Minimum Distance to Combustible Materials
The minimum distance to combustible materials specifies the clearance a luminaire must maintain from combustible surfaces (wood, textiles, plastic, paper) to prevent the risk of fire. This specification is an important safety instruction that must be observed when installing luminaires.
The minimum distance is particularly relevant for:
- Recessed luminaires in suspended ceilings made of wood or plastic
- Luminaires in the vicinity of curtains, drapes or fabric lampshades
- Luminaires with halogen lamps or other heat-generating light sources
Modern LED luminaires generate significantly less waste heat than halogen or incandescent lamps and in many cases permit reduced clearances. The exact values are specified in the installation instructions for the respective luminaire and must be adhered to by the installer.