One way to accentuate and brighten a room is to remove the old ceiling fixture and install track lighting. Track lighting uses multiple fixtures which install into a track. These fixtures remove and install onto the track quickly, allowing you the flexibility to create a mood or accentuate items on a wall. Installing track lighting does involve some electrical work. You will be removing the existing light fixture to make way for the track lighting. Follow a few simple rules such as turning off the power to the fixture, and the installation will be straightforward and safe.
Materials Needed:
Step ladder
Helper
Phillips-head screwdriver
Pencil
Drill
Wire nut connectors
Remove The Existing Fixture
Open up your home electrical panel box and find the circuit breaker that powers the light fixture you are removing. Check to be sure the power is off by turning on the light switch.
Place a step ladder under the fixture so you can safely reach it without stretching. Remove the globe or cover from the light fixture and unscrew the light bulb. If possible, ask a friend to help so you can hand down stuff without going up and down the ladder.
Remove the screws securing the fixture to the ceiling junction box with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Lower the fixture slowly until you see the wires connectors.
Twist the wire connectors securing the house wires to the fixture wires counterclockwise. The wire connectors look like plastic plugs. The ends of the wires insert into the connector and twist together when the connector is attached. Pull the fixture wires away from the house wires. Remove the fixture from the ceiling.
Install Track Lighting
Thread the house wires through magnetic track light mounting plate. Secure the mounting plate to the ceiling junction box with the screws provided in your track lighting kit.
Position the track onto the ceiling over the junction box. If possible, have your helper hold the track in place while you mark the mounting holes to the ceiling with a pencil. Place the track out of your way.
Drill holes in the ceiling at your mounting marks with a drill bit large enough for the toggle bolt wings to fit through. When installing track lighting, it is necessary to use toggle bolts to add stability to the track. These are included in the track kit.
Place a washer over each toggle bolt and insert the bolt through the track with the threaded end pointing toward the ceiling. Thread the toggle wings onto each bolt.
Position the track over the mounting holes and insert the toggle bolts into the mounting holes. You will have to fold the toggle wings with your fingers to insert them into the mounting holes. Tighten each toggle bolt with a Phillips-head screwdriver.
Pull the ends of the wires through the track, if the lighting kit you are installing uses wires in the track. Connect the lighting wires to the same colored house wires using plastic wire nuts to secure them together. Some kits now use a wire terminal connector. Loosen the terminal screws on the connector and attach the wires according to the manufacturers instructions. Snap the connector into the track below the mounting plate.
Position the magnetic track lighting system cover over the junction box and press firmly until it snaps secure over the track.
Twist the individual fixtures into the track and position them to your liking. Screw in the appropriate size light bulb into each fixture.
Turn on the circuit breaker to the track lighting. Test the lighting with the wall switch.