The Importance of Compliance & Testing of Fire-rated Downlights

The Importance of Compliance & Testing of Fire-rated Downlights

As one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of fire-rated downlights, Aurora is committed to designing products that meet all industry standards for quality, safety, and performance. With a focus on convenience for installers, our extensive range of fire-rated downlights are effective in protecting lives and property and are subject to rigorous internal testing.

In building safety, the integration of fire-rated downlights is critical. Not only do they enhance the aesthetic appeal of spaces, but they also play a crucial role in fire safety and protecting the structural integrity of buildings to ensure occupant safety. The term ‘fire-rated’ refers to the design of a light fitting intended for installation in a structural (load bearing) fire-resistant ceiling, which are specifically designed to reduce the speed at which fire spreads vertically through a building.
The increasing complexity of modern architecture, combined with the variety of materials used in construction, emphasises the importance of rigorous testing of fire-rated downlights across all the types of joists used in different ceiling constructions.

Understanding Fire-Rated Downlights

Fire-rated downlights are recessed lighting fixtures specifically designed and tested for installation in fire- resistant ceilings to prevent the spread of fire between floors in a building. They offer varying degrees of protection based on their fire-resistance ratings, with ratings indicating the duration a downlight can withstand fire exposure. These are commonly 30, 60, or 90 minutes and based on the following specifications:
• 30-minute ceiling: constructed from a 600mm joist centre with a single layer of plasterboard 12.5mm thick.
• 60-minute ceiling: constructed from a 600mm joist centre with a double layer plasterboard 15mm thick.
• 90-minute ceiling: constructed from a 450mm joist centre with a double layer plasterboard 150mm thick.

The National House Building Council (NHBC) sets out regulations that emphasise the importance of meeting these ratings, ensuring that all components within a building contribute to its overall fire safety. Regulatory Framework The installation of fire-rated downlights is governed by UK Building Regulations Part B (Fire Safety), which mandates that any opening in a fire-resistant ceiling must be fire-stopped to prevent the spread of fire between the floors of a building. Modern fire-rated downlights feature an intumescent lining that expands when exposed to high temperatures, sealing the hole created for its installation to stop fire, accessing the void above and maintaining the fire integrity of the ceiling. Currently, fire-rated downlights can be tested to BS476-21 standard and BS EN 1365-2, but from 2nd September 2029, Building Regulations will require all fire-rated downlights to be tested to BS EN standards. Aurora fire-rated downlights have already been tested in accordance with BS EN 1365-2 (2014), meaning we are forward-thinking in our commitment to achieving the highest standards in safety compliance.

NHBC monitors regulatory compliance through visits to construction sites where inspectors check installations and review certification. NHBC guidelines stipulate that all fire safety measures, including the installation of fire-rated downlights, are tested and certified to the relevant building regulations, specifically, the Building Regulations 2010 (as amended) and the associated Approved Document B. These documents provide a framework for fire safety in buildings and highlight the importance of maintaining structural integrity during a fire.

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Enquiry Form

On-Site Warranty Form

Aurora Lighting UK Limited offer you the opportunity to register for a 3 year on-site* warranty on our Commercial products. All our products are carefully tested and are subject to the rigorous checks by the Quality Assurance Team.

Within the applicable Warranty period or 3 year on-site* warranty, Aurora will replace, repair, or rectify products, which are deemed to be defective because of a material or manufacturing fault.

Registration ensures you get the most from your product. Simply complete and submit the information below.

Terms & Conditions

Aurora Lighting UK Limited offer you the opportunity to register for a 3 year on-site* warranty on our selected Commercial & Industrial luminaires. All our products are carefully tested and are subject to the rigorous checks by the Quality Assurance Team. Within the applicable Warranty period or 3 year on-site* warranty, Aurora will replace, repair or rectify products, which are deemed to be defective because of a material or manufacturing fault, subject the following Terms & Conditions:

Three Year ‘On-Site’ Warranty

•  All Commercial range products (as per our latest catalogue) that hold a 5-yearstandard warranty (excluding the Cosmos LITE Range)

•  The 3-year on-site warranty is applicable to products purchased from 1st June 2023, subject to the conditions outlined below.

•  Applies only to new products from the date of purchase from an Aurora Lighting UK Limited authorised wholesaler. Goods must be registered within 3 months of purchase date.

•  The warranty applies to goods purchased in the United Kingdom only.

•  The on-site warranty is not available to products that were purchased second hand, at an auction, or any other means.

•  The 3 year ‘on-site’ warranty applies in addition to the Terms and Conditions of our standard product warranty.

•  This policy includes replacement product and on-site charges for Aurora Lighting UK Limited approved technicians, or authorised agents that relate to faulty Aurora Lighting UK Limited products which have been installed for their intended purpose.

•  Aurora Lighting UK Limited shall only be liable for repair costs carried out by Aurora Lighting UK Limited approved technicians or authorised agents. Aurora Lighting UK Limited must receive a quotation and agree upon the amount on the quote before any replacement works commence. Any unauthorised costs or invoices will not be accepted by Aurora Lighting UK Limited.

•  This 3 year ‘on-site’ warranty is non-transferrable and is only applicable to the registered warranty holder.

•  On making an on-site warranty claim, these documents are required:

o   a. proof of purchase.
o   b. proof of registration number.
o   c. electrical installation certificate, as per BS 7671;
o   d. electrical installation condition report, as per BS 7671;

 

The below are the 3 Year ‘On-Site’ Warranty exclusions.


•  Faults caused by the installer through installation errors including, but not limited to, connection to an incorrect or unstable power supply.

•  Responsibility if replacement of goods provides “mismatch” due to discontinuation of previous product.

•  Non-compliance with installation and safety regulations given in the installation instructions and BS 7671

•  If the product has not been installed by a qualified electrician if applicable by law or regulation or as instructed by Aurora Lighting UK Limited

•  Inappropriate use or intentional damage by the owner or third parties.

•  Repairs carried out by parties other than an Aurora Lighting UK Limited authorised representative.

•  Cost of access equipment for replacement or repair.

•  External influences (e.g., weather, transit damage).

•  Accidental damage.

•  Emergency lighting batteries.

•  Exceeding the product’s usage limitations.

•  Cost of disruption to company operating.

•  Delivery issues of product or its accessories.

Each claim will be reviewed accordingly and all final decisions on Warranty claims are made by Aurora Lighting UK Limited.