Clearance for downlights?

[Big D]

Hi, my first post in this section so apologies if this seems a daft question!

I am in the process of putting up 4 x 50w halogen downlights in our bathroom. We have a false ceiling which is roughly 5" below the original ceiling. The thing is that once I push the downlight up into the void between the ceilings the top of the cable coming out of the light is touching the original ceiling.....is this ok or does there need to be more clearance for the cable. It fits ok and is not squashed in or anything but just wanted your opinions to be on the safe side? I have heard loads regarding the amount of heat these create so I am a little concerned now!

Any advice welcome!

[Rich-Ando]

if you are using the fire-shroud ones you need not worry. if not, yes the more clearance the better. they do generate a lot fo heat. i have seen joists turned black when people have fit them too close.

[Hoovie]

Standard halogon lamps do run very hot.
What you could consider is to replace the standard 50W bulbs with
low energy CFL versions - I would imagine they would be a lot cooler?

Also cheaper to run

[Big D]

Cheers for the replies lads I will look into replacing the bulbs with low energy ones just to put my mind at rest. Like you say Hoovie, it will also save a bit of cash hopefully too especially with our lass leaving the lights on all the time!!

Thanks again