Insulation – should there be concern?

The issue of insulation covering downlights was raised by ECANZ in the August 2009 . Now a year later it appears the insulation problem is rising from the ashes. Whilst the term unintended consequences comes to mind, ECANZ believe the consequences of the installation programme has the potential to become another leaky homes saga!

Whilst ECANZ supported the government initiative, ECANZ also raised some concerns surrounding recessed or down lights that are in many homes now and which create a large amount of heat in ceiling cavities.

ECANZ concerns were that if these recessed lights are not protected by heat dispersal covers or heat cans and are then covered by insulation, this may shorten the life span of the light fitting, impact upon the integrity of the conductor or in the worst cases maybe cause a fire.

It is important that either the manufactures instructions or the electrical code of practice ECP54 is followed for installation of recessed or down lights. In particular when insulation is added after installation of downlights has taken place

Whilst ECANZ believe all care is now being taken to ensure the installers are conscious of the potential problem, ECANZ realise that demand to have insulation installed may have pushed this issue aside when the initial insulation programme was launched, especially as both the homeowner and installer had incentives.

ECANZ major concern is that lights already in place will be subject to installers of insulation taking responsibility for ensuring the correct clearance around each fitting. ECANZ believe the public need to be made aware and if in any doubt ask an electrician to carry out an inspection

ECANZ is supportive of the LCNZ (Lighting Council of New Zealand) as they seek to find a sensible solution, simply banning down lights is not a practical answer.

First published August 2009