Plug In Track Lighting

If you are looking for a type of track lighting that is easy to install, plug in track lighting is a good alternative. Plug in track lighting is especially good for a space that is not already hardwired for a track light. It merely plugs in to any existing outlet and is ready to go.

This kind of fixture is mainly found in kitchens, but should not be limited to this. You canplug in track lighting use it for any space that a hardwired track light will not fit. It can help to save you a lot of money, because you will not have to run wires through the walls or call an electrician at all.

The aesthetic advantage or disadvantage (depending on your taste) is that these lights have a switch on the cord a few feet from the plug. So when you plug the lights into the outlet, you not only have the cord running down the wall, but you also have to be able to easily reach the switch. This means you may not be able to easily camouflage the cord. If you have an oddly placed outlet, it is possible to run extension cords, but then you have to worry about where the switch ends up. One easy solution could be a switched outlet. Or you could just unplug the cord when you are not using the lights. Most cords are eight to ten feet long, so high ceilings are not much of a problem as long as an outlet is close. With hardwired track lighting, the lights would come on with a switch in the wall; so if money is not an object for this project, hardwired track lights might be a better option.

Some people do not mind cords hanging down, and actually deal with them rather nicely. Consider hanging plants or drapes on the wall. Never run a cord inside the wall. This is in direct violation of the National Electric Code. The cord may cause a fire if ran inside the wall, because it is not designed for this.

Good places to use plug in track lights are walk in closets, hallways, and kitchens. This does not mean that any other room is not meant to have one, but these are rooms that should not require hardwired track lights. Make sure outlets are available in all of these places before purchasing.

If you like the look of plug in track lights, you might be able to switch your existing hardwired lights. Most track lights have a modular rail that is attached to a power plug. So by changing out the hardwired power supply, your existing track light can become a plug in track light. You can then easily move it around the room or to a different room. Be aware that not all track lights are capable of doing this, and you should consult with an electrician if unsure.