Recent fires associated with the government’s insulation program have shown how halogen downlights, which can reach temperatures of up to 300 degrees, can ignite combustible materials in ceiling cavities.
But in the news coverage of this potential hazard, not much attention has been paid to how easily downlight covers can fix the problem.
When the government realised that halogen downlights posed a significant danger to their Home Insulation Program, they mandated downlight protection products.
Minister Greg Combet recently announced that the government will inspect and repair 150,000 homes with new insulation, and made it clear that downlight covers will be a major part of the solution.
Products like Arrowform ’s Isolite and Flexi down light covers seal off individual downlights completely, making sure that they do not come into contact with flammable debris, dust and moving insulation within a ceiling.
These long proven Australian-made downlight covers can be fitted by any handy tradesperson and do not require the lights to be electrically disconnected.
Those concerned should ask for certificates for the product to AS/NZ 3000:2007, clause 4.5.2.3 (b) dating back to at least 2007 from their supplier or installer.
