The column where you get to put your lighting questions to the head of the Ovia lighting business, Mike Collins, and his team of technical experts.
Q. IS THERE A REQUIREMENT TO INSTALL ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR LED PANELS IN A GRID CEILING?
We believe that the load bearing capacity would be in the requirement of the suspended ceiling as opposed to the luminaires themselves.
This requirement is detailed in BS EN 13964 – Suspended Ceilings, Requirements and Test Methods – which was last revised in 2014.
Safety restraints may be added to the luminaires on a risk assessment basis. For example, if the ceiling is of a great height, or if the panel is close to the tolerance of the weight restrictions of the ceiling, then a support wire may be considered for install to reduce the risk.
The most common requirement with panel lighting in suspended ceilings is the Thermoplastic rating (TP(a) and TP(b)). This relates to the flammability of the material from which a lighting diffuser is made, and how quickly it can self-extinguish to avoid fire spread when it is part of a ceiling lining.
The Ovia Inceptor Slate Backlit is our premium range of TP(a) rated backlit LED panel lights with a low, <19 UGR diffuser. They’re suitable for a range of installations and working environments and come with pre-wired push-fit 3-pole Flow connector, helping quick and easy installation on-site.
Thanks to Chris Rice of EVR Electrical for this month’s question. A special edition Ovia travel mug is on its way!
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