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Installing roof insulation correctly will reduce downlight fire risk
Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations
The Honourable Cameron Dick
10/10/2009
Installing roof insulation correctly will reduce downlight fire risk
Downlights are one of the most popular design elements in homes today but builders and renovators need to be aware that extra care should to be taken when installing roof insulation around light fixtures to avoid fire hazards.
Minister for Industrial Relations Cameron Dick said since 2001 there have been 29 fires caused by electrical lamps and lights in Queensland - six of which can be attributed to insulation material covering a light fitting.
"The safety message comes as a timely reminder as the Australian Government offers free ceiling insulation to all Australian home owner-occupiers of currently uninsulated homes," Mr Dick said.
"Downlights don't need to be a fire hazard if insulation around downlights is installed correctly and the correct method of installing insulation around downlights is set out in Australian Standard AS 3999.
"Reducing the risk of fire can be relatively simple, but it's important that homeowners understand the differ ences between the insulation products that are available," he said.
"Special guards are required around down-lights and should be regularly checked to ensure they haven't moved. Preferably, fully enclosed down-light covers should be installed."
Mr Dick said that when insulation is correctly installed it is the single most effective way of improving energy efficiency in the home and makes home life much more comfortable.
"When properly installed, insulation is a low cost, safe and beneficial material that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and lowers heating and cooling bills".
The Electrical Safety Office has recently initiated a safety project in an effort to raise awareness about the issue and to remind those working in the insulation industry about their safety obligations.
"We have written to all Queensland based installers of insulation products to remind them of their legal obligations of carrying out their business in an electric ally safe manner."
For more information about insulation www.deir.qld.gov.au/electricalsafety/workaround/downlights/index.htm
Permanent Link: Installing roof insulation correctly will reduce downlight fire risk
Publish Date: 10 Oct 09
Sunshine Coast Office: Floor 1, Centenary Square Building, 52-64 Currie Street, Nambour
Phone: 07 5470 8732
Non-fixed: 1300 369 945
Comments / Have your say
Downlights need to be vented to the living area, they should not be venting to your roof space. This is why Fires start. Other than bad insulation installs, anything can blow into your Light fitting in the roof. Halogen Light globes reach temperatures in excess of 250C
This is the under lying problem with downlights. As LED lighting produce more light, venting downwards will become possible. Newer Halogen lighting is now entering the market which could also help things along (Force heat downwards).
"The light is either in the living area or in your roof, there can be no in between."
By: Efficiency Matrix
The big problem in Australia is a willingness to accept glossy marketing claims as gospel and the cheaper the better. Downlight hazards are a problem which has been overcome internationally for years. Wiring rules are clear products must satisfy AS 60598, its there in black and white. Manufacturers are obliged to supply test data upon demand. Before fitting a cover I urge consumers to demand the test data.
A cover will display a "capped f" mark if compliant with requirements. This does not mean you or contractors must fit "capped f" products. You can fit what you want only in doing so you take the liability for the lifetime performance of the product you fit.
The only product in australia that has even been tested is a Tenmat loft cover. Additionally international standards class products used in this application as passive fire protection products because they protect property from the risk of fire created by potentially dangerous heat sources. Australian legislators have not even classed products yet which means manufacturers can interpret what they want and test as what they want. Thermally conductive materials are not suitable and if a cover needs clearance distances dont use it. Why? because if fires start by materials covering downlights what use is a cover that does not function if it becomes covered? Members of ACIMA (cellulose insulation industry) are at the forefront of this issue and their web site has some intresting info on the subject.
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