Ongoing down light fire risk – tests urged for insulation

Media Release
14 June 2011

Ongoing down light fire risk – flame and radiant heat tests urged for insulation products

Ongoing fire risk issues arising from the relationship between combustible ceiling insulation and halogen down lights suggest that more emphasis needs to be placed on combustibility testing of insulation products, says the Insulation Council of Australia and New Zealand (ICANZ).

Dennis D’Arcy, President of ICANZ, said today that while a “Red Alert” had been issued some time ago by Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, concerning fire risks associated with ceiling down lights it is evident there are still concerns.

“Down lights are a popular, flexible and mood lighting choice for thousands of Australians and New Zealanders. They can, however, generate heat into a roof space and care needs to be taken that this does not become a fire hazard when combined with combustible materials.

These down lights are a low risk when installed correctly. The lights need to be professionally installed by an electrician and care should be taken that insulation installed in the ceiling has minimal prospect of coming into the heat zone that is generated by the light.

“All insulation must be installed in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions and the correct method of installing insulation associated with down lights is clearly set out in New Zealand and Australian standards.”

“In our view, however, it is extremely important that all special guards and any suggested caps for placement over down light ceiling fixtures, as well as insulation, are well researched for suitability for installing around down lights. Appropriate tests need to be established for special guards, caps and insulation to determine its suitability to be installed around down lights.

We recommend that either a non combustibility test (AS1530.1) or a combination of a radiant heat and needle flame tests could be of significant value in determining the suitability of these products around down lights. This is especially necessary in the interests of public safety because the placement of caps can increase the temperatures at which down lights operate.”

In New Zealand, market analysis of new build construction indicates that glasswool insulation is installed in approximately 95% of new homes.

Mr D’Arcy said minimising fire risk is relatively easy, but it is important that homeowners understand the differences between the insulation products that are available because some are non-combustible.

ENDS

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