Recessed Lights - Fire Hazard ?

[LouisCribben]

I installed about 10 recessed lights recently.
The units say 7w/max. (they came with 7w CFL GU10 bulbs, very energy efficient)

They don't get very hot compared to Halogen.

Above the ceiling is Loft insulation.

The instructions didn't say anything about whether it's ok for the insulation to touch the lights.

I don't want to compromise the integrity of my insulation, so I covered the lights with insulation.

It doesn't seem to be a problem, but am I taking an unnecessary risk ?

Should I replace the fittings with certified fireproof units (if there is such a thing ?).

Are all recesed light fittings designed to automatically turn off if they rise above a certain temperature ?

 

[nai]

Absolutely it's a fire hazard - get a fire hood for each one and install immediately - don't use the lights until they're in place - it doesn't matter if the lights from front seem to put out low heat - think about how the fittings at the back could be heating with the weight of the insulation on them.

 

[PADDYBOY99]

I have fitted this new heat resistant fitting recently that B&Q sell. It is ratted to work with insulation. Definately would not have insulation near your standard recess fitting.

 

[LouisCribben]

I have fitted this new heat resistant fitting recently that B&Q sell. It is ratted to work with insulation. Definately would not have insulation near your standard recess fitting.

Cheers Paddy

I was in B&Q yesterday too.
I didn't see any fittings which are rated to work with insulation.

I saw fire resistant fittings, (which contain a metal can). The fire resistant means that if there is a fire, the hole in the ceiling will be fireproof, i.e. no flow of air will pass via the fire and next floor. It doesn't mean you can have the insulation touching the can.

All the fireproof fittings say to leave a 10cm gap between insulation and the fitting.

Do you have the model number of item which is rated to work with insulation ?

I see on the internet that there is an American standard of fireproof recessed lighting called "IC designated" meaning "Insulated Ceiling".
These devices have circuitry which turn off the light if it raises above a certain temperature.
I don't know if this standard used in the EU, I didn't see any in B&Q, and when I asked in B&Q, nobody had heard of it.

In the meantime, I have switched to 1.5 watt LED GU10 lights in my ceiling, I'm sure they won't cause a fire because they don't get hot in operation (not even lukewarm), they give off quite a nice ambient light too.