What does track lighting look like?

Track light systems have two main parts. One is the track, which is wired to power and holds the conductors for the heads. It looks, in cross-section, like a square “U,” or a square that has the center part of one side missing. This is the part that's mounted to the ceiling or wall, with the opening facing down or out.

Then, are there different types of track lighting?

There are three types of track: H, J, and L. The terms come from the manufacturers that set the standards for each type: Halo, Juno, and Lightolier. The different types do have some similarities.

Furthermore, how do track lights work? Track lighting is a method of lighting where light fixtures are attached anywhere on a continuous track device which contains electrical conductors. This is in contrast to directly routing electrical wiring to individual light positions.

Likewise, how do I choose track lighting?

In general, you'll want to place track heads on linear and monorail track every 12 to 24-inches. You can place lights closer together for a specific use, such as lighting a work area, but keep them at least 4” apart. Many track systems can be used on sloped ceilings, or even on a wall surface.

What is the difference between track and rail lighting?

At the most basic level, track is a line-voltage, 120-volt system; monorail is usually a low-voltage, 12-volt system. Monorail, on the other hand, will require a calculation between the light fixtures you want to use and the transformer required to run the system. The other major difference is aesthetics and design.

35 Related Question Answers Found

Is track light bright enough?

One of the most popular ways to use track lighting is in hallways. Its setup is perfect for a long, narrow area. It is bright enough that you will not need other lighting fixtures, plus you can point the individual lamps at wall hangings or other decor that visitors pass along the walkway.

How many lights can you put on track lighting?

A general track lighting rule is to add no more than one fixture per foot. A 15-amp, 120-volt lighting circuit can support a total of 1,800 watts, but you must deduct 20 percent from the total wattage to avoid overloading the circuit, so the safe capacity of the lighting circuit equals 1,440 watts.

Are track lights universal?

It depends on the system whether or not the fixtures are interchangeable. In short, there are a few types such as J, H, and L track lighting. Most units are interchangeable if they are the same track category. However, you can't simply add in fixtures meant for J track to an H or L track.

Can track lighting be cut to length?

Track lighting consists of a long, thin piece of plastic that is installed on the ceiling to which movable spotlights are attached. Although track lighting comes in standard 4- and 8-foot lengths, you can cut the tracks with a common handsaw to make them fit into smaller installation spaces if needed.

What is the difference between single and two circuit track lighting?

Line voltage track systems are usually split into single circuit or two circuit. The difference is in the wiring. Single circuit allows all fixtures on the run to be wired to one switch. Two circuit allows one run to be wired to two switches which allow for more flexibility.

What are track lights used for?

Track lighting systems are versatile lighting solutions that can be used to power spotlights, floodlights, pendant lights or any other fixtures with the proper adapter and voltage.

What is the best track lighting systems?

Best Track Lighting – Buyer's Guide

Lithonia 3-Light LED Lighting Kit – Sleek and Modern Design.
Globe Electric 58959 Samara – Understated Modern Decor.
CANARM James 4 Bulbs – Elegant Lighting with Tons of Style Options.
HowPlumb 4 Light – Best For Kitchen.
Quoizel DH1404PN Duchess – Add Stunning Beauty to Any Home.

How do I change track lighting?

How to replace dated Track lights

Turn off ALL electricity to the room/ fixture. Back to The Home Depot I went.
Remove the Old Track Light. My track was screwed into the beam, so I simply needed a drill to unscrew the track from the ceiling.
Disconnect Wires.
Reconnect the new wires.
Reattach the track.
Attach the new lights.

What can I replace track lighting with?

What type of light should replace track lighting in a kitchen. As the direction in lightening is LED, definitely replace it with either fixtures that have integrated LED lights built into them, or ones that takes screw-in LED lightbulbs.

What type of lighting is best for kitchens?

Incandescent light provides soft, warm yellowish light, usually used for recessed cans or downlights. Halogen lights produce a crisp white light that is appropriate for task lighting; fluorescent lights, which have a long life and low energy use, now come in many different shades from warm to cool.

What color light is best for living room?

Soft white/warm white (2700 Kelvin): Best for bedrooms and living rooms; providing a traditional warm, cozy feel to them. Bright white/cool white (4100 Kelvin): Best in kitchens, bathrooms or garages; giving rooms a whiter, more energetic feel.

How do I change track lighting heads?

How to Change Track Lights

Turn the lights off and remove the track light head.
Twist the fixture about a quarter-turn counterclockwise and pull down.
Put on protection gloves, since the bulbs are sometimes sensitive and can break easily.
A plastic ring will be visible around the bulb.
The bulb should come loose.

How long does track lighting last?

Low-voltage track lighting bulbs also last longer; in the case of low-voltage LED systems, the lights can last an impressive 10,000 to 100,000 hours.

How do I get rid of track lighting heads?

Remove Track Lighting Head. RJ, Look for a pull down lock in line with the track. Pull this down and then twist the fixture about a quarter turn to release.

Is Track Lighting good for living room?

Designers now use track lighting extensively in living rooms, bathrooms and even bedrooms. Track lights are perfect when you want to accent certain areas of the room, such as objet d'art or shelving and display units. They are also very helpful in rooms where you need lot of light in particular area to work under.

Is track lighting still popular?

That versatility and the ability to change your mind without having to plug holes in the ceiling is one reason track and rail lighting remains popular. Largesse notes that track lighting still sells surprisingly well.

Can track lighting be wall mounted?

Because it is surface mounted, track is particularly easy to install, especially in remodels. The track is usually mounted to the ceiling but it can be mounted to a wall, a beam or dropped from the ceiling on stems or cables.