How To Install Flexible Track Lighting
Date Published: September 21st, 2020
Originally designed back in the 1960s, track lighting is incredibly versatile and a flexible option for lighting in your home. It’s also extremely practical and is experiencing somewhat of a renaissance in terms of interior design.
Some of its qualities and benefits include easy installation, energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness and they’re also easily adjustable. Track lighting can be used in the kitchen, bathroom, living room or office, and are customisable to suit your aesthetic needs. The directional lamps make them perfect for highlighting artwork, awards or simply illuminating work stations.
Below are our tips and tricks on how to install flexible track lighting:
What You’ll Need
Tracking lights have a few components that you’ll need before installation can begin. These are:
- The Head: the movable piece of the track light system. Heads come in different styles and colours, meaning they are completely customizable.
- The Track: this is the part of the system that is attached to the ceiling. These also come in a variety of styles.
- The bulb: the type of bulb you will need will vary depending on the type of head you choose for your lighting system. We offer a huge selection of LED bulbs that cater to a range of different styles.
You will also need to have the following tools. If you’re not a professional electrician, please consult one before attempting to install flexible track lighting yourself:
- Wire Strippers
- Tape Measure
- Plumb Bob
- Battery Powered Drill
How To Install Flexible Track Lighting
Before installation, ensure that the power supply at your circuit breaker is switched off.
Step 1 - Plan Your Shape & Placement
This will help visualise the shape and size of your lighting system. To do this, measure the space where you will be installing the lights along with your fitting. Then create a blueprint of the layout where you want your track to be installed.
Step 2 - Junction & Mounting Placement
If you don’t have a junction in your room, you will need to install one. This is where your plumb bob will come in handy. Use it to determine a placement and mark it. Next, shape your rail into place. If you’re joining tracks, connect endcaps between the two sections of rail for an easy fix.
Step 3 - Drill Pilot Holes & Screw In Mounts
Next, mark the locations for your holes on your ceiling (don’t forget to place them around the junction box). Once you have done this, drill in your mounts. Work down the rail of the track and secure the fixture in place to provide stability.
Step 4 - Install Your Junction Box
This is the most technical step. You will need to wire the transformer and secure the junction box correctly before the rest of your installation.
Step 5 - Secure Your Heads & Switch Your Electricity Back On
When securing your heads to the system, try and determine how high you would like the lights to sit, and which position you would like them in. If you’re using pendant lighting, ensure they don’t obstruct walkways and cut the cords to the desired length. When this is all in place, you can turn the electricity back on and switch on your new flexible track lighting!