Boy could I use more light in this area. Ever thought that? If I only knew how to quickly install track lighting. We have all seen track lighting and how it can make a huge difference in the light of a room and a certain space.
You will learn in this post the best way to proceed, what tools to use and also the benefits of this style of light in the room of your choice.
No one wants a dark space to live and work in and so this post and video will give you light and a new perspective on where you work and the conditions you work in.
Supplies Needed
6.6-Feet Track Rail Lighting, 3-Wrie Aluminum Single Circuit for LED Spotlight, Blackuxcell Track Connector 3-Wire Angle-free Flexible Rail Joiner Light Mounted Fitting White
track sections
track connectors
flexible elbow
screwdriver
power indadapter
wire nuts
hack saw
speed square
power drill
ladder
Step by Step Instructions
There are a lot of places where you can mount track lighting. Not only in your kitchen or dining room but maybe even in your garage.You might just want more lighting over a work space in the garage for a project or you might even want to make a studio out of your garage.
These instructions will help you install track lighting anywhere you want to.
You might only have one light bulb lighting that whole garage and that is just not enough to meet your needs.
We will put up track lighting because this will give you the option of putting the lights where you actually need them. No more dark corners.
By doing it yourself you can do it for a lot less that having to pay big bucks for an electrician.
The first thing to do is go to your power breaker and turn off the power. I don’t think you want to get a shock today.
Go to the light bulb in the ceiling you have now and unscrew the screws and take the cover off exposing the wires underneath.
You will use the junction box already there for the power source. Now just add the power indadapter for the track. The power is all coming from this box. Just wire it in using the same wires that are there.
When wiring match the green to green ground wires together.
Then the white to white neutral wires together
Then the black to black which are the hot wires and complete the circuit. Use a wire nut to make the connections secure.
When all is done push the wires up into the junction box in the ceiling and attach the mounting bracket using the existing screws.
It might be easier to lay the entire track down on the floor in the exact pattern that you will be putting it up. You can even measure out distances from the wall or corners you want the track to be.
The tracks come in different lengths so use what’s best for you. You can also cut the tracks for tight spaces with a hack saw if needed.
Next go up to the ceiling and measure where you want the track to be. Make sure you have a secure and safe ladder.
Measure where the junction box is in relation to where you want the track to be. Then measure distance from a wall and mark where the track should be so it travels in a straight line with the junction box.
Just a quick tip. If you are working by yourself especially with longer lengths start with one end attached to the wires from the junction box, so there is support there for you. It's like someone is holding it for you.
If you are using a modular unit you can add connectors to the track to connect more track and even go around corners with corner connectors.
Find the mark on the ceiling where you placed it and hold up the track and with a pencil mark the holes where the screws will be on the ceiling.
Drill a small hole to place drywall anchors in or just use a drill to screw the drywall anchors directly into the ceiling.
Then hold up the track and fasten it to the ceiling using screws into the anchors.
Follow this procedure for the entire length of the track. Mark where you want the screws to be using the track and drill in the anchors for the track.
At the junction box there are two set screws on either side of the track which you tighten to attach the track to the junction box.
There is a piece of hardware hanging down from the mounting piece at the junction box which is your power source.
Attach this inside the track and twist it in place. This then will provide power all the way down the track even as you add track.
Next just snap the modular cover in place and attach with two screws on either side of the track hiding all the wires from the junction box.
You can add track to go where you want light the most whether it be a work space in the garage or just a counter in the kitchen. There are pieces in place to go around corners or ledges along the ceiling.
To go around a ledge you can use a flexible elbow which lets you turn 90 degrees or 45 degrees which is very helpful. These elbows just slide and snap in place right into the end of the track. Then just attach the next piece of track.
If a track is to long you can cut the track to length. Mark the track with a marker flush with the connector joint and then with a hack saw cut the track about a quarter of an inch shorter that what you measured.
Make sure to use a speed square to mark the cutting area so the cut is nice and straight so it fits easily into the next connector. You can even use your ladder to hold the track as you cut. Don’t be afraid to use a bit of muscle for this.
If you need to drill another hole in the track for mounting it on to the ceiling then just drill another hole in the track using a power drill.
If you are going around a ledge see if you can reuse a piece of track you had cut off earlier. If not you will need to cut another piece the correct length and then attach it to the flexible elbow on one end and another flexible elbow on the other end.
Finish adding all the track and then turn the power back on.
Adding the lights is the next step. There are many types of lights to choose from and when you have the ones you like check to see that there are two attach prongs on one side and one on the other.
The track is the same. Two rails on one side and one on the other. Make sure you match those prongs up together.
Attach the light to the rail and give it a turn to lock it it place. When that happens there is power and the light will go on, YEY.
The light swivels in the direction you want the light to shine.
If you want to move the light up or down the railing the attachment moves slightly down to unlock making it easy to move. It will lock again when pushed up after moving.
When all the lights are in place turn on the switch and see the room light up. WOW, what a difference.
Great job, you did it.
You can spend a lot less money just by doing a project like this yourself if you have the knowledge and correct tools.
Depending on your design you could spend even more but doing it yourself saves you money and gives you confidence and the satisfaction that you did this by yourself making your life just a little bit better.
Also gives you bragging rights to your friends.
As an owner you now have more light and you have light where you want it because the lights are adjustable.
That’s the beauty of track lighting.