How do you connect track lighting?
By Floris / March 19, 2024
Hanging and installing track lighting can seem tricky at first glance, but it's actually surprisingly simple and you can do it yourself. In this article, we'll go over the steps to follow and what you'll need for a successful installation.
We'll also discuss the different options and types of track lighting so you can make an informed decision. I will explain to you in detail how to connect and customize your new track system step by step to suit your personal needs and requirements.
How do you attach track lighting?
Mounting a track system is very easy. To give you a hand, we explain with the help of an installation video how best to do this and what you need. Do you want to read everything again? Below you can read step-by-step what to do.
Instructions
1. What do you need?
To assemble a rail system you need at least these tools:
- A tape measure
- Screws and plugs
- A pencil
- A screwdriver
- A voltage detector
Check out our handy starter kit should you not already own the tools!
2. Choose the location of the rail system and turn off the power
If you are going to mount a rail system, you need to make sure that you have a power point on one side of the rails that allows you to power the rails. Think about this carefully when choosing the location of the rail system. Before you start installing the track system, turn off the power and check with a voltage detector that the power is really off.
3. Attach the track system to the ceiling.
A track system consists of several parts. Rails, possibly one or more bends and connectors. The connectors are used to attach the different pieces of track together. Measure out where the track system should go and drill holes in the ceiling with a screwdriver. Attach the rails to the ceiling using screws and a screwdriver.
4. Attach the wires to the terminal block
Now we are going to attach the wires. You start by stripping the electrical wires. This means removing the plastic around the wire. Using the stripper, strip about 0.5 cm of the black, blue and, if necessary, green/yellow wire bare. The terminal block has two or three openings. Two of them are for the black and blue wire. In the middle is often another opening for the ground wire (the yellow/green wire). If your lamp is grounded, attach this wire to the terminal block as well. Insert the wires into the openings and screw them on with a screwdriver.
5. Attach the spotlights to the track
Because the entire track is powered, you can attach the spotlights anywhere you want and move them later. Always make sure to disconnect the power before moving the spots. Usually you attach the spotlights to the track with a simple click system. No tools are required. It's that simple, you have your own track system!
Shortening the rail
In most cases, rails are sold in one-meter pieces. Of course, it may happen that you need less than this, for example, if you just don't quite match the wall or a light point, or simply need a shorter piece. Fortunately, it is easy to shorten the rails. You do this by cutting the rails with a hacksaw. Make sure you cut straight and finish the cut piece neatly with a file. Next, it is important that you reattach the end piece (or connector piece) to the cut piece. Otherwise, the copper wires stick out on the inside of the rails and you run the risk of leakage current and shock.
Please note: the rails of the Magnetic series cannot be shortened.
