Hello all. I've always installed fire rated spot lights (unless in a flat roof or another enclosed space ). I always take it that you have to install a light with the same fire rating as the ceiling.
A colleague was told to install some fancy spots in a kitchen ceiling which were not fire rated and as there were a lot of them the cost of fire hoods would have been into the hundreds. He phoned his elecsa helpline for advice and was told that fire guards were not necessary as there was no proof that they work anyway!
Does anyone have a definitive answer on this and if so where can I find it written down so that i can refer to it in the future

have a look on the electricial safety councill website , a very handy leaflet/guidance on there.
if you got to the trade shows, pick some up and give to your customer.

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Yes i do do 24/7 everyday of the FLAMIN year.

From a friend of mine who's a local auth building control insp:

If it's a single dwelling attic/loft conversions should have half hour fire separation from the rest of the house so any light fitting shouldn't result in a reduction in fire resistance of the ceiling in a room below. Between floors at lower levels in a standard dwelling hoods might prevent sound insulation, if fitted, from causing possible overheating problems and potential fire.

If not a conversion fire rated fittings not required but loft caps or similar should be used to maintain thermal break to an unheated attic & prevent overheating in an insulated void.