Can I convert a recessed light fixture to power a track light system?
My hallway has 5 recessed can lights each with a 75watt bulb operated on the same switch. I would like to install a 5-bulb halogen track light in the middle of the hallway to illuminate wall art. Can I remove the bulb and insert from the middle cannister fixture, cut the wires to the bulb receptacle and use the same wires to power up the track light. The track light with 5 bulbs will consume 150 watts through a low voltage transformer. Is this safe? The cannister light sticker says 75-watts maximum.
Tagged with: bulbs • cannister • hallway • halogen track light • low voltage transformer • receptacle • wall art • watts
Filed under: track lights pendant
Without using more amps on the circuit, yes it’s safe. You may even find a track fixture with a plate that will cover at least on of the can openings. Then buy caps for the others if your intent is to no longer use them.
Find the rafters/studs in the ceiling, to attach the track to. If the wiring is screwed to any of the can fixtures, you may not need to CUT at all, but certainly turn off that breaker for the process.
Rev. Steven
The 75 watt maximum is listed for heat build up in the recessed fixture. If the track light is hooked up to the internal wiring of the recessed ,the opening of the recessed has to be covered with a metal plate so your electrical splice is closed off. Don’t know how wide the opening is on your recessed ,but all track lighting plates that I have seen are about 4" X 4". This is just big enough to cover your standard electrical boxes. Any electrical splice has to be closed off so if there is sparking etc. it is contained. Hope this helps. Good luck
Yes.