Fire Rated Downlights
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why do I need Fire Protection products?
A. Building regulations require that recessed fixtures must be installed so that the fire resistance of the ceiling is not compromised, helping to control the spread of fire.
Q. What is fire resistance and how do you test for it?
A. Fire resistance is a surfaces ability to withstand a fire, measured in minutes. It is proven through destructive fire testing and assessment.
Q. Where do I need to use fire protection products?
A. Building regulations state that any residential dwelling with a height of the top floor of up to 18m above ground should have ceilings resistant to fire for up to 60 minutes. Those with a top floor up to 30m should have ceilings resistant to fire for up to 90 minutes.
Q. What are the current standards and what do they relate to?
A. British Standards (the BS 476: Part 20 series) and harmonised European Standards (BS ENs) exist for different types of building elements from floors to walls and ceilings.
Q. What is intumescent material and how does it work?
A. The material is a carbon polymer matrix which, when subjected to heat (such as that caused by a fire) will soften and release gases that are trapped within it. This will cause it to expand and maintain the integrity of the fire barrier.
