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Electrical Wiring

exterior soffit light

16 years ago

I am building an exterior soffit adjacent to my deck. I would like to put two recessed lights under the soffit.

The soffit is not open to the attic space. These light will only be used occasionally for outdoor entertainment.

I will probably use IC lights. Any other issues to consider?

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Comments (8)

petey_racer
16 years ago
Why use IC cans? Will there be insulation up in there? Will the cans be touching any framing?
gzec
Original Author
16 years ago
No insulation, I was thinking of a mouse house possibly sometime in the future that I didn't know about. Aren't IC's about the same price as non?
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petey_racer
16 years ago
I don't get the "mouse house" comment.

They are about the same cost, but sometimes trim and lamp selection are limited with ICs.
noffo
16 years ago
If the soffit is sealed it could get pretty hot in there. I'd use IC "just in case" or add some ventilation. 2" or 3" round eave vents aren't very obtrusive.
petey_racer
16 years ago
If the correct trims and lamps are used it shouldn't matter how hot it gets.
petey_racer
16 years ago
what I should say is it will not get any hotter than any other installation regardless of what cans are used.
gzec
Original Author
16 years ago
Racer- In regards to the mice. I have seen mice build nests from shredded material. I could imagine a clump of this material in the soffit next to the light, which may cause a fire? Am I being paranoid?
petey_racer
16 years ago
I can't say. I would suspect there are more mice nests in attics than anywhere else. Soffits get real cold around here come fall.

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