Learn whether you can install track lighting to a dropped ceiling.
Track lighting provides an effective way to direct light in a specific area of your room. The thin tiles that make up dropped ceilings don't usually provide the necessary strength to support track lighting, but with a few adjustments, you can install track lighting to your dropped ceiling.
Track Lighting
Track lighting is aptly named, since it consists of a track that is mounted to the ceiling. A track lighting system typically consists of a mounting bracket, connector, screws and track. The light fixtures are attached to the track with adjustable necks so that they can be adjusted and directed at the desired area. This grouping of several light fixtures attached to the wall-mounted track provides a lighting option that is particularly effective for long, narrow rooms.
Drop Ceilings
Dropped ceilings, or suspended ceilings, are installed below the structural ceiling and are covered with panels or tiles. The panels or tiles are easier to remove than a standard drywall ceiling, providing the benefit of easier access to electrical wires and plumbing pipes. Building codes vary per each city and county, but dropped ceilings usually must have a 7 1/2-foot height.
Electrical Installation
Turn off the power for the room where you are installing the track lighting, or turn off the breaker when preparing the electrical wiring for your track lighting system. Track lighting systems can be installed in two different ways, depending on the system's construction. You may have to join the electric wires with plastic connectors. Another method is to screw the electric wires to the track connector's terminals. Connect the bare or green wire to the other ground wires that are in your ceiling. Connect the ground wire with the grounding screws if the track lighting system contains a metal electrical box.
Attaching to Drop Ceiling
Attaching track lighting to your ceiling requires the use of an independent support clip. This support clip attaches to the support that the dropped ceiling relies on. A wire runs from the to the track lighting system to support the weight of the system. Your track lighting system will run for several dropped ceiling panels or tiles. You need an independent support clip for each panel or tile that the track lighting system runs the length of.
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