Track Lighting Should be Checked too!

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1

Originally Posted By: jtedesco
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Track lighting is covered in Article 410 of the NEC and should be installed according to their instructions. I don’t know the story here yet, but this picture makes me wonder!


![](upload://u7HLJCtt8Dz3fpzCRQs2cZ1V0TO.jpeg)

--
Joe Tedesco, NEC Consultant

www.nachi.org/tedescobook.htm

2

Originally Posted By: clawrenson
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Aside from the obvious visuals - any suggestions on further review or testing with tools?

–
Ontario Home Inspections Inc.

3

Originally Posted By: Bob Badger
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As an electrician if I was called out to evaluate this there would be no tools involved, there is only one thing that needs to be done here.


Remove it and replace it.

This fault has involved both the starter section and the track itself, not reparable.

--
Bob (AKA iwire)
ECN Discussion Forums
Mike Holt Code Forum

4

Originally Posted By: jtedesco
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Thanks to Scott Wilson “Electure” here s the rest of the story.


Quote:
Hi, Joe!

This track connection burned up about 6 months after installation. The load was only 600 watts, in an auto dealership, running about
The live end connector (L901) http://www.cooperlighting.com/specfiles/pdf/Halo/ADV021436.pdf
wasn't in good contact on the ungrounded side.

Although it probably didn't have any bearing on the electrical connection, the setscrew (in the melted plastic) was probably loose.

I checked 3 other tracks in the same installation and none of them had the setscrew tightened. All were just "plugged in".

Page 3 diagram in the installation instructions says to tighten setscrew.

http://www.cooperlighting.com/specfiles/instGuides/698518.pdf


--
Joe Tedesco, NEC Consultant

www.nachi.org/tedescobook.htm
5

Originally Posted By: Mike Parks
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Maybe I am wrong but it looks like the toggle or butterfly screw (holding the trac up) is loose???


Bet this is in a residential basement.

Mike P.

6

Originally Posted By: Ryan Jackson
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I agree. Track lighting can be dangerous. Many times these tracks are not properly grounded (bonded) and there is a distinct possibility of what Mike said happening. If the screw that was holding the track up was loose or was touching the inside edge of the track, it could become energized. If the track is not bonded, the screw would stay energized. Perhaps not a huge proble, but that means the track itslef would be enbergized, and that is a problem.

–
Ryan Jackson, Salt Lake City

7

Originally Posted By: dfrend
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Quote:
Bet this is in a residential basement.


Already answered above Mike.

Quote:
The load was only 600 watts, in an auto dealership, running about
The live end connector (L901)


--
Daniel R Frend
www.nachifoundation.org
The Home Inspector Store
www.homeinspectorstore.com