Since AS 3000-1986 wiring in the ceiling has been presumed to covered with 150 mm of fibreglass insulation which was taken to be R 3.0, however for some reason recessed lighting was not subject to this same requirement. This has resulted in the market being flooded with unsuitable recessed lights and those recessed lights have become common ignition sources for house fires.
When a heat source such as a recessed light is covered with additional insulation (the air layers provide some insulation) the temperature rise will increase in proportion with the total R value:
This temperature rise may ignite combustible materials such as roof framing, leaves, dust and other material that enters the roof space.
The current AS/NZS-3000:2007 requires that you have a default clearance if AS/NZS-60598.1 and AS/NZS-60598.2.2 have not been satisfied, however it also notes that "National Building Codes require the installation of thermal insulation in many situations". As the default clearance is incompatible with those situations you must therefore cover any down lights used in accordance with AS/NZS-60598.
There has been a lot of confusion about providing such a clearance. This is has not been helped by ill-informed government advice. For example Minister warns: Roofing batts potential fire risk: "Down lights and transformers should never be covered by ceiling insulation because they act like giant firelighters", "Covering down lights with combustible material like roofing batts is dangerous and puts people's lives at risk", "Consumers can download this form ... from this website and ask contractors to sign it before they start installing the batts".
These however completely neglect the requirement for thermal insulation. AS/NZS-3000:2007 4.5.2.3 Recessed luminaires clearly states that there are requirements for both thermal insulation (1) and safety (2):
To achieve both of these requirements down lights must meet the AS/NZS-60598 requirements for insulating ceilings.
Andrew Buckeridge - ACIMA
Tenmat products are tested to BS EN 60598-1:2004. This is a mirror image of the International IEC 60598 standard as is the Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS-60598. All of these standards can result in a product which is allocated the capped F mark (or F-capped) symbol.
AS/NZS-3000:2007 is very clear in that a cover which allows the default clearances to be reduced must have AS/NZS-60598 and therefore would display the F-capped symbol. To my knowledge the none of the alternative covers in Australia have the F-capped symbol. Although they mention AS/NZS-60598 in their literature that certainly does not say that they have been tested or passed to this level, and so do not display the F-capped symbol.
I understand that there is currently a lot of confusion with members, but it is very clear in AS/NZS-3000:2007 that if it does not have the F-capped symbol then standard default clearances still apply even though the product can still be used as a guard against combustibles coming into contact with the lamp. So all we are doing is asking members to check for the capped F-capped symbol to meet the current wiring rules, nothing more.
Rupert Coggon - TENMAT
TENMAT attachments:
The luminaire was installed in a false suspended ceiling, the ceiling being made of 12 mm thick porous wood fibre board. The fire hood was placed over the top of the luminaire, so as to position the luminaire centrally within the fire hood. The edges of the fire hood were sealed down onto the false ceiling and a recess box was constructed, using 19 mm thick laminated wood, around the fire hood touching on all sides. The recess box was then covered in fibre-glass loft insulation 200 mm thick.
FF130 Flanged loft cone comming soon. 
WARNING: Cool-beam (Dichroic) lamps
are unsuitable for use in recessed lights.
It has been bought to my attention that Efficiency Matrix have a compliant solution too.
Efficiency Matrix attachments:
The 100mmX100mm timber side pieces were removed and replaced with thermal insulation in direct contact with the outside surface of the insulation Mitt. The thermocouples were placed on the thermal insulation near the insulation Mitt where temperature expected to be highest.
The 100mmX100mm timber side pieces were removed and replaced with thermal insulation in direct contact with the full circumference of the insulation Mitt. The thermocouples were placed on the thermal insulation near the insulation Mitt where temperature expected to be highest.
The 100mmX100mm timber side pieces were removed and replaced with thermal insulation in direct contact with the full circumference of the insulation Mitt. The thermocouple was placed on the thermal insulation near the insulation Mitt where temperature was expected to be highest.
¹ I have been advised that for insulating ceilings AS/NZS 60598 requires an insulation cover rating. Please obtain written notice of conformance from builder, electrician or insulation contractor if recessed lights are used.
Andrew Buckeridge - ACIMA
Cellulose - Naturally Better Insulation 
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