SAFETY WARNINGS for Low Voltage Down Lights 

Warnings in regard to the installation and use of low voltage Halogen down lights have been issued recently from “Energy Safe Victoria” and the “Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Brigade”. Media campaigns are due to follow. 

Statistics last year showed that 57 homes in Melbourne had been lost in fires in the 18 months up to July 2007. The MFB stated that the likely cause was was Halogen down lights. Installed in situations where insulation had come directly in contact with, or had been installed too close to combustible materials (rafters, ceiling joists, floor joists, etc). (Note: Low voltage down lights have been known to operate at 500 degrees Celsius). Having a safety check by a registered electrical contractor/electrician could identify possible risks, and is the best investment a home owner can make. An inspection can assist in identifying possible hot spots and give suggestions on how to minimise a fire risk.

Regulations regarding the installation of Low Voltage Down Lights  

From the Wiring Rules, AS/NZS 3000:2007   4.5.2.3 Recessed Luminaries (in brief)

Recessed luminaries (low voltage down lights) and their auxiliary equipment shall be installed in a manner designed to minimize temperature rise and prevent the risk of fire. 

The regulation goes on to say that a minimum clearance of  200 millimetres between the halogen lamp, flammable combustible materials and thermal insulation materials is required and must be maintained. 

Currently there are many heat barriers and surrounds available in regard to the installation of low voltage halogen down lights. At this point I would like to remind home owners that not all heat shields have been tested and approved. In our search we have come across many types claiming to have adequate heat barrier protection some made of cardboard others of plastic. There are provisions in the regulations for specific heat barriers that can be used, so long as they allow the necessary cooling air movement through or around the luminare that is not impaired by thermal insulation or other material. In the case of a suitably designed luminare with a heat barrier, the installation instructions may specify that no clearance is required.  

Options:

Use a certified heat guard to greatly reduce your fire risk. Use one that will allow the down light sufficient air flow, and if needed  be installed close to or touching roof joists /rafters. The heat guards shown below have been tested and certified  (Note: This type of heat  guard can be fitted to most existing down lights). Manufactures test report.

The majority of halogen down lights use iron core transformers. We recommend that the old iron core transformers are removed and replaced with electronic transformers. The Iron core transformers run quite warm, and if overloaded shut down until they cool down.  (Symptom: low voltage lights go off then back on). Electronic transformers carry little or no heat and therefore have less chance of shutting down from overheating.

We also recommend that dimmers are used to reduce the heat of the low voltage halogen down lights. Dimmers give a personal feel to a room and will also save on power bills.

	* Low Voltage Down Light showing an approved heat guard		*  Side View

Dickson & Funke Pty. Ltd. can "supply" or "install" the low voltage down light heat guards. The guards can be retro fitted to most down lights currently installed - Please contact us for prices. email admin@electricians.com.au

	House Fire - Possible cause Low Voltage Down Lights installed too close to combustible materials

© Peter Funke 2008  electricians.com.au