Fire Rated Downlights Explained

WHY CHOOSE A FIRE RATED DOWNLIGHT?

Fire rated downlights offer a solution to the issue of compromised fire integrity when installing recessed downlights, which require a hole to be cut in a ceiling. Using a fire-rated downlight can significantly decrease the time it takes for a fire to spread compared to a non fire-rated alternative.

Part B Building Regulations

Recessed downlights are becoming ever more popular in residential and commercial builds. However, installation of a recessed downlight requires a hole to be cut in the ceiling, which may compromise the ceiling's fire integrity and significantly decrease the time it takes for a fire to spread. In line with Part B building regulations, downlights should therefore have the ability to maintain the fire rating of the ceiling to 30, 60 or 90 minutes.

"If a fire separating element is to be effective, then every joint, or imperfection of fit, or opening to allow services to pass through the element, should be adequately protected by sealing or fire-stopping so that the fire resistance of the element is not"

30, 60 and 90 Minute Ceilings

FIRE PROTECTION LEVELS EXPLAINED

The most common levels of fire protection required for ceilings are either 30, 60 or 90 minute ratings, as specified in building regulation Part B. Plasterboard thickness and joist spacing within the ceiling vary depending on the required level of fire rating. These requirements are generally determined by building height and use.

Testing fire protection levels

A ’30, 60, 90’ fire rated downlight must pass separate tests for each time period and it must not be assumed a downlight that states it can withstand 90 minutes of fire is also 30 or 60 minute fire rated. JCC fire rated LED downlights have been rigorously independently tested to 30, 60 and 90 minutes to provide the fire safety needed for all ceiling types.