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Deta partners I-Joist manufacturers; obtains NHBC approvals
New guidelines for recessed light fittings from the NHBC have proved unexpected for manufacturers, causing building control sign-off delays for new-build developers across the UK. Deta’s technical manager, Andrew Pegrum, explains how Deta has worked quickly to ensure its fire rated downlight fittings satisfy the new requirements.
New guidelines T
he NHBC’s Technical Extra (Issue 25) publication states that in relation to downlighter penetrations within intermediate floors (used within two and three storey new-build homes)
constructed with engineered floor joists: “fire resistance downlighters and fire hoods are only deemed to be acceptable if test evidence supports their use in a similarly engineered joist floor build up.”
On this basis, Deta had firmly considered that its fire rated downlights had met this criteria following successful testing of its Fire Rated Downlights in an engineered floor construction with one of the major I-joist manufacturers. Consequently, Deta had considered that its fire rated downlights should be qualified for installation and approval within any similarly engineered I-Joist floor construction. The NHBC subsequently advised that since the
specification of I-joists and floor constructions differ between manufacturer and by installation, they do not necessarily consider all I-joists and floor constructions to be similar. This creates a wide range of variables which calls for either an assessment to be provided by a suitably qualified fire engineer or for each manufacturer’s I-joist to be tested with Fire Rated Downlights. Seeking assessments can be difficult as it is understood that different manufacturers I-joists may behave differently under fire conditions. This, at least for the present, has resulted in the need for Fire Rated Downlights to be tested in each manufacturers I-joist specification in order that test evidence can be provided to match with the floor construction installed.
Successful testing Deta’s immediate response was to implement an extensive testing programme to test Fire Rated Downlights in floor constructions using engineered joists from other leading manufacturers. Having worked in cooperation with several leading engineered joist manufacturers, as well as House Building Developers, Deta has been able to demonstrate its fire rated downlights satisfy the new guidelines.
18 | electrical wholesalerJune 2020
Successful testing has been carried out with leading fire testing laboratories in the UK and across Europe. These test results have been shared with the NHBC who have approved the installation of Deta’s current (L1680/2 and L1690/2) and new (L1701) fire rated downlights within 30 minute intermediate floors using the following constructions: James Jones I-Joist; Metsa Wood I- Joist; Staircraft I-Joist; Steico I-Joist and Solid Timber Joist. Deta’s fire rated downlights can be installed in these floors in line with the test floor specification without the need for noggins and without the need for fire hoods to be fitted. Deta is continuing its
testing programme to test its downlight fittings in floor constructions using engineered
joists from other manufactures and is working in close partnership with them to accelerate this to secure further approvals from the NHBC.
First to market with comprehensive NHBC approvals Deta has moved quickly to obtain approval from the NHBC for its fire rated downlights to be fitted in multiple I-Joist floor constructions. Ordinarily, this test programme would have taken many months to complete, however Deta has successfully managed to deliver a successful outcome and provide results that the NHBC have been able to approve in a matter of weeks. Deta’s fast response to the new guidance demonstrates its core values of quality products, continued service and support to its valued customers.
Having worked in cooperation
with several leading engineered joist manufacturers, as well as
House Building Developers, Deta has been able to demonstrate its fire rated downlights satisfy the new guidelines.
ewnews.co.uk
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