To be honest, all downlights should be fire rated. When you are scanning the product catalog and finding the best led downlights for your projects, you may find the fire rated downlight. The fire rated downlight is a newly launched product that is a fire safety solution for indoors.
In this post, the author will introduce the fire rated downlights and let you explore the benefits of investing fire rated downlights.
In this post, the author will introduce the fire rated downlights and let you explore the benefits of investing fire rated downlights.
What is A Fire Rated Downlight?
A fire-rated downlight is a specialized downlight specifically engineered to maintain the integrity of a fire-rated ceiling. With a fire-rated enclosure, a fire rated downlight is capable of helping prevent the spread of fire through the gaps created when the fixture is installed. The fire rated downlight adopts special materials and a structure to withstand fire for a specified duration, usually denoted in minutes.
How Does A Fire Rated Downlight Work?
The recessed fire rated downlight helps to contain the fire by sealing the hole made in the ceiling for the light fixture, preventing flames and hot gases from passing through the ceiling void. The sealing is achieved by melting or swelling up intumescent material which is in the fire rated downlights. Here is the main working principle:
●Fire-rated Enclosure: Fire rated downlights have a fire-rated enclosure around the fitting, usually made of intumescent material. Intumescent materials expand when exposed to heat, creating a barrier that seals the hole in the ceiling and prevents the passage of flames and hot gases.
●Ceiling Integrity: When a fire rated downlight is installed correctly, it helps maintain the fire resistance of the ceiling by sealing the gap created for the fixture. This preserves the integrity of fire-rated ceilings, which are designed to resist the spread of fire for a specified period.
●Fire-rated Enclosure: Fire rated downlights have a fire-rated enclosure around the fitting, usually made of intumescent material. Intumescent materials expand when exposed to heat, creating a barrier that seals the hole in the ceiling and prevents the passage of flames and hot gases.
●Ceiling Integrity: When a fire rated downlight is installed correctly, it helps maintain the fire resistance of the ceiling by sealing the gap created for the fixture. This preserves the integrity of fire-rated ceilings, which are designed to resist the spread of fire for a specified period.
What Are The Advantages of A Fire Rated Downlight?
With its special design, the fire rated downlight has some unique advantages that other led downlights don’t have.
●Fire Safety
The primary advantage is their ability to contain fire within the compartment they are installed in. This containment slows down the spread of fire through the ceiling void, providing crucial time for evacuation and reducing the risk of fire damage.
●Maintaining Ceiling Integrity
Fire-rated downlights help maintain the fire resistance of the ceiling by sealing the hole created for the fixture. This preserves the integrity of fire-rated ceilings, which are designed to withstand fire for a specified duration.
●Peace of Mind
Installing fire-rated downlights provides peace of mind for building owners, occupants, and professionals involved in construction or renovation projects. They offer an added layer of protection against fire hazards.
Do Downlights Need to Be Fire Rated?
Ceiling downlights are essential in any buildings where people may be living or inhabiting. The led fire rated downlights can ensure the integrity of the ceiling in the fire and prevent potential risks. If the buildings don't use led fire rated downlights, the ceiling may break down and let people fall down to the next level once the fire happens.
Where Do You Need to Fit Fire Rated Downlights?
Fire-rated downlights are designed to maintain the integrity of a ceiling in case of a fire by limiting the spread of flames and smoke. The fire rated downlights are typically required in specific areas of a building to meet safety regulations. In this section, the author would list the spaces that should fit the fire rated downlights.
Homes and Residential Buildings: In areas where there's a risk of fire spread, such as kitchens, loft spaces, and areas with high insulation or limited ventilation.
Homes and Residential Buildings: In areas where there's a risk of fire spread, such as kitchens, loft spaces, and areas with high insulation or limited ventilation.
●Commercial Buildings
Especially in corridors, escape routes, stairwells, and other communal areas where fire safety regulations are strict.
●Public Buildings
Places like hospitals, schools, shopping centers, and other public spaces where large numbers of people gather.
●Areas with Increased Fire Risk
Locations where there might be flammable materials or where fire risks are higher due to the nature of the activities conducted.
Are the Downlights a Fire Risk?
There are fire risks in the traditional downlights, especially the tungsten halogen lamps. This is because these downlights have no thermal insulation covering materials. Once they work in poor ventilation, they can not dissipate the heat, and as a result, they may cause fires.
Conclusion
All in all, the fire rated downlight plays an important role in slowing down the fire spread in indoor spaces. The fire rated downlight not only can ensure the integrity of the ceiling but also create the escaping time as possible.
Vertex is a professional manufacturer of fire rated led downlight, offering an array of led fire rated downlights to fit various styles of indoor spaces.
Vertex is a professional manufacturer of fire rated led downlight, offering an array of led fire rated downlights to fit various styles of indoor spaces.
