12v lighting.

[johntywino]

It's just been put in the bathroom....Can I cover the lights with insulation?? Myself I think "Yes" but is anyone out there SURE?? (elf n' safety)

[heathfield]

Some of these lights are ''fire-rated'' as Zacs describes. But some are not, and some lamps require a minimum airspace and clearance within the ceiling to prevent overheating and fire risk. Do not put insulation up against the lamps until you know for certain what their installation requirements are. There should be a leaflet that came with the lamp fittings that explains how they must be installed.

[johntywino]

hiya.... The 5 lights were installed by the bathroom fitter a couple of years ago. Iv'e been up the loft and they ARE connected to a 12 volt thing, but the bathroom seems a lot colder since they've been in, and from the loft I can see into the room.... how about putting a sort of box cover on them, then covering with insulation? John.

[raysparx1]

Hi, it might be a good idea to have a look at this link and consider putting some fire hoods over them. Ray




http://www.screwfix.com/cats/A454568/Lighting- Lamps/Internal-Lighting/Fire-Rated-Lighting/Fi re-Hoods

[buildersmate]

Just to try and clarify, there are 2 issues here and they are fundamentally different:
1) Is there supposed to be a fire barrier (stop the spread of fire from one floor to another) between the bathroom and a room above? This is only ever going to be an issue if you have a three storey house and the bathroom is on the 1st floor. It is however good practice to put these smoke hoods over - it is just not a regulation.
2) Is the light going to get excessively hot if insulation is put on top of it. The instructions should tell you how close the insulation can be put but it is often about 100mm minimum away (all round). 12V or not doesn't even come into it - it the power of the bulb (in Watts) that is important - not whether it is driven off 12V or 240V.

[johntywino]

Thanks all....Just to be on the safe side I'll get some hoods fitted...Thanks again John