Installing Track Lighting

Track lighting provides many different options, including halogen track lighting, which provides bright light using small fixtures. It can give your room a dynamic flair by pointing to certain areas.

Track-lighting installation is not a real complicated job. First you need to decide where you want the tracks to run, then if you have a solid ceiling, drill holes to mount the track.  If your ceiling is sheetrock, you need to find your studs and if they are running parallel with the tracks, get on them to install.  You still need to drill holes. Now you need to get the wiring to the tracks.  If you have existing wire there already it will be easier.  If you don’t then you’ll have to get in the attic, or above the ceiling, and run electrical wire back to the breaker box.

Install your tracks by bolting them to the ceiling with wood screws or toggle bolts.
If you are using existing wire be sure you have it disconnected at the electrical breaker box. This is a must.
Here are the proper steps to take after the wire and the tracks are installed.

1.At the breaker box leave the wire disconnected at this time.

2. Use the stud sensor to identify an area between studs in which you can place the light switch. The switch should be at least 2" away from any stud. Use a measuring tape to mark the placement of the switch so that it will be the same height as the other switches in the room. (Code calls for 52” at center of switch)

3.Use the drywall-mounted electrical switch box as a template for marking the cutout for the switch.

4.Drill a pilot hole in the corner of the cutout, and use a long screwdriver to check for obstructions. Be sure there is no electrical wiring in the wall where you are cutting. Finish the cutout with a drywall saw.

5.From the attic, locate the area above the wall where you intend to mount the light switch. Use a 1 1/2" spade bit to drill into the void behind the wall. Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and dust mask and  gloves to avoid irritation from fiberglass insulation.

6.Feed two pieces of romex cable into the hole from the attic and out through the hole in the wall.

7.Peel the insulation from the romex, You will have a black wire and a white wire in each piece or romex. Tie the whites together, and put one black wire on one terminal of the switch, and the other on the other terminal.

8.Now in the attic you have both romex cables coming up, one goes to the power source, (breaker box) the other goes to the track light.  The black wire is to be used as the live wire at the box. The white wire is the neutral.  The same thing at the track light, black hot, white neutral.  The track light will have a white and black.

9.Attach the black wire on the breaker in the electrical box, and attach the white to the neutral buss. For multiple track lights, consider using a stack switch.

10.Insert the fixtures into the track so that the three prongs line up properly with the electrical wiring inside the track. Most fixtures simply snap into place.

Typical track-lighting installations can usually be completed in one day. The installation will probably cost less than $160, but the cost will be higher if you hire an electrician.