Browse Forums General Discussion Re: downlight fire from duct tape [nearly] 5Mar 01, 2013 6:40 pm Really?? Is that new legislation? 12mths ago I worked on a project to document installing insulation and it covered clearances of insulation around downlights and this was not a requirement anywhere in Australia. It was something that was being proposed as a change to an AusStandard that Electricians were involved in but was not adopted as far as I am aware. Clearances are 50mm around downlights with transformer sitting on top of insulation batts. Downlights not to be within 200mm of timber members. Go to www.icanz.com.au for installers guide. Re: downlight fire from duct tape [nearly] 6Mar 01, 2013 7:02 pm Vess Really?? Is that new legislation? How "new"? It's been in AS3000 since 2007 and any downlights installed since then (even in existing houses) require minimum clearances to be maintained (as you already mentioned in your reply) and for covers to be installed where there is the likelihood of insulation to be installed (which would mean any accessible roof space). In December 2012 there was a further amendment to AS3000 for more stringent requirements relating to recessed light fittings (not just halogen downlights) as some LED fittings complying with another recent Australian Standard will have a "do not cover" logo on them, as the typical heat shield covers may cause the fitting to overheat (obstructs natural airflow over the heatsink) resulting in failure of the LED (however has no fire risk typically associated with halogens). I posted a thread recently about these changes... viewtopic.php?f=8&t=62719 Re: downlight fire from duct tape [nearly] 7Mar 01, 2013 7:37 pm installation inspector Vess Really?? Is that new legislation? How "new"? It's been in AS3000 since 2007 and any downlights installed since then (even in existing houses) require minimum clearances to be maintained (as you already mentioned in your reply) and for covers to be installed where there is the likelihood of insulation to be installed (which would mean any accessible roof space). In December 2012 there was a further amendment to AS3000 for more stringent requirements relating to recessed light fittings (not just halogen downlights) as some LED fittings complying with another recent Australian Standard will have a "do not cover" logo on them, as the typical heat shield covers may cause the fitting to overheat (obstructs natural airflow over the heatsink) resulting in failure of the LED (however has no fire risk typically associated with halogens). I posted a thread recently about these changes... viewtopic.php?f=8&t=62719 This is not what I was told by industry professionals at the time and I haven't read AS3000. Thanks for the information though. It's not common practice to cover downlights in new builds where glass wool batts are being installed. That cellulose fibre blow in stuff is a whole other topic. Re: downlight fire from duct tape [nearly] 8Mar 01, 2013 8:31 pm Are they building industry professionals? I don't know what the BCA (or whatever it's been renamed to now) states in relation to provision of heat covers for downlights, but sometimes associated Australian Standards aren't all updated at the same time (and may be overseen by different committees). I believe the issue (as I've seen numerous times myself) is that most tradies that go into roofs have no care for reinstating ceiling insulation, and has been shown from the above photo, complete disregard for cleaning up after themselves. I've seen many instances of air conditioning ducting hard against halogen globes, and insulation left strewn around the roof (when moved for a ducted aircon outlet) - sometimes directly on top of a halogen globe. The above example of duct tape left on a downlight could've resulted in a fire or worse, a death. Having a heat cover over the halogen globe may have reduced the chance of it, although I know metal covers still get very hot (too hot to touch) so duct tape on a metal cover could've still led to a fire. Re: downlight fire from duct tape [nearly] 9Mar 06, 2013 2:14 pm thanks for the replies , my brother in law installed them[an electrician] & the best way is to cut the batts back & leave clear space there is no problem with the ballast , I have seen 'certain' covers & just wonder what mice may do as they can squeeze down as thin as your little finger & also the heat build up--- Iwas going to invert large teracotta pots approx 150mm size at ceiling level, with the base cut off but mice could jump in & there you have a dead toasted mouse , I just can't believe how much disregard trades people have for your property & safety as yet I have not rang the duct guys , I will post here with a reply , be very very careful considering downlights -never again would I choose them ---- Re: downlight fire from duct tape [nearly] 10Mar 06, 2013 3:49 pm Thanks for posting this it is definately an eye opener. Being up in a roof (especially during summer) can be hell and you just want to get in and get out and often don't think twice about your waste. But I'll keep this in the back of my mind A little off topic, when I went up inside my roof for the first time to replace some lights, I noticed that a bird had somehow made a little nest of grass right above the old incadescent light in the main bedroom and there was tumbleweeds all around. If that were to go up in flames it wouldn't have taken long to burn the rest off grass up there and onto beams. Looking back I am glad I was keen to change the light or else I would have never found this and who knows.. So I guess it pays to have a look in your roof space for any potential hazards. Re: downlight fire from duct tape [nearly] 11Mar 21, 2013 8:10 am ok update time I finally got the manager of the said Co. of course the usual "ah others come in after us blah blah " except no one has been up there, as it was a call back call not very long ago , also ''im glad you did not get burnt down'' --he wasn't interested in pics or coming over to see it, then said the installers have been given the boot , & they do not install anymore from the particular company so guessing they sub out to others so my advice if you have downlight's --- when any work has been done in the roof get up there & see all is clear --your life's depend on this action Re: downlight fire from duct tape [nearly] 12Mar 21, 2013 9:17 am rickxs then said the installers have been given the boot , & they do not install anymore from the particular company Ahhh the old 'they dont work for us anymore' excuse, which makes my blood boil, and a good reason why there should be a name and shame register for these cowboys. Like the consumer website Not Good Enough but with teeth Arfur DIY, Home Maintenance & Repair Hi everyone Question about Brevis gas heating undergound - was recently installed by previous owners (<1 year old) but live in a relatively large house - 4 bdr - and only… 0 1709 We are tossing up between a Jarrahdale radiant wood fire (the Pioneer) and a convection wood fire (Innovator or Countryman) but cannot decide on which type of wood fire is… 0 5250 Need some advice. Living in a townhouse with one common wall, recently we have discovered that the fire separation wall is incomplete and on further investigation, support… 0 3863 |