Track Lighting on Drop Ceiling

7489 Views 14 Replies 9 Participants Last post by Missouri Bound, Jan 1, 2013

Drewage

Discussion Starter · Dec 31, 2012

Hello

First time poster here.

I am a handyman and I am doing a job installing a track lighting on a drop ceiling. Electricity is not my strong suit but I'm fairly certain I know more than the average person.
My question is this: I installed the track directly to the T-Bar, everything is fine except now that I am running my metallic cable to it where do I junction the wires? I do not have a junction box although I suppose (A) I could poke the wires up a hole in the ceiling tile just under the escutcheon plate and insert them into a j-box but where would the j-box sit? or (B) run my MC down an opposing tile and use an optional power feed with KO. This option would be an eyesore I would think. Suggestions?

Thanks much! :huh:

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NJMarine

· #2 · Dec 31, 2012

3

The trac lite has to have a feed connector.

Live End Connector

Live End with Junction Box Cover | Power Feed

Floating Feed Canopy | Power Feed

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oh'mike

· #3 · Dec 31, 2012

You need a 90* connector then the J-box cover shown in the picture above--this will put your J-box along side of the T-bar---do not poke any wire through anything,

This is a DIY site---I am concerned about you selling electrical services without proper training----I realize handy men can do electric wiring in some areas---but please do some learning---

Speedy Petey

· #4 · Dec 31, 2012

Drewage said:
I am a handyman and I am doing a job installing a track lighting on a drop ceiling. Electricity is not my strong suit but I'm fairly certain I know more than the average person.

Which totally qualifies you to do electrical work for others for a fee.
WOW! :whistling2:

Reactions: 1

Drewage

Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 31, 2012

I am not amazed. These chat rooms are all the same. You let your guard down for a split second and board trolls attack. I cannot post in the Electrical Talk because the rules say I need to be a licensed electrician.. they then directed me here.

For the record, I am qualified to take money from people for services under 500.00 including materials as a handyman according to state law. I am not an electrician, I am a licensed carpentry contractor who cannot find enough work to sustain a living. (another weakness I'm sure your ready to pounce on). I'm not surprised how lengthy a post needs to be in order to paste a quote and make judgements based on a sentence or two but I'm sure you had a good reason??

Certainly, a question has a weakness.. every question has a weakness. Answers build knowledge and I am not afraid to let my guard down to add a page or two.
I wish there was a more professional chat room, a step up from douche bag troll boards but just under professional specialty contractors, but there isn't.

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Drewage

Discussion Starter · #6 · Dec 31, 2012

Furthermore, Speedy Pete. You are a licensed electrician and you hang out here in a DYI chat room? Were you not allowed to eat at the big boys table or something?

Speedy Petey

· #7 · Dec 31, 2012

I'm sorry for your life situation, I can relate, but that still does not excuse doing work FAR outside your scope of expertise which could result in some very BAD consequences.
Good luck in whatever you choose to do.

BTW, I "hang out" here to help prevent homeowners from doing things that could also result in bad things happening, in their own homes.
And you are right, I am ashamed to admit they hate me over at the other site.

Oso954

· #8 · Dec 31, 2012

You are not a DIYer looking for help on your own project.

As a "professional handyman" you should back away from any job that you do not have the knowledge to complete.

If an underemployed electrician asked you what screws he should use to hang kitchen cabinets for a client, what would you reply ?

Drewage

Discussion Starter · #9 · Dec 31, 2012

if he told me he wanted to use 1/4" staples to hang a cabinet that would be different. If he asked me what screws to use I would tell him, that would not make me think he was under-qualified at all. There are many types of screws.

I did not ask a stupid question. I asked how a drop ceiling track lighting installation (not using a caddy or support extension arms with-box) junctions to a j-box above the ceiling, which is not a common application.

Drewage

Discussion Starter · #10 · Dec 31, 2012

Ohms law tells me I am within tolerance of 80% of the circuit amps. Structurally, Im fine. I am sheathing the romex inside AC so I am safe here also. I just need to know how to attach the fixture to the AC via j-box or direct

brric

· #11 · Dec 31, 2012

A live end connector as pictured above would not need a j-box.

Jupe Blue

· #12 · Dec 31, 2012

Drewage,

Post your location. Different areas have different electrical codes. Makes a difference when installing in a residence.

Drewage

Discussion Starter · #13 · Jan 1, 2013

Thanks Brric. I found what you are talking about and that will work wonderfully. It was a separate accessory item, not in the box.

I checked with my jurisdiction and I'm within code. California

rjniles

· #14 · Jan 1, 2013

Drewage said:
I am sheathing the romex inside AC

Good trick getting Romex into AC cable.

Missouri Bound

· #15 · Jan 1, 2013

Drewage said:
Thanks Brric. I found what you are talking about and that will work wonderfully. It was a separate accessory item, not in the box.

I checked with my jurisdiction and I'm within code. California

...and wherever you bought the lighting should have all the accessories. How did you mount the track?

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