Downlight covers are an important safety feature in homes and commercial premises, serving a vital purpose in terms of preventing potential fires.
Where Should Downlight Covers Be Placed?
When a recessed downlight is placed into a purposely cut hole in the ceiling, a potential fire hazard is created. This is because a hole has been created in what would otherwise be a natural fire barrier between the two floors of a house – or between apartments which are one above another. This little hole, even though it may be small, acts as a space through which fire can spread.
Once fires start spreading through holes like these, it can come into contact with the adjoining structure, which is usually wooden ceiling joists.
The role of fire rated downlight covers is to seal off this hole and, as a result, considerably slow down the spread of fire. It is recommended that all new downlights are accompanied by downlight covers, according to experts at ElectricalSafetyFirst.co.uk, and ideally fitted by a qualified electrician.
How Do Downlight Covers Work?
Contemporary downlight covers such as those which can be installed by specialists www.thermahooddirect.com/ come complete with a fitted intumescent pad.
This part swells up upon reaching a certain temperature, and it is this which then stops the spread of any potential fire. If it isn’t put out, the fire would need to find another route, but of course this is slower, and it is this delay which buys people nearby vital time to safely escape the building and to alert the emergency services.