I'm installing some downlights, and whilst drilling the hole I have come very close to a beam.

I am thinking about cutting into the beam slightly to allow for the light, however this will touch the beam when in place, is this acceptable or would it pose a fire risk?

How close can the down light come to the beam? Can it touch?

I am installing fire rated downlights, therefore they have the protective metal sleeving around them.

sorry, that's a definite no no. if i ended up at the side of the beam i wouldn't like it but to cut into it to allow the fitting to fit..definitely not.

the fireproof fitting still gets hot, it's only a time barrier to fire, it doesn't stop heat transfer. apart from which, cutting the beam weakens its integrity.

to give you an idea of how hot halogens are... back when i used to smoke, i actually lit my cigarettes off halogen lamps.

What's the recommnded minimum distance the light should be away from a beam?

I am not an electrician but is there not anything on the box/instructions?

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Nick

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Just says avoid beams, cables, pipes etc. Nothing about how far they should be from a beam.

It should say 50 or 100mm away from any insulation/combustible material from memory, I would opt for 100mm to be on the safe side...

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Verwood Handyman
I Know it says I'm On-line, but I might have just left myself logged in, whilst I'm out....

422.3.1 Except for equipment for which an appropriate product standard specifies requirements, a luminaire shall be kept at an adequate distance from Combustible materials. Unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer, a small spotlight or projector shall be installed at the following minimum distance from combustible materials:
(i) Rating up to 100 W 0.5 m
(ii) Over 100 and up to 300 W 0.8 m
(iii) Over 300 and up to 500 W 1.0 m
NOTE: A luminaire with a lamp that could eject flammable materials in case of failure should be constructed with a safety protective shield for the lamp in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

422.4.2 Except for equipment for which an appropriate product standard Specifics requirements, a luminaire shall be kept at an adequate distance from combustible materials. Unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer, a small spotlight or projector shall be installed at the following minimum distance from combustible materials:
(i) Rating up to 100 W 0.5 m
(ii) Over 100 and up to 300 W 0.8 m
(iii) Over 300 and up to 500 W 1.0 m
NOTE 1: A luminaire with a lamp that could eject Flammable materials in case of failure should be constructed with a Safety protective shield for the lamp in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
NOTE 2: Luminaires marked (F in an inverted triangle) accordance with BS EN 60598-1 are suitable for mounting on a normally flammable surface.

So important there are two regulations saying the same thing.

Surely that refers to the distance between the lamp and the surface it would be illuminating??

Otherwise all of those ceiling downlights would be outlawed by the reg, as the ceiling joists run at 400mm apart..??

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Verwood Handyman
I Know it says I'm On-line, but I might have just left myself logged in, whilst I'm out....

PLEASE never ever remove any material from the bottom or side off any joist or rafter
you are allowed to remove 1/8th from the top and up to 25% by drilling holes horizontally through the center in some restricted areas but NEVER EVER underneath unless you are qualified and able to strengthen the timber appropriately

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we are all ------------------still learning

In real terms lamps may be able to be mounted closer. But it comes down to "recommended by the manufacturer" and unless the manufacturer says it can be closer then the rule applies. Some lamps Dichroic for example can let as much or more heat to back of lamp as front.

On many a building site quartz halogen lamps have been banned due to the number of fires they cause.