Track lighting systems can power spotlights, floodlights, pendants, or any other fixture with the correct adapters and voltage. They’re usually used in locations that demand performance and adjustability. This can be very helpful if you tend to rearrange your furniture and decorations around a lot. This type of lighting can also be used to accent art, create task lighting, or to illuminate more than one thing at the same time.
When purchasing track lighting, there are four things you should consider:
- Track Type
There are lots of different types of tracks out there—line or low voltage, single or two-circuit, and flexible or straight. The voltage, adapter standard, and the manufacturer will determine which fixtures you’ll end up using as well as what system will work best.
2. Layout and Components
You can use straight track or flexible tracks (single or two-circuit configurations). One way to create a unique track is to use different connectors and a variety of lengths. Typically, these tracks run along or hang from the ceiling. In order to power them, you’ll need a canopy with a power feed if you’re trying to “energize” it from the center. However, if you want to give it power at the end, you’ll need an end connecter with a power feed.
3. Fixtures
In order to work, the fixtures you use will need to have the same track standard as the rest of the system. However, sometimes the manufacturers will offer you adapters that allow you to have more flexibility among their systems. If one portion of the system is low voltage and another portion is line voltage, you’re going to need a transformer. This is a little box that goes near where the fixture and track meet and converts line voltage (120 volts) to low voltage (12 volts).
4. Accessories
You can get different accessories to make your track lighting more unique. Special lenses are sold that change the shape or color of the light. In addition, you can pick up a framing projector or barn door accessory that will help direct and focus the light.
Installing Track Lights:
- Pick a Track Standard
The track is the biggest part of the lighting. It’s what attaches to the ceiling or wall and what the fixtures are connected to. There are three standard types of tracks—Halo, Juno, and Lightolier—as well as other options, such as TECH Lighting and Bruck Lighting. You could choose any of these, but it’s smarter to go with a standard option as you’ll probably want to go back to them for supplies, etc. to make the process easier.
2. Layout and Power
The track lengths and connectors you have selected connect easily, similarly to an erector set. One you have that hung up, you’re going to have to figure out how you’re going to get power to the track. There are two ways you can do this—a junction box or a power outlet.
For the junction box, you’ll need a Floating Canopy Connector (if you’re applying the power in the middle) or a Live End Connector (if you’re powering up the end of the track). You’ll also need a Canopy Plate to cover up the junction box that’s under the Live End Connector. When this is done, your finished product will look sleek, as if a professional did the work. This is great if you have a junction box. If you don’t, however, you’ll need to hire an electrician to put it in.
Your other option is to use a Plug and Cord set that connects a Live End Connector to an electrical outlet. (This works on L-series, as well as H-and J-series.) While it doesn’t look as clean as using a junction box, you can do it alone without needing any professional help.
Another thing you’ll need to do is to choose between line and low voltage fixtures. The power coming from an outlet or a junction box is usually line voltage. Line voltage is 120 volts and low voltage is 12 volts. Low voltage has a whiter color and needs a transformer. This transformer is usually about 4 inches long and connects the fixture to the track as its base. The reason this is needed is so that the fixture can still use the line voltage but it will be converted to low voltage through it so you can use low voltage ones. Therefore, since it is still using line voltage, you could technically use fixtures that use either one and/or use both kinds on the same track (obviously some would need transformers). Not many people actually choose to do this though.
3. Choose the Lamps
For a simple start, you’ll want a spotlight if you’re planning on lighting up a specific object, such as a piece of art or a specific decoration. However, if you are just going to use your track lighting to generally brighten a room, you’ll probably want to use flood lights. You could use both kinds on the same track to achieve both effects efficiently. Low voltage fixtures use halogen, LED, MR16, and MR11 lamps. Line voltage fixtures use a variety too.
Some Extra Information:
You can also purchase track suspension kits that move the entire track and the fixtures lower than the ceiling. We also mentioned connectors above. You are also able to purchase these, allowing your track to have more flexibility.
A Few More Tips on Purchasing Track Lighting…
You’ll want to figure out how many lights your track can hold first. Most hold 3-6. After that, you’ll want to position those lamps. Make sure they’re doing the job you intended—accenting artwork, illuminating a workspace, broadly lighting a room, etc. Linear track lights run from 4-8 feet. T-connectors allow you to have a second line that diverts from the main one.
Types of Lamps:
· Step Head – standard style/versatile
· Round Back Head – sleek & modern design
· Pinhole Head – partially exposed back/industrial look
· Gimbal Head – swivel 180°/has flat light surface
Styles:
Light shades come in different styles—frosted glass, amber glass, tiffany glass, champagne glass, colored glass, white, black, and brushed nickel.
The track also comes in different finishes—white, black, oil-rubbed bronze, brushed nickel, and polished chrome.
Other Installation Tips:
To illuminate a wall, tracks are to be placed 18-24 inches away from it. As always, when installing something, be sure to follow the instructions.
Which Light Bulbs Should I Buy?
As a general rule, halogens and LEDs are good options. This is because they are not only cool to the touch but also have lower energy costs. You’ll want different color temperatures for different areas in your home—a warm white temperature in the living room and bedrooms, a bright white temperature in the kitchen and other workspaces, and a daylight color temperature in studies and reading areas.