DIY Network

Suspended-Rail Halogen Track-Lights From "Ask DIY Home Improvement" episode DADH-107

	This suspended-rail halogen fixture is the perfect lighting solution for the office space in this remodel.
	Figure A
	Figure B

Q: I've been shopping for track lighting and noticed the halogen fixtures and bulbs are more expensive. What's the difference between these and regular track lighting.

A: (from DIY home improvement expert, James Young) Halogen bulbs (figure A) burn longer and are more energy-efficient than ordinary incandescent bulbs. They also give off a warm, softer light that reduces eye-strain (figure B). Halogen track-lighting is perfect for an office space. Following are steps for installing a typical suspended-rail halogen system.

Materials:

Suspended-rail halogen track-light kit
Wire cutters
Wire strippers
Screwdrivers
Allan-wrench set

Safety Alert: Halogen bulbs burn very hot, so make sure they are placed away from curtains or other flammable material. If you have a halogen floor-lamp, it's advisable to place a bulb-guard over the bulb.

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	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G
	Figure H
	Figure I
	Figure J

Steps:

• For the room in our demonstration, we selected a suspended-rail track-light system. This system is different from standard track systems in that the rail is not connected directly to the ceiling. Instead, it's suspended by several posts.

• This installation was made somewhat easier since it is replacing an existing fixture (figure C). The existing electrical box and wiring that's already in the ceiling can be used to supply power to the new system (figure D).

  Safety Alert: As with any electrical project, make sure that the power to the circuit where you are working is turned off at the breaker box. Test the wires with a tester to make absolutely certain that the power is off. It's advisable to place a note reading "electrical work in progress" on the breaker box while you are working to make sure that someone else doesn't unknowingly turn the power back on while you are working.

• The new system's transformer comes equipped with three wires (figure E):
  
  • Black: the "hot" wire;
    
  • White: the neutral wire;
    
  • Green: the ground wire.

• Hook up the transformer to the existing electrical box following the properly corresponding color-coded fixture wires (figure F).

  Safety Alert:If you feel uncomfortable or unqualified to do electrical work yourself, then you should consider hiring a licensed electrician to do the work.

• The next step for this installation is to prepare the rail pieces. This system allows the pieces to be custom bent to suit the layout of the room and the desired lighting. James used a round waste-paper basket to bend rounded curves in the rails (figure G). Once the pieces are bent to the desired shapes, connect the pieces using the supplied rail-joiners. Our joiners were tightened using an Allan wrench.

• With the rails connected, you'll next need to determine the locations along the rails where you want to place the ceiling posts that suspend the rails. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for placement, and mark the locations for your posts.

• Transfer the measurements onto the ceiling (figure H) and attach the posts to the ceiling. (Methods used for installing the posts may vary according to the type of ceiling where the system is being installed.)

• Next, attach the rail onto the transformer and ceiling posts according to the manufacturer's instructions. For our system, the rails were slid onto the posts and tightened in place using cap-style fasteners.

• Important: The tip on the stem of the power feed (figure I) must be flush against the bottom of the rail. If the tip is not flush, the lights will not work.

• Installation of the fixtures into track is simple. Remove the cap from each fixture, slide it onto the rail and screw on the fixture cap (figure J). Again, it is critical that the stem of the cap is flush with the rail, and tightened down securely.

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the bulbs. Be aware that there are many types of halogen bulbs, and there may be wattage recommendations or requirements with your track system. For ours, we had to use bulbs of 20 watts or below.

• With the installation complete, turn the power back on at the breaker box and turn on the wall-switch to test the lights. Leave the lights on for five minutes, then turn it off and check the connections. If any connections are too hot to touch, the connection is too loose and will need to be tightened.