Domestic Downlights Legislation Change

Compliance Issues - Domestic Downlights
Recent changes in legislation surrounding domestic downlights
will become mandatory from May 10 2012. The new legislation
centres on AS/NZS 60598.2.2 Amendment A and changes to the
Wiring rules (AS/NZS 3000).
These changes were conceived following concern in the industry
over the use of thicker thermal insulation in houses and insulation
with unknown flammability characteristics.
The recent changes to legislation on domestic downlights will see
the introduction of four new categories of downlights for use in NZ
homes. The old CA type ratings referred to ECP54 will disappear
to be replaced by CA135 and CA80, while the former F Hat rating
is replaced by IC and IC-F classifications. If a downlight does not
carry any of the above 4 Classification marks it cannot be used in
a domestic installation. It must also be installed in accordance with
the manufacturer's instructions, and in the absence of instructions,
AS/NZS3000 (Wiring Rules) applies.
These are graded according to their operational surface
temperatures and their thermal performance when installed
in or under thermal insulation as guided by the Downlight
Manufacturer's installation instructions. These instructions will
include guidance on the correct placement of external transformers
or drivers in relation to thermal insulation. CA135 and CA80 types
are for use where thermal insulation is abutted but not covering the
fitting, and are designed to be fail safe if accidentally covered. IC
and IC-F will replace the F-Hat classification and can be abutted
and covered with insulation. The new Amendment differentiates
between thermal insulation that can withstand a Needle flame test
and is suitable for use with CA135, CA80 & IC rated downlights,
and the IC-F classification is able to be used in conjunction with
insulation with unknown properties.
Although the Amendment A to AS/NZS 60598.2.2 does not
become mandatory until July 2012, the changes to the Electricity
Wiring rules (AS/NZS 3000) require all new domestic buildings
after May 10th 2012 to have the new downlights installed. There
are exceptions for replacing fittings in existing homes. It should be
noted that in most cases none of the above types will require any
type of barrier as defined in AS/NZS 5110, as the design of these
products eliminates the need for a barrier or cover. Indeed a barrier
or cover may restrict the breathing of the CA135 and CA80 types
causing their in-built safety switch to trip.