Aurora’s Commitment to Comprehensive Testing

The NHBC outlines that fire-rated products must be suitable for the specific construction method employed, including the type of joists used.

This is critical because different joist materials and configurations each present unique challenges and can significantly influence the performance of fire-rated downlights. Tailored testing to ensure compliance with fire safety standards is therefore mandatory for several reasons:

· Performance Variation: The behaviour of fire-rated downlights can differ based on the joist material and spacing, so a downlight might perform well in a timber joist but may not exhibit the same level of fire resistance if installed in a metal web joist. It is crucial, therefore, to conduct tests that reflect the specific conditions under which the downlight will be used.

· Fire Rating Compliance: It is not enough for a downlight to be rated for 30, 60, or 90 minutes in isolation. Each rating must be verified through thorough testing that simulates real-world conditions to ensure products will perform as expected and provide the necessary protection during a fire.

· Mitigating Risks: Inadequate testing can lead to significant risks, including the potential for increased fire spread and compromised structural integrity. Conducting comprehensive testing across all relevant joist types and manufacturers can mitigate these risks and safeguard lives and property.

· Building Trust and Assurance: Compliance with NHBC regulations and thorough testing instils confidence in contractors, architects, and homeowners. When stakeholders are assured that downlights have been rigorously tested and certified, it enhances the overall trust in the safety and quality of the building.

At Aurora, we employ a rigorous testing regime encompassing a wide range of scenarios, ensuring that our fire-rated downlights are thoroughly evaluated under various conditions. Each product is tested for fire resistance across the three critical durations to provide invaluable data on how each of our products performs in real-world situations when installed in different joist types.

To reflect the transition to I-joists within the UK construction industry in recent years, we perform extensive testing with joists from the UK’s leading suppliers, including Stair Craft, James Jones, Metsä, and Steico. Additionally, we test our products with Wolf Systems’ ‘easi-joist’ system, one of the UK’s foremost suppliers of metal web joists. This comprehensive approach ensures that our fire-rated downlights are compatible with an extensive range of joist configurations, providing peace of mind to wholesalers, developers, and contractors when choosing Aurora products for installations.

Aurora Technical and Compliance Manager Dean Richmond highlights the importance of testing fire-rated downlights: “At Aurora, we believe thorough testing is non-negotiable and invest significant resources in guaranteeing the reliability of our products. It’s not just about meeting standards; it’s about ensuring the safety and peace of mind of everyone who relies on our products. Our testing facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology that validates performance across various joist types and fire resistance durations, allowing us to confidently say that our downlights are built to perform when it matters most. Our protocols include testing acoustic performance and air leakage to ensure products also contribute to more pleasant, energy efficient environments.“

Aurora Fire-Rated Downlights Aurora’s R6™ Series offers a range of fire-rated downlights designed to meet diverse lighting requirements while ensuring compliance with stringent safety standards.

· Fire Safety Compliance: Fully compliant with 30, 60, and 90-minute fire-rated timber joist ceilings, plus 30-minute in i-joist and metal web constructions in residential and commercial settings.

· Fast Installation: Equipped with push-fit terminals and a loop-in/loop-out design, facilitating quick and hassle-free installation, ideal for high-volume projects.

· Integrated Dimmable Driver: Includes an integrated dimmable driver compatible with leading dimmers for adjustable lighting.

· Energy Efficiency: Delivers an output of up to 640 lumens with a power rating of just 6W, optimising energy consumption while ensuring exceptional brightness.

· Colour Temperature Versatility: Available in 3000K and 4000K or with Colour Switch Technology, allowing selection between 3000K, 4000K, and 5700K to suit various environments.

The EFD and EFD Pro ranges offer reliable, high-quality lighting solutions with fire protection for commercial and residential applications. The EFD Pro range includes enhanced adjustability and superior heat management, ensuring a longer lifespan and better performance in demanding environments.

· Fire-rating: Tested in 30, 60, and 90-minute rated ceilings using timber, i-joists and metal web joists.

· Flexibility: Available in fixed, adjustable, and IP65-rated versions, catering to different installation needs and preferences.

· Long Life: Models offer up to L80 50,000 hours

· Integrated Safety: Utilises patented integrated intumescent material that completely seals the downlight and cut out in the event of a fire, enhancing safety.

· Easy Installation: EFD products feature push-fit terminals and a loop-in/loop-out design for fast installation, with Pro models showcasing the latest push-fit terminal block for even faster connection.

The importance of testing fire-rated downlights across various joist types cannot be overstated. Compliance with NHBC regulations and the need for comprehensive testing for each fire resistance duration on each joist type is essential in ensuring optimal safety and performance. As the industry continues to evolve, Aurora continues to invest in testing the quality, performance, and safety of our products to ensure we exceed the expectations of our customers and provide peace of mind to all parties involved in the construction process.

As a trusted leader in the industry, our focus will remain on innovation to enhance our products to provide safe, reliable, and high-quality lighting solutions.