Installing track lighting is easy!
You do not have to be an electrician or particularly handy to install track lighting. Most people are afraid to attempt electrical projects, but simple jobs like installing track lights are quite easy and safe if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
One style of track lighting just has a cord which is plugged into an existing outlet. These systems require no electrical wiring, but must be located near an outlet. The second type of system provides a more professional and permanent looking installation with no exposed wiring, but requires that a few electrical connections be made at a junction box during installation. If there is not a junction box available along the particular area where you will want the track lighting, you will need to install one or have it installed by an electrician. This article assumes that a junction box is already available.
Before removing the old light fixture, be sure to turn off the power to the circuit on which you plan to work! Do this at the breaker box, and then double check the circuit to make sure it is off. Once the circuit is off at the breaker and has been checked, there is no need to worry about working with the electrical elements of track lighting.
First you’ll want decide on the track location. This decision may be influenced by the location of the existing junction box as well as the area you intend to light. There are fittings sold that will allow you to form T’s or angles so that you can highlight specific areas of the room. When purchasing any fittings, just be sure that the fittings are offered by the manufacture of the track lighting system you plan to use, or they may not work properly.
Now, mark along the ceiling to indicate the placement of the lighting track. To be sure that the track runs parallel to a wall you can measure out from each end of the proposed track placement. If the measurements are equal, the track is running parallel. Be certain not to place fixtures within six inches of curtains or other flammable materials.
Next you’ll need to make your electrical connections. To begin, remove the existing light fixture from the junction box you plan to use. Your new track lighting will be wired the same as your old fixture. Most of the time you’ll just be connecting white wires to white wires, but if your junction box sees more complicated take note and duplicate the connections when installing the new fixture.
Depending on the type of track lighting system you are using, electrical connections to the track may be made in one of two ways. You will either make the connection by joining wires with plastic connectors, called wire nuts, or you will screw the wires directly to the terminals located on the track connector. If you’re dealing with screw terminal connections with multiple wires, it will be necessary to attach pigtails to the track terminals, then attach the wires to the pigtails with wire connectors. Then, simply install the connector by gently twisting it onto the wires.
If the new fixture includes a ground wire, it should be connected to any other ground wires that may already be in place. If a metal box is used to support the fixture you will also need to install grounding screws into that before proceeding.
Now you’ll install the track and fixtures. First, tuck any circuit and fixture wires into the junction box and install the mounting plate on the box.
Next, snap the track into place on the junction box, carefully following the instructions provided by the manufacturer and align the track with your earlier markings. Once in position, tighten the track locking screws on the mounting plate.
Then, secure the track with either toggle bolts or screws. Toggle bolts must be used in areas where access to ceiling joints is not possible, as screws installed into drywall or plaster will not hold.
Now attach any angle, T, or straight fittings along with additional track sections to achieve the planned track lay out. Also, insert end pieces at the ends of the completed track.
Next, attach an electrical adapter to the track by inserting it into the track and twisting gently. install the cover over the adapter/mounting plate assembly.
Insert the fixtures into the track and tighten them. Install the appropriate bulbs for the fixture; install only the bulbs that the manufacturer recommends.
Finally, turn the circuit back on and test the lights. If they do not work, turn the circuit off and test the current once more. checking your work for faulty connections.
There you have it! You have installed your new track lighting! Now you can play with each fixture and accentuate certain areas of a room. Enjoy!
