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 Over the past decade a large number of home owners are choosing to installing down lights as their main source of lighting. Downlights were originally designed as spotlight for wall paintings and decor but are now used to light up hallways, kitchen, bathrooms, lounge rooms and porch lighting.
For one positive that comes with downlights which is the the amount of light they produce there are also plenty of negative. Not only do downlights use large amounts of energy they also pose a huge fire risk for anyone living in their home.
Did you know that a halogen light globe can reach temperatures of around 280-300 degrees celsius? When you consider the heat that a halogen can produce and the flammable materials that are in your roof you can see why halogen downlights can put you and your family at risk.
 It has been documented that 75 house fires in NSW have been linked to down lights in the past five years and 57 house fires in Melbourne in the last 18 months. These figures are likely to rise as more new houses are being built with downlights and many people up taking the free insulation program.
A fire in your roof normally goes undetected by smoke alarms and it’s not until the roof crushes down that anyone realises that a fire has started, and then it is too late. The most common reason why these fires occurs is from poorly installed insulation. Too often insulation is placed over or too close to the halogen downlights causing the insulation to catch fire. ‘Blow-in’ or ''bulk-stuff'' insulation can create dust in the attic space that can act as a fuel if it comes into contact with high temperature halogens. Light fittings that are located too close to timber beams or roof space litter are also major factors in roof fires. New rules require insulation of combustible materials to be kept 200mm from light bulbs and their associated transformers. The distance has increased from 50mm. However by increasing the space around downlight globes from the insulation has reduced the effectiveness of the insulation in your roof. Bit of a catch 22.
Great news, there is something that you can do to solve this huge problem and risk. There is a product called Isolite Guard that can help reduce the risk of fire and also help keep your home insulated effectively. Isolite''s unique anchoring system resists forces produced by air movement, people and/or rodents. The downlight guards are manufactured from lightweight high temperature fire resistant materials approved by the Electrical Safety Authorities in Australia.
Isolite Downlight Guard offers vital fire prevention in the ceiling. Isolite Guard stops substantial heating & cooling loss in living areas through exposed down lights. Isolite Guard stops 24 hour entry of insects, dust, allergens and toxins through downlights by sealing them off from the unsealed roof cavity.
To find out more information on the Isolite Downlight gaurd please click here
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