Things You'll Need:
- Measuring tape
- Screwdriver
- Track light kit (including track, lights, connectors and cover)
- Wire strippers
- Wire nuts (connectors)
- Electrical tape
- Voltage tester
- Multipurpose tool
- Pencil
- Wood screws or toggle bolts
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Step 1
For this tutorial we will be replacing an existing ceiling light fixture with track-mounted lighting. If you are performing a brand-new lighting installation, then you will have to pick up a feed from a nearby power source or run a new circuit into the room. Check out Resources at the end of this article for others that may help you with your installation.
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Step 2
Find the circuit breaker that is supplying power to the light fixture you will be replacing. It is not enough to simply flip the light switch off, because anyone can come waltzing into the room and flip it back on without warning and you do not need to start your day off on that note! So, find the breaker and toggle it OFF (leaving a note taped to the electrical panel explaining that you are working on the electric is always a good safety measure too).
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Step 3
Flip the switch on and off to make sure that the power to the light fixture is off, then begin to remove the existing ceiling light fixture. Before you detach the wiring, use a non-contact voltage tester to double check that there is no voltage running through the wires. If there is none, finish removing the fixture and tighten wire nuts on each of the wires in the box.
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Step 4
Use the tape measure and pencil to measure and draw your guidelines so your track lighting will have precise placement. You want to make sure that the track lighting track is even within the dimensions of the room.
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Step 5
Now it is time to wire the track lighting power connector. First, feed the wires coming off of the power connector through one of the access holes on the power connector mounting bracket. Next, splice the ground wire from the power connector with the ground wire in the electrical box using a wire nut. Follow the same process for the white wires and lastly, the black wires. Wrap a length of electrical tape around the wire nuts where the wire enters the nut. Then, secure the mounting bracket and power connector to the electrical box.
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Step 6
Depending on the type of track kit you purchased, there can be a number of different ways your track connects to the power connector, so just read your individual instructions for the exact method. Typically though, the track just slides over the terminals on the connector.
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Step 7
As your track lines up with your guidelines, screw the track into place using the wood screws if you are tapping into a joist or stud, or use the toggle bolts if the track is running across a section of the ceiling with nothing above it. If you are using toggle bolts, you will want to make your starter holes before you connect the track to the power connector, so you will first connect it, then mark the installation holes on the ceiling and then disconnect it so you can make the starter holes. It also helps to have your toggle bolts loosely installed on the track before you do the final installation.
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Step 8
If you are using toggle bolts, all you have to do now is slide the track onto the power connector, push the toggle bolts up into their starter holes and then just tighten them all down.
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Step 9
If you are adding additional lengths of track, just follow the instructions that came with your kit about installing additional connectors.
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Step 10
Take your track lights or "cans" and twist them into the track. Once they are locked into position, install the proper-rated light bulbs for the track.
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Step 11
Turn the circuit breaker back on and flip the switch to turn the track light on. With the lights on, position the spot lights to focus on the area or item you wish to have illuminated. For even more versatility and ambiance, try installing a dimmer switch. The eHow tutorial for that job can be found in Resources as well!
