Unsafe downlights installed can be extremely dangerous.  With many Halogen downlights being replaced with LED’s now is a perfect time to set recessed lighting straight.  The major reason why improperly installed Downlights are unsafe is that they upset the building envelope (Home air tightness and Insulation consistency).

This is because they exist in two completely different parts of the home:

  1. the roof area, and
  2. the living area

This exposes these electrical devices to potentially extremely dangerous situations, while at the same time contributing to significant energy losses for heating and cooling…

Examples of unsafe downlights installed:

Downlight with visible burning

This downlight has been installed with some sort of a cardboard cover which has started burning due to the extreme temperatures that come out of halogen lighting

Downlight through Wood member

A downlight that had been installed straight through a wood member with halogen lighting, is a huge danger and definitely not a legal installation. Should a downlight be installed like this contact a licensed electrician to work out the best way to resolve this situation.

Melted downlight transformer

Poorly terminated Lamp holder to control gear has melted this transformer. This situation could become very dangerous over time.

Leaves and debris around downlight

A Downlight that has been inundated with Leaves and insulation. Its easy to understand how dust comes through your downlights when you see this. With Halogen Lighting, this type of occurrence is also extremely dangerous, for fire safety. Dry leaves are an excellent ignition source, and Halogen Lighting reaches temperatures in excess of 350C˚

Downlight with Burned insulation

This home shows an example of unsafe insulation installed on top of a 50W Halogen Downlight. Home insulation and Halogen Lighting/LED Electronics do not work well together. Heat Build up with any electric appliance is very dangerous. Luckily, this home escaped the high potential of fire.

Downlight electrical cabling burned

Burned electrical cabling caused by an illegal installation of recessed lighting.

Burned Iron core transformer

The chances of transformers starting a fire in a home are almost as great as Halogen Lighting starting a fire. Control gear must be installed as per manufacturers instructions which is usually well away from insulation.

Downlight Electronic Transformer Burned

Control Gear failure is an extremely important part of installing downlights safely. LED lighting still has control gear and to ensure a long lasting transformer these appliances should be up and away from insulation. All LED Lighting is Low voltage, so whether you buy a 240V LED or not, heat dissipation from control gear electronics needs to be considered.

 

 

Take a look at our Downlight Mitt cover product for LED Lighting.  For LED and Halogen Lighting, take a look at the Loft Mitt.

All Photo’s were taken by Mal Boyd from Save Energy Plus.  Should any customers have any additional photo’s of unsafe downlights installed and you would like to share them, feel free to email them with a description.