Track lighting is a versatile and modern way to illuminate any space. It consists of a track that houses multiple light fixtures that can be adjusted individually, making it an ideal solution for highlighting artwork, accentuating specific areas or creating ambiance.
One of the advantages of track lighting is its flexibility in installation options. While many people choose to install track lights directly into junction boxes or hardwire them into the wall, wiring them with a plug offers additional convenience and mobility. With the right tools and techniques, you can wire your track lights yourself and connect them to any standard outlet without hiring an electrician.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to wire track lighting to a plug safely and effectively.
Things You’ll Need:
Before you begin wiring your track lighting, there are several essential tools and materials that you will need:
- A screwdriver
- Wire cutters/strippers
- Electrical tape
- A male electrical plug (three prong)
- Track lighting head(s)
- 14-gauge electrical wire – length may vary depending on the distance between your outlet and where you plan on installing the light fixture
It’s important always to work with safety precautions such as switching off power from any source before opening up luminaires or turning off circuit breakers until done with all connections.
Step-by-step Instructions:
- Turn Off The Power Source
The first step in wiring your track lighting is ensuring safety by cutting off electricity supply completely from wherever your new light fixture will be installed by switching off power access at both ends simultaneously if possible else doing so manually via circuit breaker box where it comes from incase there are no accessible switches nearby which must make sure they are at their OFF position while carrying out repairs works like ours here today!
- Prepare Your Wires
Measure out how much 14-gauge electrical wire you’ll need by running it from where your track lighting will be installed to the outlet. Cut two lengths of the wire; one that’s long enough to reach the light fixture and one that’s long enough to reach the outlet. Use a wire stripper or cutter to remove about an inch of insulation from each end of both wires.
- Attach The Wires
Start with the shorter length of wire and attach it to your track lighting heads using screws, nuts, or clamps (depending on how your luminaires are designed). Connect the other end of this same short piece of wiring onto one terminal connector located at your plug-in side by either wrapping around their screws or inserting them into its respective female receptacle.
Next, connect another piece of 14-gauge electrical wire – this time for longer distance since we start off from our previous connection point – onto another terminal connector located on opposite side at plug’s faceplate. Then strip a bit overall plus ends ensuring connections fit securely around all necessary components before finally connecting these two together with insulated tape which prevents accidental disconnections moving forward in future use.
- Install The Plug
Now comes configuring tip which entails plugging male connector pin into corresponding female socket hole while keeping sure that polarization is correct as per colours e.g., green being ground while white/black carrying live/current electricity signal respectively without any mix-up within circuitry system due wrong positioning resulting possible shocks! Once done correctly then screw everything back together making sure nothing is loose otherwise risk damage over time leading malfunctioning later down line such as dimming out or flickering uncontrollably causing unnecessary distractions when trying concentrate on work nearby.
- Test Your Wiring
Once you’ve completed wiring your track lighting to a plug according to these steps, it’s essential always test whether everything works perfectly fine before deciding otherwise! Use a multimeter/voltmeter tool verify there no leaks indicating either loose connections or wrong polarity within circuitry system. If everything checks out okay then it’s time to try plugging in your newly installed track lighting for a test run and see how well they illuminate your space – you may love it!
Conclusion
Wiring track lighting to a plug can be an excellent way to create flexible illumination that can be moved easily around various rooms or areas if need arises. With this step-by-step guide, you have all the information needed to do so safely and effectively yourself without needing any external help from electricians while being able save on costs too! Remember always to work with safety precautions, follow guidelines carefully and enjoy benefits of personalized lighting solutions suited best according specific needs capturing different lifestyles/preferences alike.
FAQs
What tools do I need to wire track lighting to a plug?
Answer: You will need wire strippers, electrical pliers, a screwdriver, a wire cutter, and a power drill. Additionally, you will need an extension cord with the same gauge as that of the track lighting wire.
What kind of wires should I use when wiring track lighting?
Answer: Use copper stranded wires that are at least 16-gauge in size. The gauge size should be appropriate for your needs depending on the length and wattage of your light fixtures.
Can I connect multiple track lights together using one plug?
Answer: Yes, you can splice multiple wires from each fixture together and then attach them to one set of wires going into the plug. However, make sure not to exceed the safe electrical load capacity of the extension cord or outlet used in this instance.
Note: It is always recommended that you seek professional assistance if you are not comfortable working with electricity or have limited experience in electrical work before attempting any DIY project involving wiring and electricity for safety reasons.
