Track Lighting

Track Lighting

Track Lighting FAQ

Q) What is a track light?

A) A track light is a light fixture that can be mounted on an electrified metal track and then later easily moved to another location on that track.

Q) What other names are sometimes used to identify a track light?

A) A track light is sometimes called a track fixture or a track head.

Q) What is the function of track lighting?

A) Track lighting is generally used to provide accent lighting, task lighting, and general lighting in that order.

Q) How versatile is track lighting?

A) Track lighting is an extremely versatile lighting system. The individual track fixtures can be positioned anywhere along the track, be swiveled or rotated while in a given position, and then aimed in any direction giving you excellent versatility to change your lighting scheme whenever the need arises. You can also hang very attractive pendants from the track that, in turn, can give this lighting system a whole different look.

Q) Are track fixtures available in line voltage (120 volts) and low voltage (12 volts)?

A) Yes, track fixtures are available in both line voltage and low voltage.

Q) What light sources can track fixtures use?

A) Track fixtures can use incandescent, PAR halogen, MR16 halogen, fluorescent, or metal halide lamps (light bulbs).

Q)What are the aesthetic characteristics of track lighting?

A) Track lighting fixtures can offer an opportunity to be creative and make an aesthetic statement. In fact, certain track fixtures can be quite attractive and even stunning. In some instances the design elements of the track fixture might be used to complement the design elements of other items in the space or even underline the decorative theme of the entire space.

Q) How much light can be created with track lighting?

A) Track lighting may use halogen, incandescent, fluorescent, or metal halide light sources. Track lighting with these light sources can provide a good deal of light or just a modest amount of light.

Q) Which light source is the most efficient for track lighting?

A) Fluorescent track lighting fixtures generally use electricity most efficiently in providing a given amount of light.

Q) When should fluorescent track fixtures be used?

A) Because a fluorescent lamp is a relatively large light source it is very difficult to “control” and focus that light. Therefore, fluorescent track fixtures probably should be used only to “wash” a wall or a vertical surface with light.

Q) When should halogen light sources be used?

A) Track fixtures equipped with halogen lamps (light bulbs), especially low voltage halogen light sources, have a very small filament and, therefore, produce light that can easily be “controlled” and focused. Track fixtures using halogen light sources are especially good when used to provide accent lighting.

Q) Where should track lighting be used?

A) Track lighting can be used very successfully in any number of locations: hallways, museums, art galleries, trade show exhibits, retail stores, offices, conference rooms, studies, churches, restaurants, taverns, hotel rooms, and libraries.

Q) Should track lighting be used in residential settings?

A) In general, we recommend that track lighting be used very sparingly in residential settings. It might used in a kitchen (especially if the ceiling is high) but almost never in the dining room. Track lighting is usually considered to "utilitarian" in nature and is best used retail settings or art museums. On the other hand, flexible track (sometimes called monorail) can effectively be used in residential settings to great advantage because the track is so attractive in its shape, profile, and finish. In fact, flexible track can be so elegant that it can be very effectively used in dining rooms.

Q) Where should track lighting be placed for accent lighting?

A) For creating the accent lighting of objects on a wall, the wall itself, or any vertical surface, position the track fixture so that the light coming from the fixture makes a 30-degree angle with the vertical. This will help to prevent light from shining directly into anyone’s eyes (direct glare), it will prevent disturbing reflections (indirect glare) coming from the object being lit, and it will minimize any shadows produced when the track fixture is too close to the wall being lit. If the distance from the track fixture to the wall being lit is S and the distance from the ceiling to the middle of the object being lit is D, then the correct position for the track fixture is S = D x 0.55  If you are trying to illuminate a reflective wall hanging that can produce glare (for example, a framed photograph covered with glass), do not place the track lighting more than 2-3 feet from the wall. Also, placement of track lighting down the center of a room generally will only cause direct glare in your eyes and shadows on your task area. Usually only one track fixture is needed for each object being lit.

Q) Where should track lighting be placed for wall washing?

A) For wall washing a non-textured vertical surface mount the track parallel to the wall being lit and about 2 feet to 3 feet from that wall on ceilings up to 9 feet. Mount the track 3 feet to 4 feet from the wall on ceilings between 9 feet and 11 feet high. Space the fixtures the same distance apart as the track is from the wall.

Q) Where should track lighting be placed for wall grazing?

A) For wall grazing textured vertical surfaces (such as draperies, stone, or brick) mount the track 6 to 12 inches from that wall with the track fixtures 6 to 12 inches from each other and aimed downward. In general, however, both wall washing and wall grazing might be better accomplished by using recessed lighting rather than track lighting.
Some general lighting can be provided by track fixtures aimed at a wall or by spill light from fixtures used for accent lighting.

Q) What are the necessary steps in designing a track lighting system?

A) When laying out your track plan, take the following steps.
1) Measure the length of the track you will need.
2) Determine where along the track you will need power, whether at the end or somewhere along the track.
3) Select the proper connecting units needed for your plan (T-connector, L-connector, flexible connector, etc.).
4) Select the style, finish, and quantity of track lighting fixtures you will need.
5) Keep in mind that a track lighting system is flexible and you can add to it later if needed.