TRACK LIGHTING components: SECTIONS, HEADS, transformers, Lamps...
A track lighting system comprises a 1) track section; 2) fixtures or heads and 3); the lamps (light bulbs) and eventually 4) some accessories.
Standards
Be aware: there are different track standards. And you must purchase fixtures and accessories that fit the track section.
Kits
There are kits providing all the parts you need to install a track lighting system. But in many solutions it's better to choose the different parts separately.
Tracks
Track sections (or simply tracks or track circuits) are the surface mounted channels that hold the heads or fixtures in place.
Tracks bring power to the heads, and can be just a small section-base or an extended section differently configured through connectors.
Different companies offer different standards; tracks, heads and accessories should conform to the same standard...
Mounting
Tracks are usually mounted to the walls or to the ceiling, or dropping from it using cables and pendants (for high and sloped ceilings).
Transformers
Low voltage lighting fixtures are usually equipped with an electronic transformer that brings 120 volts current down to 12 volts, allowing the use of low voltage lamps.
The transformer is usually a rectangular block on the base of the fixture, connecting it to the track. Transformers generally work with low voltage electronic dimmers.
Track systems are very versatile.
Track lighting systems are very versatile: many tracks can be expanded or reconfigured, allowing heads to be moved around, added, changed or pointed differently.
There are several possible track configurations: the "L" layout, the "T" layout, the cross layout, the “H” layout, and so on. Choosing one or another depends on what you need and intend.
These extended configurations are often obtained by using connectors, that is, small pieces that connect one track rail to another (see image).
Just do not forget the compatibility issue. Most of the times, the tracks of a company do not fit with other tracks of other companies.
Heads
There are a large variety of track fixtures (track heads) to choose from. But the differences are often aesthetical and without interference on the light: they may look very different, but most hold the same lamps/light bulbs.
Most track heads use directional lamps (light bulbs), but offer includes not only PAR lamps (for line voltage solutions) but also other halogen lamps and fluorescent and LEDs (see: Track lights)..
See also: