What’s the difference between a loft cover and a downlight fire hood?

A downlight fire hood is an intumescent cover that reinstates the fire and acoustic performance of a fire-rated ceiling where a downlight is fitted. A loft cover does a different job: it sits over the light in the loft to keep insulation off the fitting and stop heat building up. Loft covers aren’t designed to maintain a fire compartment line, so use a fire hood wherever the ceiling has a fire rating.