In a previous post we talked about how to install track lighting. Yet if you’re going to get the full enjoyment out of these modern, stylish lights you need to know how to troubleshoot track lighting too.
Usually the biggest problem that people encounter is 1-3 lights that simply won’t come on. If you’ll recall from the previous post snapping those lights into place on the track is one of the final steps in the process.
The problem is usually not the spot on the track. Inside the track you’ll find three copper bus bars.
If even one light is working those bus bars are generally fine.
The problem is generally a slight shift in the contact points in the light.
There are three bars and three contact points that correspond to them. You have your hot bar, your neutral bar and your ground bar.
And you have your hot contact, your neutral contact, and your ground contact.
It’s very likely that one or more of those contacts has shifted a little bit so that it’s not making contact inside of the track.
Shut off the power to the track and remove the end cap. Then slide the non-working lights into the very end of the track. You’re not snapping anything in – you’re just observing how the contacts are connecting to that bus bar.
If you see that one of the contacts isn’t connecting, then remove it from the track and use a pair of needle nose pliers to gently shift the contact into a more advantageous spot.
Keep fiddling with them, very gently, until the contacts are working properly. Then restore your end cap to the track and install your lights.
Restore power to the track light and enjoy!
Of course, there’s always a chance that your track lights are having trouble because of deeper electrical issues. If so, you might want to call a professional.
If you live in Pittsboro, Hillsborough, or anywhere else in the Triangle Area, call us. We’ll be happy to troubleshoot your track lighting or tackle any other issues that you may be having.