In recent years there have been a number of fires in NSW caused by thermal ceiling insulation being located too close to down lights.

Incorrectly located insulation can cause the lights or transformers to reach high temperatures of up to 370 degrees C. These temperatures can cause the insulation or other building material to ignite.

Safety precautions

Always use a licensed electrical contractor to install down lights to ensure the lights are installed in accordance with the requirements of Australian Standard AS/NZS3000 (also known as The Wiring Rules).

Ensure the lights are not installed near structural timber such as roof, ceiling or floor beams, or near ceiling insulation.

Ensure that down lights and any transformers are not covered by ceiling insulation.

When making renovations or having other work done, ensure that any existing ceiling insulation has not come into contact with down lights or transformers.

Before an insulation installer begins work on your home, do a self assessment to determine if your roof space contains objects that may already be generating heat. You should then ask the installer to complete a form, acknowledging their understanding of installation and safety requirements.

View or download the Consumer safety self assessment and installer acknowledgement form in PDF format (size: 35kb).

Clearance distance

The Wiring Rules specify a 200mm clearance distance for halogen type down lights and in general a 100mm clearance for other types of lamps. However, these clearances need not apply if specific precautions have already been taken in regard to the construction of the down light or its enclosure, or in the nature of the insulation as per the manufacturers’ instructions.

Other precautions

There are several other precautions you can take to prevent fires:

• If you are having insulation installed under the Federal Government stimulus package you should ensure that the installers are aware of the air gap requirements in relation to down lights.
• Regularly check your down lights to prevent any build-up of wind blown debris such as leaves in the roof cavity and eaves or for vermin damage near the down lights.
• Install smoke alarms in the roof area.