Building Regulations

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Building Regulations & Approvals

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The following Building Regulations should be considered when purchasing downlights. If in doubt feel free to contact us on: 01706 521188, consult a building inspector or just be on the safe side and buy downlights that already comply with the Regulations. Here are the main Building Regulations to consider when purchasing downlights:

Part B Fire Safety
Part C Airflow
Part E Acoustics
Part L Energy Efficiency

Approvals

CE Mark

Associations

Lighting Association

Part B Fire Safety
Fire rated downlights are used to maintain the ceilings fire integrity. When a downlight is installed a hole is cut into the ceiling. This hole reduces the ceiling or floors fire rating. In the event of a fire, flames can spread through the hole and into other floors in the building. With easier access to other floors the fire can spread at a much faster rate. Fire rated downlights contain intumescent material, this material expands when it reaches a certain temperature and seals off the hole slowing down the spread of fire and enabling more people to escape.

Download Part B: Volume 1 is for residential use and Volume 2 is for commercial use.

Part C Airflow
Downlights holding this approval have a moisture seal around them that inhibits the flow of air and condensation. Not all fire rated downlights are approved to this standard.

Download Part C here

Part E Acoustics (resistance to the passage of sound)
Similar to the fire rated section, when a downlight is installed a hole is cut into the ceiling. Sound travels through the hole spreading noise pollution. Acoustic rated downlights limit the passage of sound.

Download Part E here

Part L Conservation of fuel and power (energy efficiency)
Part L is the most complicated one out of these Building Regulations and is broken down into four different sections, different rules apply to each.

L1A New dwellings.
L1B Existing dwellings ie extensions.
L2A New commercial / industrial buildings.
L2B Existing commercial / industrial buildings.

The general rule to achieve Part L compliance is to have three out of every four lighting fixtures such as downlights to be of a low energy variety. This amount has been increased from one out of four. A low energy light fixture should contain a CFL or LED that has an efficacy of at least 45 lumen per watt and must produce over 400 lumens. Anything below 5W is ignored from the calculation.

For further information please visit the Part L web site: www.partl.co.uk or contact us for advice.

Alternatively take a look at the Building Compliance Guide. Click here. See section 12, table 40.

Confused? Then please email details of your project and we will be happy to recommend the most suitable downlights.

sales@downlightsdirect.co.uk or call 01706 521188. A panel of experts await your call!

IP Ratings and Bathroom Zones

[Click on the image above for a full explanation on bathroom zones and IP ratings]

CE Mark

A product that carries the CE Mark conforms that it complies with the essential requirements of the European Community. The CE Mark can be identified by: