I've been to few elderly customers homes recently who have had free loft insulation fitted as per gov inititive to reduce their fuel bills.

Sure, it reduces heat loss etc, but am a bit concerned re pipes/wiring and in particular down lighters.

Saw one last week, lady had 4 PAR38 100w fittings in the lounge (bungalow) covered by 8" fibre glass.

Are there any fire (or otherwise) regs on this?

I've been to few elderly customers homes recently who have had free loft insulation fitted as per gov inititive to reduce their fuel bills.

Sure, it reduces heat loss etc, but am a bit concerned re pipes/wiring and in particular down lighters.

Saw one last week, lady had 4 PAR38 100w fittings in the lounge (bungalow) covered by 8" fibre glass.

Are there any fire (or otherwise) regs on this?

They should be in a fireproof enclosure/hood.

As well as lights causing a problem any electrical cable covered for more then a metre with insulation should be de rated by 50%. That's going to be an interesting one!

Looks like someone hasn't seen the full picture of problems this could cause.

maybe the government are storing up ready for the next destracting headline.

ie no headlines about how much of a mess we are in due to fiscal incompetance but how oap's are having fires due to a poorly thought out government 'help'/distraction project.

Think I'll take a few piccys and post to bbc or someone. See what happens.

I dont see the point in worrying (old) people but do want to draw attention to the practice.

Could fit smokes in the loft

They should be in a fireproof enclosure/hood.

As well as lights causing a problem any electrical cable covered for more then a metre with insulation should be de rated by 50%. That's going to be an interesting one!

50%?

50%?

523-04-01 17th use 0.5 or 50% to derate.

Unless you want to do the calcs in APDX 4 every time! Get yer thermometers out!!!

I just wired up my extension and carefully cut channels in the insulation and lined with silver tape to avoid this problem, not going to happen in the real world though!!

isnt the derating due to the fact the cable internal temp would be higher as it cant cool, so if using that method of fixing (ie buried) the cable cannot cool itself like it can when clipped direct.

If so how does the silver tape help luggs?

James

isnt the derating due to the fact the cable internal temp would be higher as it cant cool, so if using that method of fixing (ie buried) the cable cannot cool itself like it can when clipped direct.

If so how does the silver tape help luggs?

James

Hi James, leave any PVC cable in contact with foam insulation and the cable will melt....the chemical that lets PVC plastic stay pliable literally 'leaches' out leaving the cable in a dangerous condition. The silver metal tape stops any contact with the cable within the airspace created by cutting out the foam. The silver tape also makes a nice job!

Just noticed you asked about cooling, I literally cut a large trunking sized slot, this allows air around the cable which means it can cool normally.

Edited October 22, 200817 yr by luggsey

i see

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