A very important factor to take into account when installing the track system is alignment and accuracy. For the track system to run smoothly, it must be installed horizontally for the hoist to traverse with ease, along with a straight line fixing to allow two tracks to successfully link between each other and allow a transition for the hoist to pass between tracks. It is a critical part of ceiling track installation to allow the system to function.

3.1.1 Marking out Bracket Positions for a Straight Track Installation into Timber

1. Along the full length of the track installation, any obstacles must be avoided, this includes obstacles Such as light fixings, sprinklers etc.
2. The room should have been mapped out previously using a joist finder, from here you can Determine where the best location for track fixings are. It is possible to fix the track brackets. Between or into joists, but different fixing methods are required.
3. Determine a suitable location for the first fixing, and thereby calculate how many more fixings are required and their distance apart, this will depend on the track type used.
4. Mark the first track bracket position on the ceiling, from here a laser can be placed on the floor directly in line with the first position, and it will draw a straight line along the ceiling to represent the track position.
5. Use a tape measure to measure the distance between each fixing. (this distance should have been calculated in step 3)
6. Mark on the ceiling the second fixing position, this will be in line with the laser and the measured distance on the tape measure.
7. Repeat this process to mark out all fixings.
8. Using a 12.5mm drill bit, drill the holes into the ceiling where there are no joists present.
9. Where joists are present, an 8mm diameter hole should be drilled into the ceiling and into the joist, The hole should be approximately 100mm deep into the joist.
10. The track bracket locations are now successfully marked out.

3.1.2 Marking out Bracket Positions for a Track Bend Installation into
Timber

1. Ensure that where the track bend is intended to be fitted is clear of any obstacles, this includes light fixings, sprinklers etc.
2. The room should have been mapped out previously using a joist finder, from here you can determine where the best location for track fixings are. It is possible to fix the track brackets between or into joists, but different fixing methods are required.
3. Ensure that the track is cut to desired length before marking out any fixing points.
4. Depending on the type of track bend, a certain amount of fixings is required. See section 1.0 for track bends information.
5. Track bends should be fitted after a straight track is installed, therefore ensure the straight track in already fitted to assist in track bends positioning.
6. Align the track bend on the ceiling, up against the straight track system, where the bend is desired to be.
7. Draw the outline of the track onto the ceiling with a marker/pencil. Mark out the fixing points from the profile as described in section 1.0
11. Using a 12.5mm drill bit, drill the holes into the ceiling where there are no joists present.
12. Where joists are present, an 8mm diameter hole should be drilled into the ceiling and into the joist, the hole should be approximately 100mm deep into the joist.
13. The track bracket locations are now successfully marked out.