Hi y'all,

Need your opinions on this--

Adding two mini (4") can lights in a kitchen remodel. Soffit into which they are going encloses a space 8' by 1' by 6".

The cans are Halos, non-IC. Lamps are 40W mini reflectors (tungsten). Can instructions call for 3" clearance from combustable surfaces. Plenty of clearance except on top, where there is about 1" clearance above the housing.

The top of the soffit is a conventional drywall ceiling (the ceiling is finished, so the soffit must be part of a remodel).

Questions:

1. Am I O.K. with less than 3" clearance above? I think so, because the surface above, being finished drywall, is considered non-combustable.

2. The soffit is essentially unventilated. It encloses a pretty good volume (~4 cubic feet). Should I be concerned about heat buildup, and if so, would providing a few 1/2" holes above each housing be a good idea?

Thanks in advance--

Cliff