Fire Proof Lighting with NuWatt's Fire Rated Recessed Light
As of January 2024, 46 states have now fully adopted the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 code. The NFPA is U.S.-based international nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property, and economic loss due to fire, electrical, and related hazards. With this development, homeowners in several states across the country — including California, Ohio, Idaho, Oregon, Indiana, Virginia, Montana, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Alaska, and Hawaii — must adhere to certain regulations when it comes to construction and DIY projects. These regulations, while not specifically mandating fire-rated lights, include requirements that could pertain to them indirectly, such as ensuring the integrity of fire barriers and the safety of electrical systems.
In addition, as of January 1, 2024, all 50 states have adopted some form of the National Electrical Code (NEC),(46 Fully Adopted, 4 by County/Municipality) published by the NFPA. This means that across the United States, there's a uniform standard ensuring that electrical systems are safe and effective, including those used in lighting solutions like NuWatt's fire rated recessed lights.
Whether you’re a DIY expert or just getting started on your first home renovation project, it’s important to understand exactly what a fire rated recessed light is, when it’s necessary, and why it’s required. (Bonus: we’ll even let you in on why NuWatt’s fire rated recessed lighting is the best option to choose…just keep reading!)
What Does Fire Rated Lights Mean?
Fire rating is essentially a given title to any fixture or structure (such as a structure of a building) that has been tested to meet or exceed the standards for UL 263, ASTM E119 and ULC S101 — the standard of safety for fire tests of building construction and materials.
When we talk about LED lighting fixtures, it simply means that the fixture was tested against those above standards. When considering changing out your old LED recessed lights, it is important to take into account the time it was tested to withstand fires. One Hour Fire Rated is the bare minimum, anything higher than that is better; NuWatt's Ultra Thin Fire Rated LED Recessed Lights are tested to withstand two hours of fire contact.
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When Are Fire Rated Lights Required and Why Is It Necessary?
A fire rated fixture is a critical safety feature in buildings, especially in areas where fire hazards are present such as California and other super dry areas. It refers to any construction element, such as walls, floors, ceilings, doors, and lighting that has been designed and tested to resist the spread of fire for a specified period (in the case of NuWatt's fire rated recessed lights — two hours). This is crucial in buildings to prevent the rapid spread of fire, providing people with more time to evacuate safely and giving firefighters a better chance to control the fire.
How Does Fire Rated Lighting Work?
Fire retardant lighting works by testing the steelwork that the fixture or structure is made out of; it is designed to withstand the extreme temperatures of structural fires without melting (maybe add: for a certain period of time, which is usually a 1 hour standard, but NuWatt’s are rated 2 hour), thus containing the fire in one room or building. In other words, fire retardant downlights help prevent fires from spreading to nearby homes, forests, other business buildings, and residential areas. As well as providing longer periods of time where the lighting still works, thus illuminating your path longer so you have ample time to safety and visibly get out of the structure.
What Makes the NuWatt Fire Rated Recessed Lights Unique?
Introducing NuWatt Fire Rated Ultra Thin Recessed Downlight, the ultimate lighting solution combining style, safety, and simplicity. With prestigious ETL certifications and tested to meet UL263, UL1598, ASTM E119, & CAN ULC S101 fire resistance, this downlight ensures peace of mind and safe installation. Seamlessly integrated into your ceiling, our canless downlight is crafted with fire-resistant materials, and rigorously tested to meet UL standards for extreme temperatures. It captivates attention with its sleek, modern design that effortlessly blends with any decor, adding sophistication to your space. Installation is a breeze! It’s ultra-thin design, quick connectors and steel spring clips, and user-friendly features make the process quick and easy. Enjoy a high Color Rendering Index of 90, CRI90 plus, that accurately showcases colors. Choose from five selectable color temperatures 2700K soft white, 3000K warm white, 3500K neutral white, 4000K cool white, and 5000K daylight using the external metal junction box's color selectable switch. Experience the perfect blend of safety, style, simplicity, color accuracy, CRI 90 plus, water-resistant connectors, and IC rating with NuWatt's Fire Rated Ultra-Slim LED Recessed Lighting. Upgrade your lighting game with confidence, trust its superior safety, stylish design, and energy efficiency, ENERGY STAR certified.
All of our fire rated recessed lights are 10-100% dimmable, super easy to install, and last for an average of 50,000 hours. Plus, when you shop NuWatt, you’ll be met with superior customer service from our American-based team of experts. Our network of warehouses across the country allows for quick shipping and delivery.
Bonus: NuWatt’s Fire Rated Lighting Bypasses Need For Fire Rated Rockwool Light Covers
In order for most recessed lighting to be fire rated, a Fire Rated Light Cone is needed. Fire Rated Lighting Covers are designed to be installed around recessed lights or ventilation openings to create a barrier that prevents fire from spreading through these openings. The material acts as a protective shield, helping to contain the fire and preventing it from passing through gaps in walls or ceilings where these fixtures are installed. With NuWatt’s unique fire retardant wafer-style LED recessed light design, no Rockwool Fire Cone is needed thus making the installation process for the consumer even easier.
Features of the NuWatt Recessed Fire Rated Light:
- 2 hour fire rated downlight
- No 1 hour or 2 hour Fire Rated Light Cover needed
- Canless install
- Secure cable lock (fall safe feature)
- Durable Die-Cast Aluminum frame build
- Steel mount clips
- Fire resistant red painted steel casing
- 5 CCT color selection
- 10-100% dimmable
- Water resistant connector
- Available in 4” and 6”
In light of the International Building Code (IBC) 703.2.2 Analytical methods, NuWatt's recessed lights have been designed to meet a variety of fire-resistance standards, including those established based on the fire exposure and acceptance criteria specified in ASTM E119 and UL 263. This ensures that our products are not only compliant with specific prescriptive designs but also certified by approved agencies, providing you with the highest level of safety and peace of mind.
Install NuWatt’s Fire Rated Ultra Slim Recessed Light in Four Easy Steps:
- Cut a 6 ¼ inch diameter hole in the ceiling
- Connect wires accordingly
- Connect LED fixture to the driver
- Insert light into the ceiling
Ready to fire proof your lighting??Check out our solutions for Fire Rated Canless Recessed Downlight installations!