a safe home, or are you okay taking your chances? Being ready for all possible scenarios is always better than having regrets.
So, these lights are a necessity rather than an option if you want to cover all bases to ensure the safety of your loved ones. Especially if it comes as a surprise, your fire-rated downlights can block the fire for up to 30, 60 and 90 minutes sometimes!
Aside from the safety factor, there are other reasons why you need a fire-rated downlight:
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Keep up with the regulations – Home construction and building regulations change over time and depending on where your home is located, you'll need to keep up with their protocols to guarantee that hazards and accidents may be prevented. If regulations say that a fire-rated downlight is a must if you want recessed lighting, then you should follow that instruction.
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Insurance – You don't want your insurance company to say that the accident is not covered by your plan because there is some negligence on your part. To avoid these stressful situations, follow the regulations so you’ll have a solid case when filing for claims.
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Updated Technology – If you're always itching to buy the newest gadgets because of the specs, then you should also be updated with the latest technology that guarantees your safety. These lights may look the same. Still, newer versions use better materials and cover more aspects of fire prevention.
With these unmatched advantages, coupled with user safety being implemented into the lighting fixture, you cannot go wrong with installing these lights within your kitchen - especially if the aesthetics are not hindered either.
Do I need a Fire-Rated Downlight in the Kitchen?
To put it simply, yes, you should use fire-rated downlights in your kitchen. It's a well-known fact that the kitchen is the location of the biggest hazard for the spread of fire in your home. Consequently, it's only natural that you'll need to use fire-rated downlights there, not only to keep that space brilliantly illuminated but also to keep the spaces above it protected against fire.
If you're pondering which is more critical, fire rating or IP rating for kitchen downlights, fire rating should be your priority. It's unlikely that you'll have water splashes on your kitchen ceiling.
Taking chances in your household without installing these lights could potentially save your life if the event of a fire. Investing in fire-rated downlights will serve a protective purpose, along with the energy-efficient features of an LED light bulb.
Saving money with your energy bills and giving you the most productive form of lighting in any scenario is what we here at LED supplier are looking to provide you with. Below, you will see the vast array of options we have in store for your home. Improve your aesthetic, safety precautions, etc with LED supplier today!
