BACKGROUND

This relates to a firestop element for a downlight and to a downlight incorporating a firestop element.

When a fire breaks out in a building, it should be contained as much as possible. While a ceiling in a building may be designed to impede the spread of fire, openings through the ceiling for downlights present an opportunity for a fire to spread more easily. Also, the downlights themselves can be the cause of a fire.

Therefore, there is a need for an approach to reduce the fire hazards associated with downlights.

SUMMARY

A firestop element is provided which is fabricated from a polymer intumescent composition. The element may be associated with a light can of a downlight. In some embodiments, the firestop element will drop to a deployed position in the light can in the event of a fire.

In accordance with an embodiment, there is provided a downlight fixture comprising: a light can; a firestop element supported on or within said light can by at least one fire sensitive support, said firestop element fabricated of a polymer intumescent composition, said at least one fire sensitive support, in response to a fire, ceasing to support said firestop element such that said firestop element is freed to drop to a deployed position; and light can further having an limiter to limit a drop of said firestop element.

Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the drawings.

