Buzz
Integrating a track lighting system is an excellent method to illuminate any space, whether it's your kitchen or garage. However, the idea of installing such a system on your own might seem daunting. Yet, with careful planning and attention, you can have track lighting installed in just a single afternoon. You simply need to determine the required track length, the placement, how to secure it to the ceiling, and how to connect it to a power source.
Steps
Managing the Track
Determine the necessary track length. Prior to visiting your local hardware store, measure the ceiling length where you intend to set up your track lighting. Enlist someone to assist you in holding a tape measure against the ceiling to ensure accuracy.
- Jot down the measurements for reference.
Purchase track and connectors from your local home improvement store. Lighting tracks typically come in sections that are either 4 feet (1.2 m) or 8 feet (2.4 m) long. If you can't find the exact length you need, opt for a longer track as you can always cut it later. Additionally, if your track needs to make turns, make sure to buy connectors.
- Connectors fit into the ends of two track pieces, linking one track to the power source of another. They are available in 'L' and 'T' shapes.
Trim the track to the desired length using a hacksaw if required. If you've purchased a track longer than necessary, use a hacksaw to cut it to size. Measure the required length and mark the track accordingly. Then, secure the track on a sawhorse or another stable surface, and carefully saw along the marked line.
- Remember to wear safety goggles when cutting.
Install connectors if you intend to use them. If you plan to connect multiple tracks, it's best to attach the connectors before securing the track system to the ceiling. No special tools are required for this step; simply slide the connectors into the track ends.
Managing the Power Supply
Switch off the power to the work area for safety. Before commencing the installation of your track lighting, locate your circuit breaker box. This box is typically found in the garage, basement, storage room, or hallway and appears as a flush metal box on the wall. Turn off the power supply to the ceiling light fixture where you plan to install your track lighting.
- After switching off the power, attempt to turn on the light in the work area to confirm that you've disabled the correct switch.
- If you're unsure which breaker controls the light fixture, seek assistance. Turn off one breaker at a time while your assistant observes the light to determine if it turns off. If the breaker is distant from the light, use cell phones to communicate.
Remove the existing fixture and expose the electrical box. Exercise caution when unscrewing the old fixture as it may be heavy or cumbersome. Upon removal, you'll reveal an electrical box embedded in the ceiling containing multiple wires.
- Once the old fixture is removed, store it safely out of the way to avoid tripping hazards.
Connect the power end adapter and floating feed to the electrical box. Upon accessing the interior of the light fixture, you'll encounter various wires within the electrical box. Match the wires of the end power adapter, provided with your track, by color. Secure the same-colored wires together using wire nuts and return them to the electrical box. Mount the metal piece to the ceiling using screws, while leaving the floating feed outside the electrical box.
- The floating feed serves as the power supply for your track lights. It resembles a small, white box and seamlessly integrates into the lighting track.
Attaching the Track to the Ceiling
Mark the position of the track's mounting holes on the ceiling. Utilize a tape measure to determine the spacing between the holes in your track system. Subsequently, transfer these measurements onto the ceiling, marking the desired location for the center of each hole with a pencil.
- When measuring, ascertain the distance from the center of one hole to the center of the next.
- It's advisable to enlist the assistance of at least one other person for this step.
Drill 3⁄8 inch (9.5 mm) holes in the ceiling at the marked locations. Utilize an electric drill to bore holes into the ceiling, ensuring they are wide enough to accommodate toggle bolts.
- Exercise caution when operating an electric drill or any other power tool.
- The track should be positioned near the light fixture to facilitate insertion of the floating feed into the track, as this will serve as the track's power source.
Insert toggle bolts into the holes of the track. After threading the toggle bolts through the holes of the lighting track, tighten the toggle bolt nut. Ensure the spring-loaded nut resembles an upside-down “V” when compressed.
Secure the lighting track to the ceiling. Once the toggle bolts are threaded through the lighting track's holes, elevate the track to the ceiling. Squeeze the toggle bolt nut located at one end and insert it through the drilled hole. Once inserted, use a screwdriver to secure the track to the ceiling. Repeat this process for each toggle bolt.
- Enlist the help of at least one other person to maintain the track's position while tightening the toggle bolts.
Install the floating feed into the track. With the lighting track securely attached to the ceiling, slide the floating feed into the track. Insert it and rotate it 90 degrees, following the manufacturer's instructions provided with your specific track lighting system.
Place the track lighting fixtures into the track. Most home improvement stores offer a diverse selection of track lighting fixtures. You should be able to find fixtures that match your desired size and style.
Restore power and activate the light switch. After installing the track lights, return to the breaker box and restore power to the light fixture connected to your track lighting system. If all goes as planned, your new lights will illuminate upon activation.
