After cutting power and removing the fluorescent light fixture I noticed the old fluorescent unit was wired directly to the main wire, bypassing the box previously installed in the ceiling. No ground had been connected either.

Now I want to install the new track lighting fixture, but want to know if I should connect direct as they had previously, or should I wire the main power to the box and then wire up the track lighting to the box? Also is it normal to bypass the ceiling box for fluorescent lighting or was this done by an inexperienced individual?

Thanks so much...

All wiring connections must be made inside a box or enclosure. This can and is often done inside the fluorescent fixture, Weather or not it can be done inside the track lighting fixture depends on the fixture.