How to Convert Recess Lighting to Track Lighting
Recessed lighting is good when you want lighting that shines directly down over an object or wall hanging. If you need to achieve accent lighting from various angles, however, track lighting works best. Track lighting fixtures can rotate horizontally as well as vertically. This gives them a versatility that recessed lighting does not offer.
The “track” part of the fixture installs in any direction. If areas on two adjoining walls need accent lighting, for example, install the track at an angle so that the light fixtures can be twisted and set to shine a focused beam of light to the areas of the two walls.
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Things You'll Need
- Step ladder
- Two pieces of 2-by-4-by-14½-inch lumber
- One piece of 14½-by-14½-by-¾-inch plywood
- Screwdriver
- Variable speed drill
- Philips head screw tip
- 2-inch drywall screws
- 1-inch paddle bit
- 1-inch drywall screws
- Track lighting fixture
Instructions
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1
Locate the breaker that supplies electricity to the recessed lighting and switch it off. Remove the cover from the recessed lighting and then the bulb.
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2
Climb into the attic with the plywood and the 2-by-4s and locate the recessed light fixture. Remove the cover plate from the housing that protects the electrical connections. Next, back out the screws connecting the electrical wiring to the fixture and pull the wires free.
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3
Place the plywood over the hole to be certain of a good fit. Place the 2-by-4s on top of the plywood and against the ceiling joists. Secure the 2-by-4s to the ceiling joists with the variable speed drill and 2-inch drywall screws.
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4
Drill a hole in the center of the plywood with the 1-inch paddle bit. Feed the electrical wires through the hole. Climb down out of the attic.
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5
Cut a piece of drywall the size of the circle made for the recessed light fixture. Place it in the hole and secure it to the plywood with the 1-inch drywall screws. Apply joint compound according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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6
Install the track bar for the track lighting according to the manufacturer’s instruction. Notice one side of the inside of the track bar has two copper linear contact strips and the other side has only one. Install the light fixtures into the track bar being certain to match the copper prongs on the fixture with the contact strips inside the track bar. Turn the electricity back on at the breaker.
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Tips & Warnings
Place a piece of plywood on the ceiling joists in the attic to make movement less hazardous.
As an alternative, attach the 2-by-4s to the edges of the plywood before climbing into the attic.
Do not leave tools unattended in the presence of children.
Never work with live electricity.
