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1. Gary mentions the capped f mark, but when enquiring to lighting retailers no one seems to have heard of this standard. Could anyone please advise from where complying lights/covers could be purchased?
   Peter of Perth
   2 of 29th November 2009, 3.41pm
2. 1. u replied to Peter
      9th November 2009, 11.11pm
      Standard Solutions in SA or ACIMA web site has info on capped f. Its theinternational certification mark issued toproducts tested to comply with AS 60598. Gary is correct it is statedin wiring rulesin thenotes above fig 4.7
3. Downlights are the most inefficient lights you can put in your house. In summer they make your living area warmer, and in winter they make your living area cooler. Open air connectivity between your living area and the roof is a big no no. These two areas should be seperated as much as can be, because the roof is there to protect you from the elements, not join you to the elements.
   
   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
   John
   1 of 211th October 2009, 3.47pm
4. 1. Gary replied to John
      18th October 2009, 7.48pm
      Downlights need not be vented. Downlights need to be covered by a fully enclosed cover that maintains the insulation continuity and eliminates air leakage. Air being sucked by "vented fittings" is a much larger energy drain than the fittings themselves.
      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.
5. You can't post on an expired article.

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