Time to Upgrade the Lighting?

If you’re going for a new look, whether shopping for a residential or commercial space, track lighting offers a versatility in design that includes both style and function. There are options for track lighting that mount or hang from the ceiling, or hang suspended from wall to wall, and the lights can be placed or angled to cover every corner of the room. Track lighting is the most flexible lighting style on the market, fitting easily into any room, from the kitchen to the hallway. It can be used for general purpose lighting, for more directed task lighting, or even to highlight artwork.

It’s all entirely custom to your space, from the layout to the kinds of lights you choose, to the number of lights. You can choose the type of track to use and the design; do you want the slim and curved look of a rail, or the angled lines of mounted track lighting? Do you want the narrow, directed light of a spotlight, or do you want the softer, more ambient light provided by a hanging pendant? All of these styles provide an entirely different look, so find the one that best suits your space.

Different Types of Track Lighting

Track lighting is any lighting system that operates by using individual luminaries, or lamps, connected and powered through their connection to a track, usually along the ceiling. There are no extension cords to plug in, as every light is powered by the protected electrical current flowing through the track. But not all forms of track lighting look or operate the same way.

Track Lighting

Track lighting is a narrow, box-shaped bar a few feet in length that has the wiring and mounting system for the lamps completely enclosed from end to end. The pieces of track are installed flush against the ceiling and can be connected together and extended, either in straight lines, or even into corners. A single circuit can power multiple lengths of track and handle multiple track lights or pendants, depending on the amount of voltage running from end to end.

Rail Lighting

With rail lighting, or monorail lighting, the track is instead a thin, flexible rail that hangs from suspension rods or cables, called standoffs. The rail can be curved up to a 30-degree angle, forming circles or waves, however you design it. The lights clamp to metal connecting rails that run on either side of the track, providing the low-voltage electric current for their operation. They can be set up to handle two circuits, allowing you to control two sets of lights from their own individual light switches, even though they’re on a single monorail track.

Cable Lighting

Rather than use bars like track or rail lighting, a cable lighting system uses conductive cables to power the luminary. Working with stabilizing turnbuckles and standoffs, cable lighting systems can be suspended from the ceiling or from wall to wall, regardless of the architectural layout of the ceiling. They make good alternatives for rooms with limited electrical access options. For support, plan to anchor a suspension rod every 3 or 4 feet between the brackets to support the weight of the cable and the cable heads or pendants.

Fixed Rail Kits

With fixed rail track lighting, the track mounts on to the ceiling or wall exactly the same as any other lamp style would. It’s just like wiring in a new ceiling fan. The lights are usually built onto the track, so while the lighthead may be angled and directed, the support posts can’t be rearranged along the track.

Before You Buy Your Track Lighting

There are a few important things to keep in mind with track lighting, regardless of what type of track you choose.

Before buying a system, be sure of the voltage of the circuit you’ll be wiring the track lighting system into. Different systems will work correctly with either 120 volt or 220 volt circuits, and transformers may be needed to step the track lighting up or down to the correct voltage.
The number of watts required by the bulbs should not exceed the number of watts provided by the voltage of the circuit, so when adding additional lights, be certain of the total the track can maintain.
It’s important to note that a luminary purchased for a cable lighting system will not also work on a rail lighting setup, and vice versa. The parts of different track lighting systems are not interchangeable.
Pay attention to the manufacturers that you purchase your track lighting system from. Most often, each manufacturer will have differences in design, and attempting to mix and match pieces will possibly void the warranty.
All of the track lighting systems require a few feet of clearance coming down from the ceiling. This is best for rooms with high ceilings. The lighting should be hung far enough from the ground that there is no risk of someone walking into the lights, or of the lights being hit by opening doors or windows.

Find the Best Fit for Your Home

Track lighting has a complex setup but offers a unique flexibility when it comes to design. The low voltage systems are even energy and cost efficient. If this is the lighting solution for you, we’re here to help make sure you’ve got everything you need for your project. Give us a call at (800) 375-3403, or chat with one of our knowledgeable product experts if you have any questions.

Track and Rail Lighting

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