Track lighting is one of the most popular lighting systems used in residential and commercial settings today.
However, it is important to note its' application as it should not be used solely as ambient lighting since it will not provide general light throughout the room.
Track lighting can be thought of as a "spotlight" as it is directional and performs well when used for task or accent lighting.
There are some major advantages to using track lighting in comparison to other lighting systems.
The major two advantages are the ease of installation and its' versatility.
Only one junction box is required as other light fixtures require their own specific power source and surface mounting is easy.
Secondly, you will have a wide choice of lamp styles to suit your style and can be changed at any time to change the style.
Prior to picking out a tracking system and elements, it is important to determine what are the specific lighting needs you want the lighting system to fulfill.
If you should decide you want the track lighting system for ambient light, keep in mind you will need additional lighting fixtures to provide more illumination for the room.
Generally, track lighting is used as a complementary lighting system to others in the room.
Track lighting systems are perfect for accent lighting for different elements in the room, such as show cabinets and pictures.
This is where the versatility of track lighting works its magic; you can use the adjustable lamp heads to focus on the element you want to spotlight.
It is generally recommended to angle the track heads at 30 degrees to lessen any glare.
Task Lighting is a very specific lighting configuration that illuminates small areas where light is needed for various tasks.
It is perfect for general preparation areas, reading and work areas.
Moderate voltage track lighting is an ideal choice for task lighting, as it is energy efficient and well suited to illuminate counter spaces and kitchen islands.
Once you have your lighting needs better defined, it's time to select the track.
There are many styles today but the four most common are the Standard, the Monorail, the Two-Circuit Monorail and the Cable.
The Standard track is a consumer-friendly system that is attached directly to the ceiling with screws.
This is linear system, and can be shaped into "L", "T", and "H" patterns with 90° angles.
The Monorail track is straight rail that suspends from the ceiling at uniform level throughout.
Monorail is usually flexible, with some designs even being hand-bendable.
If you are going to bend the flexible track, it is advisable to bend at one foot increments and at a 30 degree angle.
The Two-Circuit Monorail Track design resembles the standard monorail, and are literally two tracks built into one.
They allow individual lights on a single track run to be connected to two separate switches, providing greater lighting ability.
Components for single-circuit and two-circuit systems can be incompatible with each other, so it is important to be aware of this when making installation.
The last track design is cable.
A cable system is comprised of double strands of conductive wire with fixtures hanging between them.
It is perfect for rooms where track cannot be mounted to the ceiling, as it displays turnbuckles installed into the walls.
You will have a variety of elements from which to select for your track.
Track heads consist of directional and spot lights, as well as wall wash and ambient fixtures.
These lights are perfect for task and display lighting.
Track pendants are more decorative, but can provide good down lighting for areas such as kitchen islands or counter and sink areas.
Pendant lighting is such a popular trend in kitchen lighting today so this would be a good choice.
As far as installation, most track systems are installed over an electrical junction box, although some can be operated by a standard outlet.
Usually, a J-box installation is more appealing to the eye and professional looking, since it has no exposed wiring, but an outlet installation may be more accessible.
A power feed will link the J-box to the track.
Low voltage track systems require the use of transformers, which may be built in or hidden within a wall.
It is important to purchase all your track components from one manufacturer, as they may not be compatible with systems made by other brands.
So make sure to read about the track system carefully in order to be aware of any potential compatibility issues as to avoid headaches in the installation.
However, it is important to note its' application as it should not be used solely as ambient lighting since it will not provide general light throughout the room.
Track lighting can be thought of as a "spotlight" as it is directional and performs well when used for task or accent lighting.
There are some major advantages to using track lighting in comparison to other lighting systems.
The major two advantages are the ease of installation and its' versatility.
Only one junction box is required as other light fixtures require their own specific power source and surface mounting is easy.
Secondly, you will have a wide choice of lamp styles to suit your style and can be changed at any time to change the style.
Prior to picking out a tracking system and elements, it is important to determine what are the specific lighting needs you want the lighting system to fulfill.
If you should decide you want the track lighting system for ambient light, keep in mind you will need additional lighting fixtures to provide more illumination for the room.
Generally, track lighting is used as a complementary lighting system to others in the room.
Track lighting systems are perfect for accent lighting for different elements in the room, such as show cabinets and pictures.
This is where the versatility of track lighting works its magic; you can use the adjustable lamp heads to focus on the element you want to spotlight.
It is generally recommended to angle the track heads at 30 degrees to lessen any glare.
Task Lighting is a very specific lighting configuration that illuminates small areas where light is needed for various tasks.
It is perfect for general preparation areas, reading and work areas.
Moderate voltage track lighting is an ideal choice for task lighting, as it is energy efficient and well suited to illuminate counter spaces and kitchen islands.
Once you have your lighting needs better defined, it's time to select the track.
There are many styles today but the four most common are the Standard, the Monorail, the Two-Circuit Monorail and the Cable.
The Standard track is a consumer-friendly system that is attached directly to the ceiling with screws.
This is linear system, and can be shaped into "L", "T", and "H" patterns with 90° angles.
The Monorail track is straight rail that suspends from the ceiling at uniform level throughout.
Monorail is usually flexible, with some designs even being hand-bendable.
If you are going to bend the flexible track, it is advisable to bend at one foot increments and at a 30 degree angle.
The Two-Circuit Monorail Track design resembles the standard monorail, and are literally two tracks built into one.
They allow individual lights on a single track run to be connected to two separate switches, providing greater lighting ability.
Components for single-circuit and two-circuit systems can be incompatible with each other, so it is important to be aware of this when making installation.
The last track design is cable.
A cable system is comprised of double strands of conductive wire with fixtures hanging between them.
It is perfect for rooms where track cannot be mounted to the ceiling, as it displays turnbuckles installed into the walls.
You will have a variety of elements from which to select for your track.
Track heads consist of directional and spot lights, as well as wall wash and ambient fixtures.
These lights are perfect for task and display lighting.
Track pendants are more decorative, but can provide good down lighting for areas such as kitchen islands or counter and sink areas.
Pendant lighting is such a popular trend in kitchen lighting today so this would be a good choice.
As far as installation, most track systems are installed over an electrical junction box, although some can be operated by a standard outlet.
Usually, a J-box installation is more appealing to the eye and professional looking, since it has no exposed wiring, but an outlet installation may be more accessible.
A power feed will link the J-box to the track.
Low voltage track systems require the use of transformers, which may be built in or hidden within a wall.
It is important to purchase all your track components from one manufacturer, as they may not be compatible with systems made by other brands.
So make sure to read about the track system carefully in order to be aware of any potential compatibility issues as to avoid headaches in the installation.
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