The low down on the down light regulations

All new down light installations in New Zealand after May 10 2012, are required to be upgraded to a new down light standard, so that thermal insulation can safely be abutted to a down light.

Why were changes made?

EECA, "Warm Up New Zealand" had a campaign which promoted greater levels of house insulation which were generally 200mm thick.

Initially inexperienced Insulation Installation contractors were involved.

Unregulated insulation products with low ignition levels are universally available.

90 degrees C is regarded internationally to be the minimum ignition temperature for materials allowable for use in construction. It is based on the performance of cellulose based materials, such as timber after being subjected to long periods of long dry warm ambient conditions.