led downlighters in an insulated ceiling?

[julianf]

I have zero idea when it comes to these things -

I want to fit some led lights into a ceiling that, from inside to out, goes -

Plasterboard
about 50mm of cellotex
then another layer of 200mm or something like that
then membrane, battens, slate and then the outside

I would clearly need to carve out some of the cellotex. Are "fire rated" to stop fire channels between floors? Or are they to stop the light setting fire to whats around them?

I obviously dont need to worry about setting fire to the sky in the worst case scenario!

Im not bothered about U value. Im talking, probably, two lights, not 30-off!

How much clearance do led lights need above them? Do they need any clearance at all?


I have tried to look this up, but, the trouble is, if you know nothing, you dont even know what terms like "fire rated" even mean!

Thank you

 

[jimbo84]

Fire rated means it stops the fire spreading from the room that is burning to the space above the light be that a void or another room.

Most aren’t rated to be buried in insulation but it is a case of looking at the manufacturer’s instructions.

It’s a while since I’ve had anything to do with downlights so there maybe more available now rated to be covered with insulation.

Edit: yes there are plenty of options for insulation

https://www.downlightsdirect.co.uk/insulation-coverable-downlights.html

 

[brightspark]

just give them a bit of clearance all round ,you will have to cut the celotex back either side in order for the spring clips on the fitting to spring back and engage on top of the plasterboard to hold the fitting up tight/ you need a bit of clearance above the fitting to coil the tail of cable above it

 

[Onoff]

You can get downlight hoods. Either compressed fibre like flowerpots or hard plastic like I've used:

https://flic.kr/p/22kbAGe

https://flic.kr/p/E3xQsa

https://flic.kr/p/22kbCrg

This is where I'll end up with mine:

https://flic.kr/p/JDeXwg

 

[brightspark]

fire hoods are old hat now and arent needed .they were only fitted because the old 50 watt halogen bulbs were setting fire to stuff and burning out overheating. led hardly gives any heat off

 

[bricol]

Certainly my large diameter 9W ones in maybe a decade haven't yet melted, or set fire to the insulation above. I seem to recall there was no requirement to keep them clear of insulation. I did run the cables inside 30mm water pipe so they were easier to shove under the insulation to get to them, or in-case they were ever replaced.

 

[gaz1]

for ceiling lights with stuff already fitted i went back to an old adjustable fitting like this



it goes through an old piece of wood that can be oiled up and thats used to open the hole up inside of the hole to fit the downlight

so the hole is 30mm i can set that tool as wide as i want screw it up to ceiling and make the hole inside of the insulation wider than the downlight fitting hole

if you dont want to bother with that tool just gouge it out with a screwdriver

 

[Onoff]

Tbh you can get flat panel LED downlights now.

 

[Barking Mat]

Before I fitted mine I just whacked some insulation over then, left them on for 48 hours, mildly warm, they've been in 4 years, no issues.

 

[dobbslc]

Tbh you can get flat panel LED downlights now.

These look good "can be covered in insulation "

https://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-indopro-fixed-fire-rated-led-downlight-white-9w-450lm/3863X?tc=OA7&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4-y8BhC3ARIsAHmjC_EYIY2EPyduFtif7ZTWeGj2AQUbVCtam8sNbqEblcKqVQNt6DCoA68aApZiEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[brightspark]

i use these there ip65 rated suitable for in bathrooms replacing the old 12 volt transformer ones. they have colour change on them and dual wattage https://www.internet-electrical.co....MIkZzo95KeiwMVY6JQBh3c_zhDEAQYAiABEgIOfvD_BwE

 

[sparkysy]

These are excellent too!

V-TAC LED Mini Round Panel CCT 3in1 Switchable

CCT switchable 3000K/4000K/6400K• Low profile, ideal for shallow ceiling voids, 210mm cut-out • Easy to connect non dimmable driver included • Strong and sturdy aluminium body• Designed with high efficiency LED SMD chips• Compatible with emergency pack (code 23700)• Suitable for offices...

www.toolstation.com

Available in different sizes and wattage colour selectable, you only need space behind it for the driver and a suitable connection box.

I have fitted loads of them and never been called back to one.