Our Voltimum Experts answer your questions on a daily basis in our Technical Expertise area. This Question of the Day, concerning firecap (firehood) regulations, is answered by the NICEIC Group:
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Question: What are the BS7671 regulations concerning fitting Firecaps, as fire protection covers to downlighters? Could you please provide the latest regulations and advise regarding this extremely important issue?
Answer: BS7671 does not specifically mention fire hoods, but Section 527 does deal with the selection and erection to minimise the spread of fire. In addition, Regulation 482-02-13 deals with the distances between a luminaire and combustible material.
The firehood issue comes from Approved Document B of the Building Regulations (England and Wales). It refers to a recessed luminaire that is inserted into a fire rated ceiling. Ceilings that act as fire barriers are normally found within flats that have accommodation above.
A single dwelling with typical ground and first floor accommodation is normally classed as one compartment and, therefore, firehoods are not required. However, you should seek clarification from your local authority as to the classification of the particular property before continuing. Voltimum Managing Editor, James Hunt, says: Although BS7671 (16th Edition) does not specifically mention fire hoods, note that the 17th Edition will be published on January 1st 2008, and this might mention the topic. Although I do not know this for sure, there will certainly be a change with Chapter 55 - 'Other equipment' to include Section 559 - 'Luminaires and lighting installations'.
To see many more Q & A in Voltimum UK’s Experts Area, please click on the link: http://www.voltimum.co.uk/consult.php?universe=consult.index.questions
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