Red Alert on Insulation and Down Lights
…. Down lights, illegal wiring, and combustible material can create death traps.

The massive insulation boom boosted by the Australian Government's Energy Efficient Homes Package to install ceiling insulation in up to 2.9 million Australian homes has prompted a red alert warning from Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Australian Institute of Architects over the deadly fire risk caused by the installation of insulation and down lights.

The fire in this home started in the roof cavity above the smoke detector placed in the ceiling..

Mr Angus Kell, ACT & NSW State Manager of Archicentre said with down lights being a popular choice for many home builders and renovators, extra precautions need to be taken with the installation of insulation to ensure that the heat generated into the roof space from the down light does not become a fire hazard when combined with combustible materials.

"Thousands of homes fitted with halogen down lights can become potential deathtraps if they are not fitted correctly leading to potential fire hazards in a home."

Mr Kell said in some house fires many of these residents only became aware of the fire when the ceiling started to collapse. In these cases the smoke alarm would not activate because the fire was above the ceiling - higher than the smoke detector.

Archicentre has received reports of lighting transformers scorching surrounding insulation in ceilings after being incorrectly installed. Often the lighting transformers were found to be in direct contact with the insulation causing overheating and the potential to cause fires.

It is recommended that the halogen light transformers have a clear space around them of a least 300 millimetres to isolate the down light heat source from any potential combustibles including roof insulation or roofing timbers. It is also recommended that down light safety guards are installed over the down light.

Mr Kell said the major danger issues surrounding down light installation and insulation installation which need to be considered include:

If not properly insulated from the wood panelling and ceiling insulation, down lights which can produce temperatures in excess of 300 degrees celsius at the base, can start a fire that people can't see and that smoke alarms can't detect as it is up in the roof cavity above the smoke alarm.
Common forms of 'blow-in' insulation can create dusting in the attic space that may come into contact with super-heated light fittings, particularly 'low-voltage' down lights.
The fire retardants in some insulation materials have an effective life of as little as 2 years, meaning that potentially flammable materials may be in contact with high temperature fittings.
Displaced bulk insulation, or light fittings located too close to timber roof members and roof space litter, can also present a serious fire risk.
Retrofitted down lights can compromise the one hour Fire Separation Rating in multi-unit developments.

The Home Insulation Program
Under the Program, assistance of up to $1,600 is available to help eligible owner-occupiers, landlords and tenants install new ceiling insulation in their existing privately-owned homes, rental and other properties.

For most homes insulation is the simplest, most effective and cheapest way to make a house more energy efficient, keeping it cooler in summer and warmer in winter. It can save up to 40% in heating and cooling bills. Insulation can also reduce condensation on walls and ceilings, and may lead to improved health outcomes.

Householders are encouraged to obtain multiple quotes to ensure value for money and that the insulation they select is the most suitable for their particular needs.

Further details of the Federal Government's Energy Efficient Homes Package is available at http://www.environment.gov.au/energyefficiency/index.html

ww.archicentre.com.au

Media Enquiries:
Angus Kell ACT & NSW State Manager Archicentre (02) 9411 1000 Mobile: 0412 565 023
Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications Archicentre (03) 9818 5700 Mobile: 0417 329 201

Medialaunch.com.au Pty Ltd

Red Alert on Insulation and Down Lights …. Down lights, illegal wiring, and combustible material can create death traps.

Red Alert on Insulation and Down Lights
…. Down lights, illegal wiring, and combustible material can create death traps.