Safety FAQs

Installation of any lighting fixtures, including track lighting, should be done with caution. All lights must be installed correctly to prevent electrical problems which could cause damage or lead to fire. In addition, lights must be properly secured to prevent injury. It pays to know what you're getting into when installing track lighting, so be sure to do your research. If you have questions about the installation, it's best to consult a professional. Even if you choose to do the installation yourself, having a professional look over your lighting situation and advise the best course of action is always a good precaution.

Below are some common frequently asked questions regarding installation of track lighting systems. This information should help you get started on the right path. And remember - always, always turn the power off at the breaker box before beginning any electrical work!

Do I need to install my track lighting where there is an existing junction box or power source for a fixture?
This will depend on the type of track lighting you're using. Some track lighting systems require only an outlet to provide power; in that case, you'll just need to make sure there is an outlet located close to where you plan to install the lighting. However, some track lighting requires a junction box to provide power. Most houses are already equipped with junction boxes where lighting fixtures are meant to be installed, and it certainly makes your job easier if you can use one of those. If there isn't a junction box available where you want to hang your track lighting, you would do best to call an electrician and have a junction box installed before continuing with the installation of the lighting. This job can get complicated and unless you have a strong background working with electrical systems, you shouldn't attempt it yourself.

How do I turn my track lighting on and off safely? This will again depend on the type of track lighting you buy. The track lights that plug directly into wall outlets should come equipped with their own on/off switches. A track lighting system that is powered by a junction box will be controlled by a wall switch in your home. What safety rules should I follow when deciding where to install my track lighting? When laying out a plan for your track lighting, you'll need to consider a few safety factors. The main one is whether or not the track lighting itself will be a hazard to those walking through the room. This is why it's important to get measurements - make sure that the suspension kit does not hang the lights so low from the ceiling that someone may hit their head. Also make sure that any lights on the tracks are located at least six inches away from curtains or any other flammable materials.

What do I need to know about making the proper electrical connections?
Read and follow all instructions carefully. Most track lighting systems are relatively easy to install once you've gotten any old fixture removed and the junction box is ready. It's mainly a case of connecting matching wires - for example, the silver wire on the fixture will connect to the silver wire in your ceiling. Always take note of the connections while removing the old lighting fixture, and if wires are the same color mark the matching pairs with masking tape or colored string. Some people find it helpful to draw a diagram of the wiring in colored pencil.

How do I ensure that the track is securely installed?
Ideally, you'll be able to connect your track lighting to joists in the ceiling, which means you can use simple screws to attach the tracks. In areas where ceiling joists are unavailable, you'll need to use toggle bolts to hold the track into the plaster of the ceiling.

What if my track lighting system doesn't work?
If you've installed the lighting, screwed in the bulbs, and turned it on but are not getting any results, chances are you have a loose connection. Remove the cover plate from the junction box and re-examine all connections for tightness. Check to make sure that the cover plate is not pinching any of the wires, and re-check your wiring diagram to make sure everything is properly connected.