This highly informative article by John Ware is extracted from IEE Wiring Matters - Spring 2007 issue. Wiring Matters is a quarterly publication from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). To find out how to receive your copy, please contact the IET using the details below.
Following these steps should ensure a downlighter will not pose a risk of fire due to overheating
1. Only use downlighters that conform to BS EN 60598, the British Standard for Luminaires and ensure the requirements of BS 7671 are met
2. Follow the Manufacturer’s instructions
3. Ensure the requirements of the Building Regulations (England andWales) are met
4. Provide space around the downlighter
5. Fit the correct lamp
1. EN 60598. International Standard
EN 60598 specifies generalrequirements for luminairesincorporating electric light sources foroperation from supply voltages up to 1 000 V. The requirements and related tests of this standard cover all aspects of safety including electrical, thermal and mechanical in the areas ofclassification, marking, mechanicalconstruction and electricalconstruction.
BS 7671 Requirements for Electrical Installations requires, in Regulation 511, that electrical equipment, which includes luminaires, conforms to an applicable Standard. Section 422 of BS 7671 gives requirements for protection against fire and harmful thermal effects and Regulation 422-01-02 applies to fixed electrical equipment such as downlighter that, in normal operation,has a surface temperature sufficient to cause a risk of fire or harmful effects to adjacent materials. The Regulation gives three methods of preventing danger which are (i) mounting within a suitable
enclosure, (ii) screening or (iii) provision of sufficient distance from adjacent material. Refer to the Regulation for full details.
2. Manufacturer’s instructions. The manufacturer’s instructions supplied with the downlighter must be followed. The Manufacturer may require a certain amount of space be left around the back of the downlighter or that thedownlighter must not be covered with loft insulation, or only lamps of a particular type and maximum wattage be fitted or that a fire hood or intumescent hood be installed.
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