Recent news that may be of interest1.Downlighters can they be a fire hazard ?
- The Electrical Safety Council have
been working with the Surrey
Fire and Rescue Service to investigate
concerns that incorrectly selected,
installed and/or maintained
downlighters may have been the cause
of a significant number of fires in homes.
- Eight downlighters were selected to
include a broad range of lamp type, fitting
design and price, and assessed against the
requirements for safety and performance
specified in product standards applicable to
‘recessed luminaires’.
- For all but one of the downlighters,
covering the luminaire was considered to
be an ‘abnormal’ mode of operation which
contravened the installation instructions
- For full details click here
© Electrical Safety Council 2009
2.When installing new downlighters why should I install the more expensive fire rated ones ?
- The safety of ceilings will be compromised as soon as a hole is cut in
them, as this creates a weakness that can lead to ceiling collapse in
the event of a fire
- It is estimated that around 70% of UK build installations feature 30
minute fire rated ceiling types. However some lighting manufacturers are producing
and promoting downlights as fire rated for houses that have only been tested at 90 minutes making them ineffective in the event of a fire.
- Details of what are the safety regulations for downlighters here.
- Details of what a fire rated ceiling is, click here
© JCC Lighting Products Ltd. 2010
3. Linda Barker & NICEIC warns cash strapped consumers of DIY danger
© 2009 NICEIC GROUP Limited
• Each year, unsafe electrics cause 12,500 house fires, 750 serious injuries and 10 deaths
• Still, 63% of Brits are happy to have a go at DIY in the home
• 74% aren’t aware this work could be subject to law under Part P of the Building Regulations
"People are too casual about electrics in the home,what many fail to realise is that by attempting DIY electrics they could be putting their family's lives at risk" - Linda Barker
Click here for full details
4. Energy saving light bulbs take over - © Energy Saving Trust 2009
Inefficient light bulbs are being phased out over the next few years - helping everyone spend less on electricity
Inefficient light bulbs are disappearing from UK shops - they're all being replaced by energy saving light bulbs.
Energy saving light bulbs are compact, bright and available in a wide
range of shapes - so the only difference you'll notice is a drop in
your electricity bills.
Comment: Basically you will not be able to buy the old incandest lamps we have had for many years. Instead you will only be able to buy energy efficient ones. Please note that energy efficient lamps are no longer the large, slow to start lamps that the utility companies sent to us all in the last few years. The latest energy efficient lamps are a direct replacement of what you already have installed.
Click here for full
Energy Saving Trust (EST) article