Within the electrical industry we have known for a for many years the potential risk that improper installations of ceiling downlights can cause.

Ceiling downlights are definitely a serious fire risk and are the cause of many house fires throughout the year with up to at least one house fire per week caused by a downlight igniting roof insulation.

What makes the situation even scarier is that most homeowners have no idea what is up in their roof space having rarely if ever ventured into the upper confines of their home. A fire in the ceiling is rarely detected by a smoke detector installed on the underside of the ceiling. The first that a resident will become aware of their house burning is when the ceiling collapses from the fire.

Ceiling downlights are installed throughout many homes in Australia. They are modern and illuminate rooms just the way we like it, or at least what we think we like or are told to like.

A typical ceiling downlight will reach 250-300 degrees to touch. With an incorrect installation and an incorrect roof insulation installation, the insulation will begin to smoulder and within minutes develop into a fire with additional roof insulation fueling it.

Relevant Australian building standards nominate a minimum gap that ceiling insulation can encroach on the back of a ceiling downlight. Most ceiling insulation is labeled as fire-resistant or inflammable but this doesn’t count for anything once it goes up it flames.

With the Australian Government’s flawed roll-out of free insulation now suspended, there are thousands of insulation installations in the suburbs performed by dodgy installers who have no idea on the death warrant that they may have signed.

With an increasing number of home handymen and DYI’ers, a little bit of knowledge can be deadly. The only way to ensure the safety of your home and family is to engage a qualified electrician who specialises in such installations.

“Integrated Technologies Australia’s installation standards are the best in the industry” says Mike Andrews, Director of Integrated Technologies Australia. “For a little extra, ITA not only conforms to industry practices, but surpasses them with our stringent checks, test and product selection. What price can you place on human lives?” says Andrews.

Integrated Technologies Australia provide a range of solutions that minimise the risk of home fires that together with a certified installation including the use suitable covers that protect the rear of the light or alternate technologies such as Fluorescent or LED.

All lighting types have their pros and cons, it’s a matter of working with your engaged contractor to provide the best lighting solution for your application.

With energy management and conservation a priority for many homeowners, the choice of light fitting and how it is controlled is a topic that should not be taken on lightly. As Mike Andrews said “What price do you place on human lives?”.