One of our sparks moved into his new build house a few months ago and found that none of the downlights are fire rated!
 
I always fit fire rated as standard anyway but assuming a 3 bed house over two floors are they mandatory? I know you're compromising the fire rating of the ceiling but is upstairs a separate fire compartment?

I know things get stricter with integral garages/3 floors but to be honest I'm not 100% on these points.
 
I always fit fire rated as standard anyway but assuming a 3 bed house over two floors are they mandatory? I know you're compromising the fire rating of the ceiling but is upstairs a separate fire compartment?

I know things get stricter with integral garages/3 floors but to be honest I'm not 100% on these points.

It is only separate buildings or residences that tend to have fire compartments for which the resistance must be maintained and so for which fire rated down lights are required.
A separate flat above down lights would require them and down lights in an integral garage with a room above would require them.

A fire resistant surface such as a normal plasterboard ceiling should not be reduced in integrity, but the installation of non fire rated down lights does not cause such a reduction.
However if you can restrict the spread of fire in any way it would generally be a good idea, even though a fire will spread up the stairs more easily than through a ceiling if there are a few more minutes or seconds of delay it may help.
 
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New Build Development Pricing?
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nlbhoy,
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Richard Burns,
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