Arrowform - Downlight Protection Specialists

MEDIA RELEASE

21/07/2010

Against the backdrop of an unprecedented number of downlight fires, Arrowform present the facts against misleading statements spread around by some individuals and groups against our well proven, high quality downlight protection products that are manufactured and sold in Australia;

1) Isolite™ Guard is the first mass produced genuine downlight enclosure made in Australia with the longest track record of fire prevention of any barrier used in Australian conditions without causing a fire.

2) Isolite™ Guard has had certified approval for use in Australia much longer than any other downlight barrier.

3) Isolite™ is made of a non-conducting, enduring polymer which is used extensively in downlight control gear for over 40 years. It withstands the highest temperatures produced by halogen downlights as required by AS/NZS 3000:2007 clause 4.2.2.5, and passes the 960⁰C glo-wire and 30S needle flame tests of AS/NZS 60695.

4) The Isolite™ Guard provides significant benefits to building occupants; Sealing the back of a downlight with a friendly, fibre-free enclosure, it prevents 24/7 indoor air pollution through the downlight via pressurization and turbulence where dust and fibres will aggravate lung, skin and other allergic conditions.

5) Isolite Guard is a heat exchanger. It prevents air leakage/draught, dispersing heat rapidly through a sealed enclosure of very low thermal resistance (R0.1) giving ideal treatment of a downlight fitting and globe. Long halogen globe life is common. The unique 12V Transformer Isolator accessory ideally allows new and existing transformers to be 100% ventilated for long life and preventing downlights turning off needlessly. (Warning: Expect thermal insulation materials covering downlights to trap heat and overheat light fitting components against the safety requirements of Australian Standard AS/NZS 3000:2007 clause 4.5.2.3 with real fire risk).

6) Because bulk insulation is unfixed, downlight installations requiring clearances do not guarantee fire safety because insulation etc. can easily move over time. Isolite’s larger, anchored, impenetrable enclosure allows it to abut timber & insulation and comply with the safe external temperatures of AS/NZS 60598. Isolite will protect downlights and related transformers completely against adjacent loose fill insulation.

7) A fire resistant enclosure as per AS/NZS 3000:2007 clause 4.5.2.3 (b) is for prevention of downlight fire risk.      A fire-rated downlight or enclosure is only a requirement for fire-rated structures that have been purpose-built to resist the spread of fire for a number of minutes.  Arrowform also offer an excellent range of fire-rated Flexi™ enclosures (also of low thermal resistance or ‘R’ value) to maintain a building’s fire-rating.

8) Most Arrowform products can be retro-fitted to new and existing downlights without wiring disconnection.

9) Arrowform’s complete range of Flexi™ fit-from-below fire resistant enclosures offer most of the benefits of the Isolite™ and they also have a long track record of approved fire prevention, also without causing a fire.                        

Note: Installation to manufacturer’s instructions is essential to achieve designed performance and compliance.

All the above points show the solid basis for Arrowform’s motto “you can’t afford anything less”

Arrowform Pty Ltd