Electricity: Track Lighting

If you want to transform the look and feel of a room with minimum effort, installing a track lighting system is a good place to start. Focused halogen bulbs allow you to strategically light a room by placing emphasis on particular objects or spaces. Individual fixtures can be easily moved to accommodate changing needs, and halogen bulbs provide sunlike light.

Plan your project with lighting goals and potential problems in mind. Rigid track systems come in a variety of lengths and are joined with fittings to form L-shapes, U-shapes, V-shapes or crosses. Some systems even use flexible or cable-type tracks.

Key Installation Steps

You can easily install track lighting by removing an old fixture and connecting the new track. The tracks are pre-wired and a mounting plate or canopy covers the connection. Use drywall anchors and screws for securing the track. Shut off power at panel while working.

1. Pay close attention to a track fixture's polarity. Hot and neutral wires must go to correct terminals. Keep the hot and neutral wires separate and consistent throughout the track system.

2. Mark the track’s layout plan on the ceiling using masking tape. Next, mark locations for fasteners to connect the track to the ceiling. Use at least one fastener for every 4 ft. (1.3 m) of track.

3. Push a fixture into the track; turn and lock it into place. Contact prongs in the fixture base will carry current to the bulb. Adjust bulb direction and fixture location as desired.