Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Brigade has publicaly reported "a fire approximately every 3 to 5 days caused by down lights".

Protection against damage that might reasonably be expected from environmental and external influences is so important.  This includes, for example, future exposure to turbulance, leaves, nests, birds, vermin, possums, dust, insulation, rubbish, people, cables and ducting moving in a roof space.

If the risk of just one exposed down light is a devastating ceiling fire (potentially deadly), when can you afford any half measures?

Health issues are also involved with many exposed down light installations as they sprinkle dust, insulation and allergens indoors (assisted by pressurisation 24/7) and welcome spiders and flies etc.

Sealed fire resistant enclosures are available to meet these issues.  They also act as a thermal acoustic barrier over down lights and can pay back the investment in energy savings.