Led Downlights Roof Insulation

The loft lid is a simple solution for the safe installation of downlights in a loft space.

Led downlights roof insulation.

Hi all im a retired sparky and a bit out of touch with the regulations. When you re covering downlights with insulation it is important not to pack the insulation to close around the sides. A gap of around 75mm is usually recommended but can differ from each product. Ic f rated downlights should be used in bathrooms and kitchens and homes with loose fill insulation.

Building regulations part l compliance energy efficiency state that insulation should not be compromised without any reasonably avoidable gaps and should therefore remain continuous to achieve the required thermal benefits. Replace old and ca rated ones with ic or preferably ic f rated led downlights that can be covered with insulation. The insulation is thermoset which means it will not melt under the heat from the lights. However while the light may be safe to operate when covered the elevated temperatures resulting from lack of ventilation may in some cases reduce the expected lifetime of the product.

And leave at least 25mm insulation behind the light if this makes. This provides airflow to the led and will allow it to ventilate. There are a wide range of ic and ic f rated led downlights available on the market. Building control will allow me to put led downlights in my cold roof providing i do not cut all the way through the 125mm of loft insulation cellotex.

As you ve no doubt guessed non fire rated led downlights cannot be covered by insulation directly. If you are not sure of the type you need check with a registered electrical contractor. With the advent of led lighting insulating downlights with clearances of 200mm can now be a thing of the past as most led manufacturers now recommend less clearance of insulation. Downlights with clear markings and supporting documentation showing ic f or ic may be abutted and covered with insulation.

Kingspan insulation is such a high performing insulation that if you place a downlight or spotlight directly into it without taking appropriate precautions then there will be little chance for heat generated by the lighting to dissipate.