Installing Track Lights

How to Install Track Lighting

1. 1 Shut Off Power to Circuit

   
   

   Disconnect the old ceiling light fixture (for remodeling projects) after shutting off power to the circuit at the main service panel. The globe or diffuser and the lamps should be removed before the fixture mounting mechanism is detached.

2. 2 Test Fixture Wires and Remove Old Light Fixture

   

   Test the fixture wires with a voltage sensor to make sure the circuit is dead. Support the fixture from below while you work—never allow a light fixture to hang by its electrical wires alone. Remove the wire connectors and pull the wires apart. Remove the old light fixture.

3. 3 Attach New Mounting Strap to Old Ceiling Box

   

   Attach the mounting strap for the new track light to the old ceiling box. If the mounting strap has a hole in the center, thread the circuit wires through the hole before screwing the strap to the box. The green or bare copper ground from the circuit should be attached to the grounding screw or clip on the strap or box.

4. 4 Cut Track Section to Length

   

   Cut the track section to length, if necessary, using a hack saw. Deburr the cut end with a metal file. If you are installing multiple sections of track, assemble the sections with the correct connector fittings (sold separately from your kit).

5. 5 Purchase Different Fittings for Varied Installation Optional

   

   You can also purchase T-fittings or L-fittings if you wish to install tracks in either of these configurations.
   
   

6. 6 Position Track Section in Mounting Saddle

   

   Position the track section in the mounting saddle on the mounting strap and hold it temporarily in place in the location where it will be installed. The track section will have predrilled mounting holes in the back. Draw a marking point on the ceiling at each of these locations. If your track does not have predrilled mounting holes, remove it and drill a 3⁄16" hole in the back every 16".

7. 7 Insert Bolt Into Predrilled Screw Locations

   

   Insert the bolt from a toggle bolt or molly bolt into each predrilled screw location and twist the toggle or molly back onto the free end. These types of hardware have greater holding power than anchor sleeves. Drill a 5⁄8" dia. access hole in the ceiling at each of the mounting hole locations you marked on the ceiling in step 6.

8. 8 Insert Toggle Into Access Hole and Tighten Bolts

   

   Insert the toggle or molly into the access hole far enough so it clears the top of the hole and the wings snap outward. Then tighten each bolt so the track is snug against the ceiling. If the mounting hole happens to fall over a ceiling joint, simply drive a wallboard screw at that hole location.

9. 9 Hook Wires From Track's Power Supply to Circuit Wires

   

   Hook up wires from the track’s power supply fitting to the circuit wires. Connect black to black and white to white. The grounding wire from the power supply fitting can either be pigtailed to the circuit ground wire and connected to the grounding screw or clip, or it can be twisted together with the circuit grounding wire at the grounding terminal. Snap the fitting into the track if you have not already done so.

10. 10 Attach Protective Cover

    

    Attach the protective cover that came with your kit to conceal the ceiling box and the electrical connections. Some covers simply snap in place, others require a mounting screw.

11. 11 Cap Open Ends of Track With Dead End Cap Fitting

    

    Cap the open ends of the track with a dead end cap fitting. These also may require a mounting screw. Leaving track ends open is a safety violation.

12. 12 Insert Light Heads Into Track

    

    Insert the light heads into the track by slipping the stem into the track slot and then twisting it so the electrical contact points on the head press against the electrified inner rails of the track slot. Tug lightly on the head to make sure it is secure before releasing it.

13. 13 Arrange Track Light Heads

    

    Arrange the track light heads so their light falls in the manner you choose, and then depress the locking tab on each fixture to secure it in position. Restore power and test the lights.