Flower Power!!!

[SquirrelHammer]

So i was wondering what everyones views were on using ceramic plant pots over recessed lights in the loft space? i seem to be getting mixed responses some swear by it where as others say it is dangerous due to them not being fire rated etc.

I am trying to convince myself not to buy thermahoods or those metal boxes from screwfix.

I am also in two minds whether to box the lights in for even less

[OnlyMe]

It's a loft space. Therefore it's not a fire rated ceiling and firehoods are not required.

[SquirrelHammer]

It's a loft space. Therefore it's not a fire rated ceiling and firehoods are not required.

I do not want the insulation layers all resting on the lights, would you say that boxing them in is just as good if fire rating is not required?

[Someone-Else]

If they are halogens, don't box them in, and when did you last see fibreglass or glass fibre go for a walk? you didn't, just leave a gap round any lights.

[SquirrelHammer]

LEDs, i cleaned up all the wiring up there in prep for boarding up a few areas and noticed 270mm, 2 layers of insulation over the lot, no gap nothing.

I need to clear most of the old insulation as whoever went up there last must have ripped it all up like a wild cat and now i have it all in bits and not continuous.

[Someone-Else]

As OnlyMe points out, unless its a fire rated ceiling fire hoods are not required.

It seems to have come about because people have seen them / fire rated down lights and assumed they must use them, truth is they are only required for a fire rated ceiling.
The idea is that if there is a fire in the room / area below the ceiling then the light can melt, then fall out so allowing the fire a passage to elsewhere. A fire hood / fire rated light seals the gap if there is a fire so stopping the spread of fire.

If you are wondering why the ceiling doesn't catch fire its because, believe it or not plasterboard (not all, but most) is actually rated at 30 minutes, lots of time to get out.

So it is pointless installing fire rated lights where there is no danger to life such as a bedroom with a loft above. But some say the cost difference is negligible so they use fire rated lights any way.

[Someone-Else]

Flower pots are great.............for planting flowers.

Not all pots are made the same, although they look the same, it is also said that the hole concentrates the light / heat and that can cause a fire, also, how do you get the cables out?