When it comes to lighting your home, creating the right aesthetic, as well as the right atmosphere is generally important. However, many people can easily overlook the importance of electrical safety when purchasing new lights for their home. As a result, whether you are a homeowner or a landlord, fire ratings are something you should pay attention to. Especially when it comes to down lights. Here at K and M Maintenance, we are Preston’s leading electrical experts. As a result, we have produced this guide to fire rated downlights in the home.
What is a fire rated downlight?
A fire rated downlight is a safer option for any home. Whenever any downlight is installed, a hole is cut into the ceiling. Although ceilings act as a natural fire barrier, it is only useful if the ceiling is intact. As a result, your simple downlight can be a real fire risk, allowing fire to travel from the upstairs into the rooms below.
A fire rated downlight on the other hand, seals off this hole using an intumescent pad. This pad swells up when it reaches a particular temperature, plugging the hole in the ceiling. As a result, it can stop the fire spreading through your home, for as long as the pad lasts. But without fire rated downlights, the fire will spread with a lot more ease.
Timings
Fire rated downlights come with different levels of protection. This means it will protect you from the fire for a set amount of time. These options include 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes.
In general, the lower you are, the less protection you may need. For example, if you are in the basement flat, 60 minutes of protection will be adequate.
However, if you are on the top floor, 120 minutes may be necessary.
However, the option you choose should be discussed with a qualified and professional electrician. This is because other influential factors will need to be considered.
Why not contact us at K and M Maintenance today, for your electrical support, maintenance and installations?