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Additional attic insulation: do power cables need to left exposed?

  • 06-09-2010 8:27pm
    #1
    Carlow52
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,389 ✭✭✭


    Additional attic insulation: do power cables need to left exposed to prevent overheating. Its a bungalow with cables all over the shop in attic

    Current insulation is glass fiber and client wants additional layer of warmcel, aka cellulose.

    Am happy with fire resistant properties of the cellulose but wonder whether cables need to be either sheathed or left exposed.
    Thanks


Comments

  • #2
    M cebee
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,431 ✭✭✭M cebee


    there'll be a correction factor if they're covered


  • #3
    2011
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,641 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    If there are issues with the wiring such as bad connections then insulation could exacerbate the problem. However if the wiring is in good condition covering the cabling will not be an issue. If the wiring needs attention you should have it fixed before you insulate. If you are unsure about the condition of the electrical installation get a registered electrical contractor to check it out. Under normal working conditions the cables in your house should not get hot.

    What is important is to make sure that items such as transformers and downlighter bulbs have adequate space around them so that they do not overheat. In this case they could become a fire hazard.


  • #4
    seaniefr
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 301 ✭✭seaniefr


    2011 wrote: »
    If there are issues with the wiring such as bad connections then insulation could exacerbate the problem. However if the wiring is in good condition covering the cabling will not be an issue. If the wiring needs attention you should have it fixed before you insulate. If you are unsure about the condition of the electrical installation get a registered electrical contractor to check it out. Under normal working conditions the cables in your house should not get hot.

    What is important is to make sure that items such as transformers and downlighter bulbs have adequate space around them so that they do not overheat. In this case they could become a fire hazard.

    You can get a smoke hood now for downlighters with a 1 hour fire rating.


  • #5
    M cebee
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,431 ✭✭✭M cebee


    fire rated fitting is better imo


  • #6
    2011
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,641 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    You can get a smoke hood now for downlighters with a 1 hour fire rating.
    I know.

    These are designed to stop the fire from a burning downlighter from spreading. IMHO they are not suitable to put over a downlighter so that it can be covered in insulation. I would be concerned that the smoke hoods (I have seen) would not provide enough space for proper air circulation or may collapse.


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  • #7
    M cebee
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,431 ✭✭✭M cebee


    are they primarily to re-instate the fire barrier rather than preventing a downlighter causing a fire


  • #8
    2011
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,641 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    M cebee wrote: »
    are they primarily to re-instate the fire barrier rather than preventing a downlighter causing a fire

    That is what I think.


  • #9
    M cebee
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,431 ✭✭✭M cebee


    ya

    prefer the fire-rated and led -simple


    trafos hoods halogens arrghh


    http://www.downlightsdirect.co.uk/downlights/led-downlights-fire-rated-ip65-dimmable/evoled-fire-rated-ip65-led-downlights-3x3w-9w-/cat_47.html

    fire-rated maintains the barrier
    f-capped means insulation can be laid over it-dunno if that standard is used here


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