How Easy it is to Install Track Lights
Ray Walberg
When it comes to having more lighting in a home, many people never even think of putting in track lights. In fact, track lighting is one of the best ways to show off certain things on the walls as well as giving the opportunity to control the right mood in the room. Also, the best thing is being able to choose from all the different colors and styles!
Mounting lights is probably one of the hardest things for people; however, if you can get through the electrical box you will be able to install the track lights; as many of them just plug into the wall. However, if you get the style that plugs into the wall, be advised that they do not look as professional as those that are in the ceiling.
When installing track lights for on your own, you will need some of the basic tools/materials to help you on your way! In fact, the things that you will need are a drill or screwdriver, electrical tape, stepstool or ladder, long-nose pliers, voltage meter, tape measure, nuts & bolts and a track lighting kit.
Once you have everything you need, it is time to do the installing! Here are some things to get you on your way to safely installing track lights.
Turn off the power: you will want to go to the electrical box and turn off all to that area. By making sure there is no power, you will be using your voltage meter. Then you will be able to disconnect the old wires and separate them. You will take the live ended wire and put it into the track while securing it with a screw. Then you can attach the live end to the mounting bracket. (You will want to use pigtail leads to finish the live end wiring; which are short wires that are connected to terminals) Once you known where you track and lights will be, you will be able to get all the fittings for it; such as T's or angles. However, you will want to make sure they are offered by the manufacturer of the lighting system. (You will want to mark holes to indicate positions. Also, you will want to be sure that the track is evenly placed on the ceiling.) Now it's time for mounting the track! You will be putting the fixture wires and circuit into the junction box and putting the mountable plate in the box. Then, you can snap the track in place for the lighting system you wanted. Once your track is where you want it to be, you will be using toggle bolts to screw the track in the ceiling. From there, you will be connecting the adapter to the lighting track and installing the cover that goes over the adapter and assembly. Connecting the wire to the house: you will be connecting the matching colored wire to the house and locking them together.
Once that is done, you may turn the power back on, put the appropriate bulb in the fixtures, and test to see if the lights work. From there, all you have to do is angle the lights to where you want them and enjoy the way they light up!
Ray Walberg writes articles principally for
http://www.curtains-drapes-coverings.com, an Internet site with topics around shower curtain rods. On his site you can have a look at his publications on (
http://www.curtains-drapes-coverings.com/curtain-rods.html ) curtain rods and shower curtain rods.
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