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Track Lighting: D.I.Y. or Professional Job


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For most of us, any job involving electrical wiring is clearly a job for a professional electrician. But in the right circumstances, installing track lighting is actually one of the easier electrical jobs an amateur can do. If you're an intrepid do-it-yourselfer, here are some quick tips on how to know if your track lights will require a licensed professional.

Thinking inside the box

One simple question can usually resolve the DIY vs. professional conundrum: Is there an existing ceiling box? If there is already a light fixture installed in the ceiling, installing track lights is relatively easy. If not, a new electrical run has to be added for a new outlet box and switch - a job beyond the grasp of all but the most experienced do-it-yourselfer.

If a new ceiling box must be installed or you wish to set up your track lights away from the current fixture, you can have an electrician do the whole job for you. Or if it will save you some money, have the electrician just do the new wiring and junction box, and do the rest of the task yourself.

Where to from here?

Before you get started, we recommend reading two of our other articles. In our article on types of accent lighting, you'll find guidelines on where to place your track lighting to achieve a desired visual effect. Giving some forethought to track light placement and fixtures will make your DIY job a lot easier. For example, your current ceiling box might be placed too far from a wall.

For the installation itself, consult our article on track lighting installation. It sketches out the steps you need to follow for installing track lights using an existing ceiling box.

If you choose to install track lights on your own, take all necessary safety precautions. Make sure the power is turned off to the appropriate circuit and the circuit box is secured.

Low voltage track lights will require the installation of a remote transformer if the fixtures are not fitted with an integral transformer. If that's beyond your skill level, employ a professional electrician. Expect track light installation to take four to six hours.