Downlighters in Loft Conversion

angelphace · Post by **angelphace** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 4:13 pm

Has anyone installed inset halogen downlighters in a loft conversion before?

I'd like to install some downlighters, but am concerned that building control will not be happy if they see that i've cut large holes in the Celotex insulation in the ceiling to allow the downlighters to be fitted.

How much clearance should be left around the fitting to allow for ventilation?

Would using fired rated downlighters assist? My logic being that as most fire rated downlighters minimise the transmission of sound through the fitting, they may also minimise the escape of heat from the room into the ceiling void and out through the roof. I'm not convinced that's right though!

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 7:56 pm

I'd give the building control officer a ring and see what he says just to be on the safe side, before you do anything!

Rich-Ando · Post by **Rich-Ando** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 1:58 am

this is the exact dilemma we have.

spot lights require an air flow but building regs require no heat loss.

i am not saying i am right, i am just stating my personal preference: -

i always move the insulation, even when using fire rated spots because i would rather suffer a small expense of loss of heating rather than replace a house due to a fire, no matter what building control says.

angelphace · Post by **angelphace** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 7:19 am

My preference would be to leave a gap in the insulation, i'm just worried BC won't pass the insulation if I do that as it'll likely create a number of cold bridges.

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 7:22 am

I know that these are not as bright, but have you considered LED downlighters as they do not give off the same amount of heat?

angelphace · Post by **angelphace** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 9:36 am

I have, but was advised that they were only suitable for feature lighting and not for general lighting.

How do you find LEDs? Are they suitable as the main source of light in a room?

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 5:20 pm

angelphace wrote:I have, but was advised that they were only suitable for feature lighting and not for general lighting.

How do you find LEDs? Are they suitable as the main source of light in a room?

Not sure if they are ok for main source lighting.

It's a pity the bloody manufacturers cannot make some spot lights that give a good light and satisfy the building regs.