Can you mount a track light on the wall?
Track lighting installed on a wall is a great source of ambient illumination and can be used to direct focused light on a piece of artwork. Track lighting, though usually associated with ceiling lighting, offers a huge variety of options for wall lighting as well.
Can you install track lighting anywhere?
0:535:22How to Install Track Lighting | All About Lights | Ask This Old HouseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo here's what i got for you track lighting. We can put this track anywhere along the surface of theMoreSo here's what i got for you track lighting. We can put this track anywhere along the surface of the ceiling that you need to remove that fixture feed it with power here it can go over here.
Do you need an electrician to install track lighting?
Hardwired track lights require electrical connections be made at a junction box (an electrical box in the ceiling or wall) during installation. If no junction box is available along the proposed path of the lighting track, you will need to install one or have it installed by a qualified electrician.
Will track lights work without ground?
According to the National Electrical Code, you can replace the fixture without a ground as long as the outlet is GFCI protected.
Is track lighting outdated 2020?
In fact, track lighting more often finds its way onto outdated decor lists. Track lighting, however, like its equally maligned brothers, wood paneling and ceiling fans, does have a place in modern interior design.
What is the cost to install track lighting?
How much does it cost to install track lighting? Expect to spend between $200 to $300 dollars.
Where to put track lighting?
Before starting to install your track lighting, find your circuit breaker box. Your breaker box may be in your garage, basement, a storage room, or a hallway. It is a metal box, usually flush with the wall. Flip off the power to the light fixture on your ceiling where you want to install your track lighting.
How long is a lighting track?
Lighting track usually comes in sections that are either 4 feet (1.2 m) long or 8 feet (2.4 m) long. If you can’t find a track that is the exact length you need, buy one that is longer because you can cut it to length later. If you want your track to make any turns on your ceiling, you should also buy connectors.
How to install floating feed on track lighting?
Now that the lighting track is screwed into the ceiling, you can slide the floating feed into the track. Put it in and rotate it 90 degrees. Closely follow the manufacturer’s directions included with the specific track lighting system you purchased.
How to measure the distance between the holes in a track system?
1. Mark the spacing of the track’s mounting-holes on the ceiling. Use a tape measure to measure the distance between the holes in your track system. Then transfer those dimensions to the ceiling, using a pencil to mark where you want the center of each hole to be.
How to connect a floating feed to a light fixture?
The end power adapter that comes with your track will have wires that are the same colors. Marry the same-colored wires together, using wire nuts to make the connection. Then, put the wires back into the electrical box. Use screws to mount the metal piece to the ceiling. The floating feed should remain outside the electrical box.
How to connect multiple tracks together?
Insert connectors if you’ll be using them. If you’ll be using connectors to connect multiple tracks together, it is easiest to put them on before you fasten the track system to the ceiling. You don’t need any special equipment to do this step. Just slide the connectors into the end of the track.
Where to put old light fixture after removing?
After removing the old fixture, put it away in a safe location where it won’t be underfoot.
Before You Begin
Track lighting requires a single-branch 120V lighting circuit controlled by a wall switch. Rooms are required by electrical code to have a light that turns on via a switch near the door.
Where to Install Track Lighting
Track lighting can originate at any 120V ceiling-mounted electrical box. Usually, this box is located at the center of the room. If you'd like the track here, the track will run outward from the box in 4-, 6- or 8-foot sections of track, as you choose.
Safety Considerations
Track heads drop 4 to 6 inches below the height of the ceiling. So, be careful when installing tracks over aisles and walkways with ceilings lower than 8 feet. Track lighting should not be installed on ceilings of 7 feet or less.
Instructions
Measure the distance from the box to the end of the track. Use the stud finder to locate the positions of the joists behind the ceiling drywall. If the track's intended pathway happens to run below a stud, you'll be able to use ordinary screws. If not, use toggle bolts.
When to Call a Professional
A licensed, qualified electrician can install track lighting for you. If there is no existing power source, it's best to hire an electrician to tap into the home's electric service panel and add a new circuit. The new circuit will need to be fished through the ceiling or walls to the intended wall switch.
What is wall mounted track lighting?
Wall-mounted track lighting is great for directing focused light at the artwork. Use a track that is installed in the ceiling line with pendants that are suspended above the artwork. If you have multiple pieces of artwork in a row, install several of the same pendants at the same height for a cohesive look.
What is track lighting?
Track lighting installed on a wall is a great source of ambient illumination and can be used to direct focused light on a piece of artwork. Track lighting, though usually associated with ceiling lighting, offers a huge variety of options for wall lighting as well. You can do a standard straight run track or make a track in virtually any shape ...
How to add illumination to a bathroom?
Choose one that has gently curved glass diffusers mounted on a metal backplate for a seamless look and an organic feel.
How to make an artistic light display?
Create an artistic light display by installing wall tracking lighting that is reminiscent of starbursts. The warm illumination given off by these LED lights will add a comforting essence to a sitting area while also adding a touch of modern design.
Can you make a straight track?
You can do a standard straight run track or make a track in virtually any shape if you use the correct connectors. Once you have your track installed, the options for fixtures are nearly as endless—as long as they are compatible with the type of track you’ve chosen.
What is track lighting?
The track is the part that attaches to the ceiling or wall and it’s what the light fixtures are affixed to. It’s important to keep in mind that not all track lights (fixtures) fit all track types. There are three standard systems—and a bunch of proprietary ones. The three standards were developed by the early manufacturers of track lighting (Halo, ...
What is the difference between a track fixture and a low voltage fixture?
Low voltage fixtures, which consume less electricity and provide a whiter light than line voltage fixtures, use 12 volt power and therefore require a transformer to convert the raw 120V to the desired 12V.
What can you use to change the shape of a light?
Special Lenses – You can use special lenses to change the shape of the light ( honeycomb louver, spread lens, beam elongating lens) or the color ( color lenses, color dichroic lenses).
How to connect a track to a junction box?
In order to connect the track to the junction box with a connector, you can either use a floating canopy connector (if you need power anywhere along the length of the track, excluding the ends) or a live end connector (if you need power at an end of the track). You may need to use a canopy plate to completely cover the junction box underneath the live end connector.
How do you connect tracks together?
Connectors – You can connect tracks together into straight lines, ninety-degree turns or any angle for that matter. You can create closed loops and boxes without short circuits by using dead connectors.
What is a spot light?
A few common ones you’ll find are: Spot lights, which create a focused bright light for illuminating specific things or places such as a picture, piece of art or workspace. These use a small (under 25) beam angle. When you shop YLighting, you’ll find a description of the beam angle produced by each bulb.
Do you need an electrician to install a junction box?
The corded solution may not look as clean as a junction box connection, but you will not need an electrician to install it. After you have decided between, L, H, or J and have designed your track layout, you will need to make sure that you buy track fixtures that fit your track.
What is track lighting?
Track lighting - Track lighting is built with lengths of track that power the multiple track head lights that are attached to it. These can be paired with pendant lights or spotlights to create a custom design, or can be found in complete track lighting kits that include everything needed.
How to arrange lights on a track?
Arrange the lights along the track and angle them to where the light is most needed according to your design layout.
What is fixed rail lighting?
Fixed rail lighting - Fixed rail lighting is installed on the ceiling or wall and attached to the electric wire junction box the same as a standard ceiling light. The track head lights are generally fixed in place on a bar (or track) and can be swiveled to aim the angle of the light. If you’re looking for how to install track lighting on a wall, you can quickly get the same look and functionality with fixed rail lighting.
How to measure for track lights?
Use a tape measure to get the room dimensions and find out the amount of space available for the placement of the track lights. Don’t install the fixture near other lights or permanent features that could interfere with the track or the headlights. From there, determine the lighting layout and the necessary lengths of track.
How long is a lighting track?
From there, determine the lighting layout and the necessary lengths of track. The tracks come in set lengths, with straight pieces usually between 4 and 8 feet long. Purchase the track in longer lengths than necessary so it can be cut down to the precise length needed for your layout.
Can you install a fixed rail light on a wall?
For a fixed rail lighting system, it can be connected to the wires and installed in the same way as the existing fixture that was removed. This is similar to how to install track lighting on a wall, with the fixed rail track light replacing the base of an existing ceiling light or wall sconce.
Can you install a ceiling fixture with different steps?
The basics of installing a ceiling fixture may be similar between the fixture types, but they can require different steps. It’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer instructions for any lighting fixtures you install. Here’s a quick look at the different types of track lighting to choose from: Track lighting - Track lighting is built ...
When to use track lights?
Track lights are perfect when you want to accent objects with light or work under a directional task light.
Why do we need track lighting?
Why You Want Track Lighting. Track lighting is a contemporary fixture that’s as perfect for new construction as it is for renewed spaces in existing homes. Tracks are versatile, allowing flexibility in sizing, placement, and fixture styles. Lights can be aimed at any artwork, countertops, walls, or other room features as needed, ...
How long is a track light?
Track lighting is manufactured in specific lengths (such as 4- or 8-foot sections), though track sections can be joined via connectors in a straight line, L-shape, or T-shape.
What parts are needed for track lighting?
Get advice from an experienced electrical salesperson on what parts are needed for a track lighting installation in your space—including connectors, heads, tracks, and other parts. In some local areas you may be required to obtain building permits to upgrade lighting, so check to make sure. If this project is too advanced for your skills, have your new track lights installed by a qualified electrician.
Why install a track on a mantel?
Consider installing a track to highlight a large collection of artwork hung over a mantel or on a wall since the heads can be adjusted to point to specific areas of the display.
Can a higher ceiling take track units?
Higher ceilings can take track units that are dropped from a central electrical box location or via stems or cable systems.
Can you use track lighting in a low ceiling room?
Rooms with low ceilings are not good candidates for track lighting since the heads hang down from the ceiling and could present an obstacle.
