As an alternative to high-priced flame hoods for luminaires, Scolmore International has launched the FLAMEGUARD System – a quick and cost-effective means of providing fire and acoustic rated properties to luminaires installed in normally fire resistant ceiling materials. FLAMEGUARD has initially been applied to the CLICK range of low voltage and mains GU10 downlighters and other light fittings featuring FLAMEGUARD protection will be introduced during 2005.
FLAMEGUARD luminaires incorporate integral fire retardant seals and acoustic barriers, providing full 90-minute fire rating without the need for additional components. The integral intumescent seals expand in the event of fire, thereby restricting the flow of oxygen through the cut-out void and discourage the spread of the fire. They also provide an acoustic barrier, limiting transmission of sound through ceiling voids.
The luminaires are fire tested and approved to BS476 Part 21 1987 and acoustically tested to BSEN ISO 140-3 1995 and BSEN ISO 140-6 1998.
As a result, fitting FLAMEGUARD assures inherent fire protection as soon as the downlighter is fitted, retaining the fire rating integrity of the ceiling in compliance with Part B of the Building Regulations. Also, the acoustic integrity of the ceiling is retained, in accordance with Part E of the Building Regulations – as the seals also provide a barrier to sound passing through gaps that would normally be left around a downlighter.
In providing all-in-one, reliable and cost-effective protection against fire and noise ingress, the new FLAMEGUARD range eliminates the problems associated with fire hoods. As well as being expensive, fire hoods are difficult to fit and there have been many incidents of the wrong size hood being fitted, resulting in installations with inadequate protection.
Scolmore FLAMEGUARD fittings are as easy to install as a conventional downlighter and also sensibly priced, offering up to 80% savings for fitting compared to downlighters with fire hoods. Fire rating and acoustic performance have been fully verified through independent testing.
