New Downlight Legislation Explained

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Lplus: Do the changes apply to everyone?

Stephanie: These rules will have an impact on residential homeowners who are renovating or building and the installing electrician. These new rules do not apply to downlights used in commercial applications.

Lplus: Why are the rules changing?

Stephanie: The reason for the new legislation is “to introduce new classes of recessed luminaires (downlights) suitable for safe operation with retrofitted thermal insulation (AS/NZS 60598.2.2:2001).”

Simple terms; if insulation is installed incorrectly over a newly classified recessed light it will remain safe and should reduce the risk of house fires.

Lplus: What downlights should I choose?

Stephanie: With these new regulations, all downlights suitable for installation in a home will need to have insulation abutted to them and still not exceed 135ºC. Some new downlights (IC rated) will even be able to have insulation abutted to and covering them. All newly classified downlights can be installed in your home but to choose the right downlight to suit your needs you should consult with someone that understands your requirements.

Lplus: So is it actually safe to cover a recessed downlight?

Stephanie: If the light fitting is IC rated; it is safe to cover with insulation as per the manufacturers instructions. Remember do not cover non IC or CA rated fittings. Get advice and ensure you have the right light to suit your application.

Lplus: Do people still need recessed downlights?

Stephanie: Well you may not need them but recessed lighting, or downlights, are a great functional way to add light to your home. They are what I like to call a neutral design element and can match any style of home; most downlights are small and

usually remain unobtrusive. Their power lies in the beam of light that they produce and when planned accordingly add character to a home. They can highlight pictures or art, adding high drama, high-contrast lighting to your home, unlike any other types of lighting fixtures.

Lplus: Can they (recessed lights) be energy efficient?

Stephanie: Until now many of them have been pretty poor as far as energy efficiency and heat-loss are concerned. The old incandescent type of downlight that was completely open and allowed air to freely pass through, it could waste up to 1 million BTU’s of energy per year! The New Rules will phase out the old incandescent and reflector lamp type downlights for good,making way for more efficient halogen, compact fluorescent and LED versions.

The new 35W Super 5K lamps from Lighting Plus are just as bright as the standard 50W but only use 35W of power. The initial low cost with the healthy spectrum of light, still makes the halogens a top choice in my opinion. However, if energy efficiency is your main priority, then consider an energy saving fluorescent source, or the more expensive but mercury-free and long life LED fittings.

Lplus: How does the consumer know what to buy?

Stephanie: After May 10th, you will notice some new stickers on downlights indicating their class and suitability to be in contact with building insulation.

Here’s what you need to look for when buying them: CA 135 - A luminaire that when insulation is abutted to it can safely be continuously exposed to temperatures up to 135ºC. CA 80 - A luminaire that when insulation is abutted to it can safely be continuously exposed to temperatures up to 80ºC. IC and IC-F - A luminaire that when insulation is abutted to it and covered can safely be continuously exposed to temperatures up to 90ºC. NON IC - A luminaire that is not suitable for covering or abutting with building insulation and therefore not legal for installation in residential applications.

Some things that you should be aware of when buying the new downlights is that the term ”insulation” is only defined in the legislation as “Thermal, acoustic or similar” and does not specify that the testing done to classify the downlights be repeated with all types of insulation. This means that if you are planning on using any insulation other than the standard fibreglass or “pink bats” it would be best to check with the luminaire manufacturer first and get their approval. Also, under these new regulations, loose fill insulation is not allowed to be used unless specifically approved by the luminaire manufacturer.

Lplus: I have downlights already and want to fit insulation what do I do?

Stephanie: Unfortunately, there is no certification for insulation installers, so if you are a homeowner, it is best to be aware of what is going on in your ceiling and check what type of downlights you have before having insulation retrofitted.

Lplus: Can I still buy replacement lightbulbs at the supermarket?

Stephanie: New downlights will be tested as a unit which means that the light bulb, or lamp, heat can/cover, trim and transformer/ power supply will be tested as a kit and consequently should be sold as a kit as well.

So a downlight tested with a 35W halogen lamp will only be suitable to use that wattage.

Be careful not to replace 35W halogen with 50W. They look the same to the untrained eye but over lamping a fitting will cause it to overheat. A good idea is to take the blown lamp to the store and they’ll make sure you get the correct replacement.

If you are ever unsure about a downlight, it’s classification or what size lamp to use, ask an expert.

If you would like further advice on the new downlight legislation stop in at your local Lighting Plus store or email us any questions you have to sales@lightingplus.co.nz.