Tools and materials
- LED track lighting kit: Includes the track, power feed, connectors, and end caps.
- LED fixtures: The light heads or pendants that will attach to the track.
- Drill and bits: For drilling pilot holes into your ceiling.
- Hacksaw or miter saw with a metal-cutting blade: For cutting the track to length.
- Tape measure and pencil: For layout and marking.
- Screwdriver set: For assembly and wiring.
- Voltage tester: To confirm that the power is off.
- Ladder: To safely reach the ceiling.
- Wire strippers and wire nuts: For making electrical connections.
- Appropriate mounting hardware: Toggle bolts or other anchors for drywall, or special screws for concrete.
- Measure your space: Use a tape measure to determine the length of track needed for your desired layout. Account for any connectors or power feeds that will add to the overall length.
- Cut the track to size: If your track is too long, use a hacksaw to cut it. After cutting, you will need to trim back the internal copper conductors slightly to ensure a safe, clean connection.
- Lay out your design: Mark a straight, level line on the ceiling where you want the track to be mounted. This ensures your installation looks clean and professional.
- Remove the old fixture: Unscrew and carefully detach the old light fixture from the electrical junction box. Save any hardware, like wire nuts, in case you need them later.
- Attach the mounting bracket: Your track lighting kit will come with a new mounting bracket or plate. Attach this bracket securely to the junction box in the ceiling.
- Choose a power feed: Decide where you want the power to enter the track. Common options include an "end feed" at one end of the track or a "floating feed" that can be positioned anywhere along the track.
- Mark mounting holes: With the track in place, use a pencil to mark the location of the mounting holes on the ceiling.
- Drill pilot holes: Drill pilot holes for your mounting hardware. If you are drilling into a ceiling joist, a standard screw is sufficient. For drywall, drill larger holes and insert toggle bolts or other anchors for a secure hold.
- Attach the track: Secure the track to the ceiling by screwing it into the anchors or ceiling joists.
- Connect the wires: Feed the wires from the electrical box through the power feed adapter. Connect the wires from your home's wiring to the corresponding wires on the track's power feed:
- Black (hot) wire to the black (or brown) wire.
- White (neutral) wire to the white (or blue) wire.
- Bare copper or green (ground) wire to the green wire or green ground screw.
- Secure the connections: Twist the wire nuts firmly to ensure the connections are secure. You can wrap the connections with electrical tape for extra protection.
- Tuck the wires and attach the cover: Carefully fold the wires and push them into the electrical box. Attach the cover plate to conceal the wiring.
- Insert the fixtures: Slide each light head into the track. The fixture will have a locking mechanism or need a quarter-turn twist to secure it in place.
- Adjust the lights: Aim and rotate the light heads to illuminate your desired areas.
- Restore power and test: Turn the power back on at the circuit breaker. Turn on the light switch to test your new track lights.
- Troubleshoot if needed: If a light doesn't work, turn the power off and check the fixture connection by re-twisting it into the track. If all lights fail, recheck your power feed's wiring connections.