PLC Energy Saving Downlights need fire hoods?

[arcbrightmike]

Hi Good evening everyone. I am doing a job in a takeaway/restaurant and they want me to swap 12 halogen downlights in the lobby for twin 18w PLC downlight which are in a suspended ceiling and install 9 in the restaurant area which has a plasterboard ceiling directly onto the joists and upstairs floor. Whilst cutting the holes out today it dawned on me that I will probably need to put fire hoods on top of them as the specification of the fitting does not state that they are fire rated. I bought the fittings from toolstation and they seem to be of the same quality as you would get at the wholesaler. They have a glass diffuser that sits flush into the fitting, but I would not suppose that would provide any fire protection. They sell fire hoods that should fit them, so would someone please reassure me that I am right in thinking that these fitting need fire protection.

 

[Richard Burns]

Fire rated lights are recommended in most situations but are only required if the surface you are penetrating bridges two different fire compartments.
The lights in the suspended ceiling would not bridge a fire compartment, but the lights through the plasterboard ceiling may well do so, especially if the room above is a dwelling and not part of the restaurant.

Not knowing the layout of the place I cannot provide definite advice, but it is likely that the ones fitted in plasterboard would require fire rated fittings.

 

[arcbrightmike]

Thanks for the quick reply Richard, the room above the restaurant houses the walk in freezer and fridge. Its probably best practice to fit them regardless isn't it. Cheers for your advice.

 

[Richard Burns]

Yes, I would suggest that the best choice is to fit fire protected fittings whenever a potential fire barrier has been penetrated, even if it does not connect to another compartment.