Insulation packed against a downlight
The safety item hidden above the ceiling.
In short: Downlights recorded without their minimum clearance in an Austral roof space.
What was recorded
Downlights minimum clearance required, at high severity, in the roof space on an Austral practical completion inspection.
Why the clearance exists
A recessed light generates heat and needs an air gap around it. Insulation pushed against the fitting traps that heat, which is a fire risk rather than an efficiency one.
How it happens
The insulation installer works quickly across a ceiling and the lights are below the batts. It is not visible from the room and nobody in the house will ever see it.
Who corrects it
A licensed electrician or the insulation installer, by clearing the required gap or fitting an approved cover. It is not an inspector's job to move it on the day.
Why the roof space matters generally
It is the part of the house nobody looks at again. On the same Austral run we also recorded ceiling insulation not installed at all, and a roof ventilator missing.
Written by the Owner Inspections team from inspections carried out in Edmondson Park. Licensed building practitioners, NSW Fair Trading licence 366177C.
