Why Track Lights May Stop Working

How to Know What Causes Lights to Not Work – Installing high watt lamps that are not specified for the track light head. Each light head or compatible light fixture attached to the track light has a bulb size, type and watt limitation

Electrical Wiring Video How to Wire a GFCI Outlet without a Ground Wire
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Identifying Track Light Problems

[ad#block]Electrical Question: I installed track lighting in the kitchen just over a year ago.

Just recently all the lights started to flicker and now after you turn it on all lights on the track cut off in about two minutes.
I turn the switch off and then back on and the lights come on again.
What could be the problem?

Additional Comments: Love the site! Thank you for your help!

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Travis.
Background: Travis, a Homeowner from Fort Mill, SC

How to Know What Causes Lights to Not Work

Here is a list of things that may prevent track lights from working:
- Installing high watt lamps that are not specified for the track light head. Each light head or compatible light fixture attached to the track light has a bulb size, type and watt limitation. Installing higher watt bulbs is not recommended.
- The live end connection. Some track lights have a power connection at one end which is called the Live End. The wire connections to this area are intricate. The connection of the live end to the track light as it slides into the track must be installed correctly for best performance.
- Connection points and wiring. Any connection point could be a potential problem if the installation is not sound. Check these connection points and any wire connectors.
- Light switch or dimmer switch. Standard light switches can fail and need replacing, however dimmer switches must be compatible with the type and total watts being controlled otherwise the dimmer will have a short life, the bulbs will burn out prematurely, or the dimmer will not function at all.

The Following will assist you with Track Lighting

Home Lighting Articles
Home Lighting Articles covering recessed lighting, under cabinet lighting, lighting terminology and more.
Kitchen Lights

Kitchen Electrical Wiring Requirements
This wiring diagram and pictures explain the basic kitchen electrical code wiring requirements required for most new or remodel projects.For more information about Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Electrical Wiring
Licensed Electrician Reveals the Secrets of Successful Electrical Troubleshooting Methods used to solve the majority of the home electrical problems and wiring failures encountered.
This link is helpful as a Homeowner
Do-It-Yourself Electrical

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Electrical Wiring Video #2

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Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

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Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

More articles about Electrical Repair, Track Lights and Home Electrical Wiring:
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Electrical Tips

To Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!
The Non-Contact Electrical Tester

This is a testing tool that is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!
The Plug-In Outlet Tester

This is great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect, Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!
The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter

A wire stripping tool used to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.

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Please Note:
Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects:

Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.

Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.

Estimated Time:
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Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.