track lighting: choosing & options

There are many important features when choosing track lights: 1) the alternative low-voltage vs. line voltage tracks, 2) the power sources, 3) different heads and some 4) options like special lenses and dimmer switches…

Standards

Track kits provide all of the parts you need for a successful installation. But you may want to personalize and choose to buy the tracks, the connectors, the heads and other parts and accessories separately.

Just be aware with standards. Different companies have different track standards… When choosing, do not forget that fixtures and other parts should fit each other, that is, they should obey to the same standard.

Lights

Track lighting involves traditional halogen lamps (PAR, MR16), but also metal halide and the newer and more energy-efficient LED and compact fluorescent lamps (CFL).

Traditional options involve...

- PAR lamps (line voltage halogen lamps), which have good optics, excellent color quality and are relatively energy-efficient;
- MR-16 bulbs, which belong to the low-voltage halogen lamps family.

This last type of lamps is very precise in their beam control, and is great for accent lighting and energy-efficiency.

Fluorescent lights are an established alternative, especially for cases demanding long hours of operation. LEDs are a newer alternative, excellent for directional uses.

Choose fluorescent and LEDs (and dedicated fixtures) for larger uses. They demand an initial higher investment, but you will benefit from larger energy savings.

Line voltage vs. Low-voltage track

You have also two alternatives in what concerns track fixtures:

1) low-voltage and
2) line-voltage.

Low-voltage tracks demand a 12V current (and a transformer to get it from the 120V current). Most low voltage fixtures use lamps up to 50W.

Most of the heads for low voltage lamps have the transformer built into them, and can be PAR and MR-16 lamps, available in many hardware stores. But there are now new heads for new bulbs (CFL and LEDs)…

Line-voltage doesn’t demand any transformer (it operates with the standard 120V current), and involves a cheaper initial investment and a wider set of lamps. But in the long run low-voltage fixtures are more energy efficient and cost effective.

Dimmer switches

Track lighting involves some important specific features that you may want to consider, like dimmer switches.

Dimmer switches enable us to adjust lights up or down, in order to set the right mood or performance, and to get energy savings by lowering the use of lighting.

Power issues

Usually, track lighting is powered by one of two ways: through a standard outlet (with cord-and-plug connectors) or through a junction box, often in the ceiling. Ceiling junction boxes are often associated and hidden under canopies.

Lenses

Lenses are a little but eventually important feature you may add to your track lights, to create special effects by altering their color and shape.

Suspension kits

Some companies offer track suspension kits – a useful feature in case of loft and high ceilings, to get more effective lighting. These kits enable to hang track lights from a high ceiling, bringing the light source closer.