Fire Rated Downlights

Many of our customers love the downlights on our website, but when they take a closer look at what they need, they realise they need fire rated downlights. Before purchasing any downlights, it is best to know what you need - what are the regulations, what is the requirement, and what are the key considerations. In this article, we would like to go through the main key considerations when purchasing fire rated downlights as Sparks. Continue reading this guide to find out more about:What are Fire Rated Downlights?Are Fire Rated Downlights Required?Key Considerations when Buying Fire Rated DownlightsMaintaining the Fire Rating for the CeilingJoist TypesStandards and CertificationInstallation & ComplianceWhat about Testing and using Fire Hoods?Best Practices Regarding Choosing and Installing Fire Rated DownlightsWhat are Fire Rated Downlights?Fire-rated downlights are recessed lighting fixtures specifically designed to restore the fire integrity of ceilings when a hole is cut for installation. Without them, the ceiling's fire resistance—typically tested for 30, 60, or 90 minutes—can be compromised. These lights include a sealed steel body and an intumescent gasket or pad that expands under high temperatures, effectively sealing the gap and slowing fire spread.Are Fire Rated Downlights Required?We need to realise that fire rating is a classification of complete ceiling construction, not just of individual elements. Under Part B (Fire Safety) of UK Building Regulations (Approved Document B, volumes 1 & 2), any opening in a fire-resistant ceiling must be fire-stopped to prevent rapid fire spread between compartments. Recessed downlights puncture this barrier, so fitting a fire-rated version ensures the ceiling’s integrity is maintained.In residential settings, a 30-minute rating is generally required between living spaces, while 60-minute (houses with loft conversions or three-storey builds) or 90-minute (commercial properties, high-risk areas, or top floors) ceilings require accordingly rated fixtures.Note: the fire rating is invalidated if a product has not been tested and certified in combination with other key elements of the proposed ceiling construction, such as joist type or luminaire spacing.Buy Fire Rated DownlightsKey Considerations when Buying Fire Rated DownlightsMaintaining the Fire Rating for the CeilingUK ceilings are classified by their construction type, and here are the tested ceiling constructions:30 minutes: Single layer 12.5 mm plasterboard on timber joists (~600 mm centres). 600mm joist centres, single layer 15mm Type A or Type F gypsum wallboard60 minutes: Double-layer plasterboard (2×15 mm) on timber (~600 mm centres). 600mm joist centres, double layer 12.5mm Type F gypsum Fireline90 minutes: Double-layer plasterboard on closer-spaced (~450 mm centres) joists. 600mm joist centres, triple layer 12.5mm Type F gypsum Fireline.Joist TypesBecause there are new joist options introduced in recent years, distance spanning has advanced, and so has weight saving and practicality. However. Updated test certificates are necessary in order to ensure product compatibility. Here are the joist types and what they are (according to Astro Lighting):1. Solid Timber JoistsSolid Timber Joists are a traditional method of domestic floor construction and remain ideal for smaller projects where relatively short spans are involved. Solid Timber Joists are typically made from softwood and are available in a range of twelve strength ratings, with C16 and C24 being the most common options.2. Metal Web Joists (or Posi Joists)Metal Web Joists (or Posi Joists) include an open central section allowing for easy installation of services. Metal Web Joists are constructed from a top and bottom stress-graded timber cord, joined with high-strength open metal web sections on either side of the top and bottom timber flanges.3. I-JoistsI-Joists (or I-Beams) are strong, lightweight engineered wood beams with an "I" shape cross-section and are most commonly found in new build properties. I-Joists consist of a top and bottom laminated or solid wood flange combined with a tall vertical plywood or OSB (Oriented Strand Board) web.Please note: The fire rating for I-Joists from one manufacturer cannot automatically be assumed to apply to those from others. However, NHBC Building Control may accept certification to show compliance in certain cases where important testing elements are similar or more demanding.The ceiling opening made for a recessed luminaire can weaken the overall fire barrier; therefore, the spacing of downlights or other luminaires, as well as minimum distances from other ceiling features, is defined in order to obtain the fire safety rating. It is recommended to review the details of each product certification in a careful way, for it is the responsibility of the installer to ensure compliance with the relevant regulations. Fire-rated downlights must be tested to match these ceiling types and fire durations, often under BS 476 21 or BS-EN-1365-2 standards. They must also align with relevant joist material, including solid timber, i-joists, or steel-web joists, per NHBC guidance. Standards and CertificationThe approved light fittings must carry recognised marks: BS-EN-60598-2-2, CE/UKCA, and evidence of independent testing (BRE Global, NHBC). Installation & ComplianceOnly recessed downlights require fire rating—surface-mounted types do notAll cutting and fitting must preserve the ceiling’s rating; improper holes or oversized apertures void complianceUse insulation-coverable downlights if placing insulation material above themManufacturers recommend professional installation under BS-7671 / Part-P (domestic electrical safety regulations)Please avoid opting for generic non-rated downlights and fire hoods as substitutes—hoods don’t meet regulatory standards unless they’re specifically certified, and it’s generally safer to use fully tested fire rated fittingsWhat about Testing and using Fire Hoods?The manufacturers who make fire rated downlights know the standards according to which these luminaires need to be tested. For example, the fire rating test conditions require suspending a complete ceiling structure above a 4x3 meter furnace, and then subjecting it to a predetermined time and temperature fire curve for 30, 60, and 90 minutes. Then, the fire rating of the ceiling is established after the full test period has elapsed, if the declared integrity of the structure is confirmed to have remained intact.Fire hoods: Some prefer using fire hoods instead of buying a fire rated downlight. A fire hood is a flexible cover made from fire-resistant material that can be installed in combination with non-fire-rated downlights or luminaires in order to maintain the integrity of a fire-rated ceiling. Buy Fire Hoods at SparksBest Practices Regarding Choosing and Installing Fire Rated DownlightsSelect the correct rating: match downlight to ceiling rating (30/60/90 minutes).Choose certified models: ensure testing under appropriate standards.Install by professionals: follow BS-7671 / Part P wiring and building control rules.Plan for insulation: Use fixtures rated for insulation exposure if applicable.Maintain acoustic seal: some units comply with Part E to prevent sound leakage Confirm energy efficiency: LED fixtures often satisfy Part L requirements and are sealed for moisture (Part C compliance)ConclusionFire-rated downlights are not optional—they’re essential components in modern UK buildings to maintain compartmentation and fire safety. By correctly rating, installing, and certifying recessed lighting, you preserve structural fire resistance, comply with Building Regulations (Part B), and protect occupants. Always choose tested products from reputable suppliers and follow professional installation standards like BS-7671. It's a small investment that ensures safety, legality, and peace of mind.Further Reading on Fire Rated DownlightingUnderstanding Fire Rated Downlights (via Astro Lighting)Electrical wiring in the United Kingdom (via Wikipedia)What are Fire Rated Downlights and Where do we Need them? (via SparksDirect)Should every downlight be fire-rated? (via, Professional Electrician)