Fire Rated Downlights
Fire-rated recessed downlights preserve the fire-resistance rating of a floor or ceiling assembly when the ceiling is penetrated by a fixture. They are required where recessed lights are installed in rated assemblies, using integral fire-rated housings or listed intumescent covers. Rock Lighting & Electric carries fire-rated downlights from Elite, DMF, Cooper...
Fire Rated Downlights
Recessed Lighting
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fire-rated downlight?
A fire-rated downlight is a recessed fixture tested and listed to maintain the fire-resistance rating of the ceiling or floor assembly it penetrates. When a fixture cuts into a rated assembly, a fire-rated housing (or a listed cover over a standard fixture) restores the assembly's rating, commonly for 1 or 2 hours.
When are fire-rated downlights required?
They are required when recessed lighting is installed in a fire-rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assembly — common in multifamily buildings, between floors, in corridors, and in commercial construction. Your architect, code official, or the assembly's listing determines where a rating applies.
What is the difference between fire-rated and IC-rated?
Fire-rated refers to maintaining the fire-resistance rating of an assembly. IC-rated (Insulation Contact) means the fixture can be safely covered with thermal insulation. They address different concerns, and a fixture may be one, the other, or both — check the listing for the application you need.
Do fire-rated downlights need a separate cover or box?
Many modern fixtures use an integral fire-rated housing, so no separate box is needed. For standard recessed fixtures placed in a rated ceiling, a listed intumescent cover or fire hood may be used instead. Always install per the product's listing and the assembly requirements.