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Whether you're seeking a modern, energy-efficient solution or aiming to highlight specific features in your space, track lighting is the way to go. However, understanding the nuances of track lighting and its applications and choosing one from its many diverse fixture designs is tough for newcomers and veterans alike.
In this article, we cover the basics of track lighting, its benefits, its functionality, types, and more.
Track lighting is an illumination design technique in which moveable and adjustable light fixtures, known as track heads, are mounted onto a rail (track). The rail contains electrical conductors that discreetly supply power to the light fixtures.
The light fixture can freely move along the length of the track and can be adjusted to change the direction of the light beam. While track lighting can be mounted on any flat surface, including walls, it is commonly attached to ceilings to provide flexible directional downlights. Track lighting is sometimes branded and sold as rail lighting.
Track lighting is a unique lighting solution that provides consumers with various design options for residential and commercial settings.
Adjustability is the primary functionality of track lighting that sets it apart from other lighting systems. Track lights can be easily and quickly adjusted, directing light from one section of the room to another in a matter of seconds.
The adjustable track heads are excellent for retail lighting, where the controlled directional light can be fully utilized to highlight products. Similarly, for residential and hospitality lighting, the track light heads offer an easy way of changing the mood and ambiance of an indoor space.
The adjustability of track lighting makes it suitable for nearly every type of lighting application. You can get excellent and even general lighting coverage by using wide beam angle track heads set to different corners of a room.
Narrow beam angle track heads focus light in a specific area, which can be used to highlight retail goods, artworks, or architectural details. However, the best use case for a track lighting system is controlled task lighting.
Track lighting is also quite easy to install. Unlike other lighting solutions, such as recessed lighting, you do not need to punch a large hole in your drywall. You can simply mount your track lighting rail onto the ceiling using a few anchor points.
Many rental residential buildings put restrictions on interior construction work, limiting the types of light fixtures a tenant can install in their home. Thus, the discreet design of track lighting makes it renter-friendly.
Track lighting supports several bulb options for its track heads. Nearly every track lighting kit uses standard light fixtures with an Edison screw mount. You can install any compatible light bulb, whether LED-based or CFL.
Wider bulb compatibility ensures buyers can customize their lighting design to best suit their aesthetic preferences.
As track lights hang out of your wall or ceiling, they can often clash with your room's interior design. Thus, lighting manufacturers have created visually appealing fixture designs that enhance the look of your office or living room space.
Track lighting designs range from simple minimalist rods to bold, colorful options that stand out as artworks hanging from your ceiling.
Modern track lights commonly use energy-efficient LED bulbs. LED track lighting matches the high brightness of traditional lighting technology while consuming less energy and generating even less heat.
A track light with an ENERGY STAR certified LED bulb will consume approximately 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than an incandescent one.
Track lights are several times more cost-effective than any other equivalent lighting solution. The rails require minimal mounting hardware and are easy to install, saving you a lot in labor costs.
The use of long-lasting and efficient LED bulbs decreases maintenance and energy costs.
A track lighting system consists of different parts working in harmony to deliver a cohesive lighting solution. Track lights can be customized based on these parts to cater to different lighting needs.
Following is a short list of the most impactful elements of a given track lighting system.
Track lighting supports a wide range of light bulbs, ranging from the modern energy-efficient LED options to the older, cost-efficient incandescent bulbs. These bulbs are generally inter-compatible, so you can use incandescent bulbs in your LED track lighting system.
However, dimmer switches and smart controls are incompatible with older lighting technologies. Hence, we recommend sticking to one type of light bulb.
Track lighting supports the following light bulbs.
Track lighting heads are the heart and soul of the entire lighting design. They determine the overall look and feel of your indoor or outdoor space. You can use them as standard ambient lighting fixtures or take a more creative approach and use them for accent lighting.
The application determines the type of track head. Currently, three-track head designs dominate the lighting space.
The rails in a track lighting system are the backbone that supports the various track heads. Track lighting rails are fairly long, generally ranging between 2 ft. to 8 ft.
Track lighting railing can come in different sizes and shapes with different functions. We can divide these rails into three broad categories.
Rail refers to the overall horizontal shape of the track lighting system. Track design refers to the cross-section of that rail that determines the means of connection between the rail and the track head.
There are three standard track lighting connection options, each named after the original manufacturer's name.
Track lighting systems mount several light bulbs onto a single long conductor. This raises questions about controlling the various track heads from the light switch. Ultimately, two circuit track options are used to control the power to the track heads.
Track lighting is mainly an LED-based (light emitting diode-based) illumination solution. Most LED lights run on various DC voltages instead of the common line voltage. Thus, track lights come in two with power supply options.
Track lighting is a diverse technique that caters to different markets with its wide variety of fixture options. You can customize your track lighting setup by optimizing its various parts, as mentioned above.
However, the basic types of track lighting remain the same.
Standard track lighting consists of a rigid rail with moveable track heads mounted. These rails come in straight and curved options and can be cut to a desired length using conventional cutting techniques. A big benefit of using linear track lights is that they can be daisy-chained with another unit for a continuous track lighting setup.
Linear track lights offer great flexibility as they accommodate all types of track heads, from spotlights to pendant lights.
Ambient lighting for commercial spaces, art galleries, kitchens, etc.
Fixed track lighting kits come with the track heads pre-installed at fixed locations on the rail. These track heads can be adjusted to control the direction of the light but cannot move along the track. It's designed with a sleek and clean aesthetic. Thus, there are no open grooves on which the track heads can glide.
These light fixtures are also available in straight and curved rail options. However, unlike standard track lighting, it cannot be cut or joined to other tracks.
Fixed track lighting is best suited for task lighting over kitchen counters or as accent lighting for emphasizing architectural features.
Suspended track lighting involves handing the track rail from the ceiling using rods or cables. High ceiling spaces typically require brighter (higher wattage) bulbs to compensate for the extra vertical distance. With track lighting, the fixtures can be dropped down to a reasonable height, thus reducing the wattage requirement.
Pendant lights achieve a similar look but have a limited vertical length. Suspended track and pendant lights solve the same lighting problem in different ways.
Ambient lighting is for commercial spaces, and task lighting is for dining areas, office spaces, etc.
Swing arm track lighting uses pivot points on the rail to control the placement of the track heads. The track heads are adjustable but fixed to the rail. The flexibility of the design comes from its high-quality hinges (pivots) that break the track into 2 to 3 sections, which can be rotated around like an arm from the elbow joint.
It's a perfect lighting solution for those cramped spaces where a straight linear track system is inapplicable.
Task lighting for retail displays, reading areas, etc.
Monorail track lighting uses a flexible rail system that can be curved along a desired path. Often called flexible track lighting, it offers greater versatility than any other light fixture. You can make a creative track path on your ceiling, which is aesthetically compatible with your interior design.
Be sure to keep the curves wide enough for the track heads to easily glide across. Tighter curves can prevent track head movements, and in the worst-case scenario, your rail can break at critical bends.
All-purpose lighting for sleek residential and commercial spaces like art galleries, boutiques, kitchens, etc.
Track heads are a huge part of the functionality of track lighting setups. These parts determine the actual illumination capabilities of the light fixture. The track head determines the type of track light bulbs, the coverage area, the lumen count, and the adjustability.
You can seamlessly add different heads to the same track. However, we don't recommend it as it might completely compromise the aesthetics of your lighting design.
Spotlights are excellent accent lighting tools that produce a focused, narrow beam of light. They are ideal for enhancing specific objects or areas. They come in several shapes and sizes and offer a wide selection of wattage and beam angle configurations.
Some common applications include highlighting artwork, sculptures, product displays, or architectural details
Floodlight heads are the exact opposite of spotlights and are primarily used for ambient lighting. They emit a wider beam of light, providing more general illumination over a larger area.
Some common applications of floodlight track heads include ambient lighting in hotel lobbies, theater stages, living rooms, kitchen illumination, etc.
Gimbal heads have 3 degrees of freedom. This means they can move linearly along the track, swivel around the mounting point, and tilt up and down. They offer the highest level of directional adjustments out of all track head options.
This flexibility is useful for commercial task lighting, where better light beam control can help increase productivity. General use cases also include retail product highlighting.
Pendant heads are fixtures that hang down from the track like pendants. They act as lamps suspended from the ceiling that offer directional and non-directional lighting to the space.
Pendant track heads with a top reflective cover direct the light downwards at a specific angle. While other designs offer a more even lighting design with wider coverage.
They combine the flexibility of track lighting with the aesthetic appeal of pendant lighting. You will often see them deployed as decorative pieces that are part of the interior design of a space. Commonly used for lighting dining tables and kitchen islands or for adding visual intrigue to a space.
Barn door track heads have four rectangular pieces on the outer edge of the bulb that fan out. These adjustable rectangles help control the direction and width of the light beam.
The barn doors on the track head limit its applications in households, as the design looks completely out of place in your living room. Hence, they are commonly used for commercial settings like theater lighting, themed restaurants, or industrial facilities.
Low-profile track heads are a general category of track lighting head designs. These units have a smaller LED chip inside compared to the larger bulb-based fixtures. You will typically see them in small cylindrical shapes or, more recently, a cube-like design. The compact design often limits the maximum brightness of the track head.
They are used for ambient and accent lighting in commercial interiors like hotel lobbies where the track heads won't disrupt the interior aesthetics.
Fire-rated track heads are designed to resist heat damage and will continue to work even under hazardous circumstances. In the unlikely event that your space catches fire, a fire-rated lighting system will continue to operate and guide people out of the building. The sturdier material used in these fixture designs also prevents fire from spreading further.
These track head designs are great for commercial applications and act as another safety mechanism. While not necessary, you can install fire-rated track lighting in residential buildings like apartments.
Step heads have a stepped or tiered design, adding a decorative element to the fixture. The mounting point is a narrower shape, and the bulb holder is a step larger. They come in various styles to suit different design preferences.
These track heads are non-intrusive and blend in with most residential or commercial space lighting designs.
Cylinder heads have a cylindrical shape and offer a modern and minimalist aesthetic. The tube-like shape has a sleek, modern design that is excellent for retail lighting solutions. They can provide both direct (cylinder is opaque) and indirect lighting (see-through glass cylinder).
Their applications are mostly limited to accent lighting for modern interiors and commercial spaces.
Round track heads have a classic, circular design. They have cylindrical bodies with a domed back. They offer a softer look to your interior space. They are versatile and can be used for both general and accent lighting.
The applications include residential lighting, kitchens, living rooms, etc.
Track lights come in several shapes, sizes, designs, power profiles, and budget options. Choosing the right one for your interior lighting needs is a challenge.
The following factors will help you narrow down your options and help you make the right choice.
Consider the intended use of the track lighting. Smaller compact spaces like kitchens benefit from flexible or swing arm designs. In comparison, larger spaces need longer ridged tracks with brighter lights.
Evaluate your application based on the required fixtures, beam angles, light intensity, and mounting locations.
Assess the size of your room and its layout. Larger rooms will require more than one track lighting fixture. Your room layout will determine the mounting location of the tracks.
Ceiling height is a major factor in choosing track lighting. Low ceilings are compatible with almost every type of track light. In contrast, high ceilings are generally limited to pendant or suspension lighting.
Your only choice for a really high ceiling is a suspended track lighting setup.
See if your existing wiring system is compatible with a track lighting setup. Low-voltage track lighting requires an AC-to-DC converter to supply a steady and consistent current to the fixture.
Outline your aesthetic preferences and choose track lighting that blends in with your interior design. Go for pendant lights for a more rustic and comforting atmosphere and sleek cylinder track heads for a more modern industrial look.
Track lighting is composed of several design elements. A power delivery system, track installation, track head fittings, and more. These cost elements can add up quickly. After you finalize your lighting design, be sure to consult a lighting expert and get a cost analysis of the project.
Track lighting is an all-rounder lighting system that caters to a diverse range of applications and industries. This simple lighting tool can serve as an important visual element to your room's aesthetic designs.
You can choose from many designs, rail options, track heads, and bulb options to create your unique lighting aesthetic. Understanding the various types of track lighting will help you make a more informed buying decision.
Risun is a leading lighting solutions provider with over 13 years of industry experience. We offer a one-stop supply chain management solution that connects clients with over 100 reputable lighting manufacturers and ensures a smooth transaction between the two parties.
Contact us now and let lighting experts illuminate the future of your business with track lighting.
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Hi, I'm the author of this post, and I have been in this field for more than 15 years. If you want to wholesale lighting fixtures or lighting related product, feel free to ask me any questions.
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