I'm being coerced by my wife into fitting downlighters in our kitchen and have a number of questions:
- We live in a 7 year old 3 storey house (loft has been converted into a 5th bedroom). Bedrooms exist above the kitchen. Do the building regulations require fire integrity between floors? If so, should I be using flameguard downlighters or hoods?
- Big brother (the Labour government) has recently decided that we are not intelligent enough to tinker with home electrics. Is replacing existing light fittings with downlighters covered by this new legislation i.e. do I need to employ an electrician to do the job or can I do it myself?
- Am I likely to have insulation between the ground and 1st floor in a
- Any recommendations on the types of downlighers to user (low voltage or mains voltage)? If insulation is present (question 3 above) I would probably go with mains voltage as they are less likely to overheat and don't need transformers that are also likely to overheat, however, on the down side, the bulbs will probably need replacing every 5 minutes and they won't produce as much light as a LV fitting. LV would be my preference, but although the bulbs will last longer, the transformers will probably need replacing from time to time!
I would appreciate your advice.
Paul.