A GUIDE ON TRACKLIGHTING FOR YOUR HOME INTERIORS
Tracks are easy to install, even when remodeling or repainting a room, because power is usually already available in the wiring of the existing ceiling light. Track lights are perfect when you want to highlight objects with light or work under a directional work light.
Track lighting is a modern light that is suitable for both new construction and renovated spaces in existing houses.
Tracks are versatile and allow flexibility in size, placement and styles of equipment.
The lights can be aimed at any artwork, worktops, walls or other elements of the room as needed, so they are endlessly useful if you want to change your furniture or artwork from time to time. Use white headers to match the ceiling or make a statement with black or silver headers.
When to use runway lighting
Tracks are particularly useful when a room has an existing electrical box in the ceiling but needs additional light directed throughout the room. For example, install a track in an older kitchen or home office when you can replace an outdated ceiling light with a track that directs light exactly where you need it – onto work surfaces and into pantries or cupboards.
Where to place track lights
Run a straight path along the ceiling of the corridor and aim the lights at the drawing on any wall.
Customize the track to suit your kitchen space. The U-shaped configuration allows you to place the light exactly where you need it - over the island or on the worktop.
Install the rail 20 to 40 inches from the walls in the room.
Consider installing a track to highlight a large collection of artwork hung above a mantelpiece or on a wall, as the heads can be adjusted to point to specific areas of the display.
A track installed in a dark cabinet allows you to place several heads exactly where you need light - on clothes or shelves.
Higher ceilings can be supported by rail units that are dropped from the central location of the distribution box or via shafts or cable systems.
Make sure that the guide heads do not interfere with the operation of doors, cabinets or other moving elements in the room.
Dimensioning
Heads are available in large, small and mini sizes.
Track lighting is manufactured in specific lengths (such as 4- or 8-foot sections), although sections of track can be joined with straight, L-, or T-shaped connectors.
Basics
• When purchasing a strip light, purchase all parts from one manufacturer as the components are not interchangeable.
• Power passes through the track to drive each light head that is attached to the track.
• Heads can usually be pointed in any direction or rotated up or down or side to side as needed.
Types of light bulbs for track lighting
Before selecting the heads and track for your system, you may want to select the bulb type you prefer.
• Mains voltage halogen bulbs (also known as PAR bulbs) are good all-purpose bulbs for most applications.
• MR16s (also known as low voltage halogens) are best for accent lighting and also require transformers either on each fixture head or installed in the ceiling.
When to skip track lighting
• Track lighting is specialized lighting and is not intended to be used as general room lighting.
• Rooms with low ceilings are not good candidates for track lighting as the heads hang down from the ceiling and can be an obstacle.
• Finally, consider other lighting alternatives for spaces that are decorated very traditionally or formally, where track lighting may have an overly contemporary look.
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