Track lights are one of the most versatile lighting systems because the individual fixtures can be positioned anywhere along the track and then swiveled, rotated, and aimed in any direction. Whether you are accenting decorations with spot light track heads or illuminating the kitchen with pendant fixtures, it’s possible to create a variety of different effects and tailor the lights to best accentuate your room.
Track lighting is an easy way to illuminate spaces in modern homes and studios. These lights work well in spaces with both standard and vaulted ceilings. Track light systems are available in various configurations that allow you to have complete creative control. Flexible track lighting can wind and bend in different areas to fit your ceiling, while straight or linear track lighting is best for long hallways or in kitchens where the shape of the ceiling does not change. Most options are adjustable, dimmable, and can provide functional, task and ambient light depending on the room’s needs.
Track lighting consists of a series of lights that run on a metal or plexiglass structure, to which adjustable spotlights or pendant lamps are attached. Specifically, the most common track lighting systems are those using spotlights or lamps mounted on tracks recessed in the ceiling: the tracks can be made of either metal or plastic and can be mounted in such a way that they become practically invisible.
Different types of lights can be mounted on these tracks at the same time, to be directed as required, which can then be easily removed or moved to other positions. Track lighting is often used in the lighting design of particularly large spaces, or for shops or contract environments. The minimalist design of this type of product makes it particularly suitable for contemporary contexts.
Rail lighting styles and materials
As with all types of lighting, it is also important to take into account the furnishing style of the rooms when choosing rail lighting in order to best evaluate the design of the model to be inserted into the context. In general this type of lighting is particularly suitable for contemporary style contexts, due to its linear, minimalist, high-tech design.
For modern style environments you can play with metal and choose aluminium rail lighting systems or steel rail lighting systems. Quite used solutions are also plastic lighting systems, specifically in technopolymer, polycarbonate and ABS.
In reality, however, even in contexts with a slightly more classic style, the track lighting creates a pleasant atmosphere, without being intrusive, in that case it will be good to choose the lighting body of a shape and color that suits the style of the furniture.
For example, for a vintage style furniture, brass and copper track lighting systems are an interesting choice. Another material able to fit well within this type of furniture is glass: in fact, glass lighting systems are widespread, to create atmospheres of light and special transparencies.
Types of Track Lighting Fixtures
Departing from the traditional utilitarian aluminum track, monorail track lighting delivers versatility and functionality with a more aesthetically pleasing look. Monorail systems are excellent for residential spaces. They look great with pendants hanging over kitchen islands or accenting the most important places in the heart of the home.
There are also fixtures that fall under the category of flexible track lighting. This is a great option for creating a unique monorail shape for your unique space. But remember, “flexible track lighting” is not always bendable by hand. Some require a special track bending device. If you are not interested in customizing a monorail yourself but are still interested in unique track lighting, you are in luck because many come pre-formed into cool shapes.
Ways to Use Track Lighting
Track lights are typically used in one of three ways:
- Accent lighting, highlighting a particular object such as a work of art.
- Wall washing, evenly illuminating a wall. Should be used for non-textured vertical surfaces.
- Wall grazing, dramatically highlighting the texture in a wall. Should be used for textured vertical surfaces like brick, stone, or draperies.
Accent Lighting (Best used with halogen light sources):
Measure the distance from the ceiling to the middle of the object being lit. Multiply that number by 0.55 to determine how far away from the wall you should place the track fixture. For example, if you are providing accent lighting for a painting that is three feet below the ceiling (measured from the ceiling to the middle of the painting), you should place the track fixture 1.65 feet away from the wall.*
After you’ve determined the distance from the wall, position the track fixture so that the light makes a 30-degree angle with the wall/vertical surface you are trying to light up. This is the optimal distance to prevent glare and minimize shadows.
Wall Washing (Can be used with either fluorescent or halogen):
Mount the track fixture parallel to the wall. If your ceiling height is 9 feet or lower, place the track about two to three feet from the wall. If the ceiling is between 9 and 11 feet, place the track about three to four feet from the wall.
Then, space the fixtures the same distance apart as the track is from the wall.
Wall Grazing (Can be used with either fluorescent or halogen):
Any time you are aiming for the wall grazing effect, mount the track 6 to 12 inches from the wall. Space the track fixtures 6 to 12 inches apart and aim them downward.
The light source recommendations are based on how well various light sources produce easily-focused light. Wall washing and wall grazing does not require as much of a controlled and focused light source, but this quality is very important in accent lighting.
Save money with LED track lights
There are several light sources for track lighting systems. In modern installations, LED lighting systems are the most common solution. They consume around 80% less energy than normal bulbs and the light produced by LED spotlights can be directed towards the desired area without unnecessarily dispersing the light energy in other directions. This increases the quality of light and at the same time saves a lot of energy.
Another popular lighting model is halogen track lighting. It is not uncommon, in fact, the choice to furnish rooms with halogen and adjustable spotlight rails. Halogen bulbs are considered a classic, but fluorescent track lighting systems also prove to be an excellent alternative.
Track lighting design
Lighting is a fundamental part of the furniture. With a good lighting system it is possible to carry out all kinds of activities in the best possible way, especially if you choose different lighting for each room that is appropriate to the environment.
Track lighting is certainly the preferred choice for very large rooms that require different lighting points but above all where a great deal of flexibility is required.
Ideal lighting therefore in museums, to illuminate the various works on display from above, or in shops, to create different points of light to be directed on the goods on display. The track lighting also makes it possible to change the direction and position of the spotlights, thus adapting to the constant changes that environments such as museums and shops undergo.
In work contexts, such as an open-plan office, track lighting is obviously an intelligent choice, because it allows the light to be directed to the individual workstations and its configuration to be adapted to any changes in the furnishings, both for impromptu meetings and in the case of major reorganization’s of work groups.
For a more demanding clientele, or for architectural environments of a certain value, many designers and planners choose design track lighting, which is distinguished by the more elegant shape of the luminaires, by the choice of exclusive materials, but also by the fact that the track itself can become a decorative element, designing particular paths, which voluntarily underline certain profiles or disappear into the architecture, leaving room only for the design of the light.
Track lighting makes inspiring worlds of commerce come to life
Track lighting has long been used as a creative tool to compose an attractive, exciting and inviting environment in all types of merchandising spaces. These spaces can range from department stores, supermarkets, designer outlets, specialty shops, clothing and jewelry stores to commercial showrooms and exhibition spaces for automobiles, furniture, consumer electronics and appliances. In the world of merchandising, appearance is everything. Visual appearance of a product or a space lies upon the characteristics of the lighting applied. Lighting for retail environments and commercial showrooms should not be considered just a functional necessity, it also undertakes the task to provide visual communication between the vendor and the consumer.
Retail and showroom lighting is a complex work of art
Retail and showroom lighting is about reinforcing positive emotions and creating engaging experiences. Beyond an intricate architectural space and interior decor, lighting is the single most important design element that rounds out a presentation concept and conveys a brand’s values and aspirations. Effective, well-designed lighting can pull consumers into the merchandising arena, evoke feelings associated with the brand itself, influence consumer behavior, trigger impulses to buy, and leave a positive impression that lasts. Merchandise lighting must fulfill the function of attracting customers with drama, showcasing products creatively to boost their appeal, aiding in evaluation of merchandise, and enhancing the feel and look of a space. For lighting to speak to these goals, various types of light—general (also called ambient), task and accent—are layered together within a merchandising space.
Retail lighting must be adaptive
The ever-changing nature of retail business and hyper-competitive commercial environment impose a high expectation on lighting. Track lighting addresses the demand for a highly flexible and dynamic lighting solution. It is capable of delivering ambient, accent, task, and wall wash lighting that adjusts to varying store layouts and room concepts. The trend towards flexible store concepts calls for a lighting solution that meets up with the need for a flexible, complete, future-proof lighting scheme. Lighting must be flexible enough to adapt to changing product ranges and campaign offers, react to the latest retail design trends and shifting consumer behaviors, and cater to the specific lighting preferences associated with a brand architecture. Excellent rotation and tilt adjustability as well as movable installation lends track lighting to creating dynamics in constantly changing commercial environments.
Accent lighting
Track lighting is vital to accentuation of merchandise, which creates a focal point and brings out the best of a product. Accent lighting is the most important component of a layered lighting design in merchandising lighting applications. It establishes the importance, enhances the prominence and elevates the attributes of merchandise through the use of luminance contrast. Accent lighting aims concentrated beams of light at the center of the attraction to create a strong focal effect and heighten levels of attention. A 5:1 ratio of accent lighting to general illumination makes merchandise stand out and draws out the shape, texture, finish and color of merchandise. Strong contrasts, such as a 15:1 or 30:1 illuminance ratio, are used to bring out detail in dark merchandise or to create sparkle in jewelry and crystal. In addition to reinforcing design aesthetics and revealing the true character and quality of merchandise, the luminance contrast also creates a hierarchy of importance on the merchandising arena or selling floor.
Mechanical and electrical configuration
A commercial track lighting system consists of two parts: the track system and the luminaries (track heads). The mechanical and electrical configurations of the track system are among the most important factors that have to be taken into consideration when evaluating a track lighting system. A track or rail is designed to support track luminaries and allows them to be selectively moved and or oriented for the best possible illumination angles. It also accepts power from an external AC power source or low voltage power supply and delivers power to the track heads. It is common to see line voltage tracks because they’re capable of deliver long runs necessary for commercial applications.
Track systems come in one-circuit or multi-circuit configurations. The use of multi-circuit track eliminates the need for long, separate fed runs and permits individual circuit control with switches, dimmers or timers. Maximum power rating for a typical 120V track is 2400 watts per circuit. A two-circuit track can power twice as many fixtures as a one-circuit track for the same length. However, this power handling capacity is only available when two 20 Amp feeds of the two-circuit track (sharing a neutral) are on different phases. If both circuits are on the same phase, the common neutral two-circuit track allows for only 20 amp service. The use of independent neutrals gives a two-circuit track twice the power handling capacity of ordinary common neutral track. It also eliminates cross-circuit interference and neutral harmonics that can cause unwanted interaction between dimmers.
Track construction
Tracks are made of extruded aluminum and include raceways that allow the line voltage conductors and data lines to run through. The live circuit and neutral conductors are typically made of 12-gauge solid copper with firmly crimped thermoplastic insulation. A complete selection of push-in connectors allows tracks to be joined together with ease to make continuous straight or custom runs. To ensure safe operation polarity of the entire run must be maintained and the track system has a grounding capability. Tracks can be surface mounted, suspended on stems or threaded rods, or recessed into the ceiling.
Track heads
Track heads can be positioned at any point on a linear electrified track through the use of an adapter that is designed to be compatible with a specific type of track systems (e.g. the H-, L- or J-track systems). Every luminaire comes with a track adapter that attaches the luminaire to the track for electrical connection and mechanical securement. LED track luminaires fall in two categories: lamp-based luminaires and integrated luminaires. Lamp-based LED luminaires by their very nature are assemblies of lamp holders and LED lamps, which essentially carry the forms and light distribution patterns of traditional lighting systems. These luminaires use directional LED lamps such as MR16, AR111, PAR16, PAR20, PAR30, PAR38, BR20, BR30, and BR40 lamps to provide lighting in a predetermined beam angle and lumen package. The light fixture is basically a holder that houses the light source, accepts accessories to the lamp, and provides aiming adjustability. A lamp-based LED luminaire that use low voltage light sources, such as a multifaceted reflector (MR) lamp, comes with an additional transformer that reduces a line voltage to the an operational voltage.
Lamp-based LED lighting
Lamp-based LED luminaires, despite their ability to outperform traditional halogen, metal halide and fluorescent fixtures in terms of efficacy and lifetime, are systems with an outdated design. LED lamps are retrofit devices designed to match the shapes and sizes of conventional lamps. The space constraint of conventional lamps poses challenges to build full-featured or high-performing electrical and thermal systems into the retrofit devices. There’s also a cost constraint. Conventional lamps are commodity products, this means their successors have to survive on a tight budget. As a result, retrofit LED lamps are typically compromised in performance and reliability. LEDs are complex devices capable of delivering significantly high performance and reliability than all the conventional lamps only when their main components, especially the driver circuit and thermal management system, are adequately designed to support the failure free operation of the LEDs. The operational characteristics of LEDs impose a systems approach to luminaire design.
Integrated track lights
An integrated LED luminaire is constructed with a dedicated light engine which is built to unlock the full potential of the light source. An LED light engine for use in track luminaires is an integrated assembly of LED modules and a heat sink. It also allows package-level or board-level integration of secondary optics. The light engine can be an independent light assembly or can be the entire track head when the luminaire implements a fixture-as-heat-sink design. The objectives of integrated design are to provide the LEDs with sufficient cooling capacity, to regulate luminous flux from the light source in a more efficient way, and to free the design of driver and control circuitry from space constraints. An integrated LED track luminaire features a die cast aluminum construction which is intended to increase the total surface area for heat dissipation. With a thermal path along which the thermal resistance of all the components is reduced to a minimum, the heat generated within the semiconductor package is efficiently dissipated to the surrounding air. Proper thermal management is essential to color stability and lumen stability of LEDs.
Optical design
Through the use of precision engineered package- or board-level optics, virtually every lumen produced by the LED source can be extracted and delivered precisely where it is needed. Integrated LED luminaires come with a suite of light distribution options range from spot accentuation through wide beam floodlighting to axially symmetric beams and asymmetrical wall washing beams. Total internal reflection (TIR) optics, which capitalize on characteristics unique to LEDs, are commonly used in track spots to create clean, tight, high CBCP beams with FWHM divergence as small as 3 degrees. Punchy beams and high efficiency optical regulation can be achieved with faceted reflectors. Tight, clean, unstriated beams allow accent lighting to accomplish it ultimate goal of creating visual excitement and heightening drama. When homogeneous illumination is demanded for task lighting, general lighting and wall washing, the polymer lenses and metallized reflectors can be sculpted to create smooth, well-defined beams with high uniformity of light distribution. Optical design for directional luminaires also include considerations for glare control, which is typically accomplished through source regression, and the use of hoods and louvers.
Color reproduction
Color is a powerful merchandising and branding tool. Merchandise must be illuminated with a light source that renders all colors in a natural and pleasant manner and can create positive impression about merchandise. The color characteristics of a light source depend on the amount of energy emitted at each wavelength of the visible radiation spectrum. To bring out rich colors and stunning whites in products on display, the spectral power distribution (SPD) of a light source must be balanced in exact proportions to ensure an adequate amount of spectral content is distributed in every wavelength.
White LEDs are most commonly blue-pump devices. High color rendering can be achieved with these light sources when the make-up of their phosphor down-converter is optimized for broad spectrum photoluminescence. To create a highly balanced spectrum, some products take advantage of violet-pump LEDs which use violet LED chips to pump a system of red, green and blue phosphors. The color render index (CRI) of light sources for retail accent lighting applications is often greater than 90.
Color temperature
Chromaticity (color appearance of light) is also dictated by the spectral composition. The selection of correlated color temperature (CCT), which defines the apparent color of light on a scale of warmer to cooler color, should support the respective design goal of each applications.
CCTs are available in many standard color options, including 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, and 5000K. Factors that come into play for choosing light source CCTs include the visual perception of the merchandise, and the emotional, physiological and psychological effects on human body. Color consistency is another dimension of consideration with regard to chromaticity.
Consistency in the appearance of light (from luminaire to luminaire and within the beam of light) is critical to success of any lighting installation. An efficient chromaticity binning strategy of the LEDs must be implemented to keep color variations under tight control.
Driver and control circuitry
The driver and control circuitry of an integrated LED track head is either built into the luminaire or housed in a dedicated gear box. The configuration and electrical performances of LED driver circuits determines, exclusively or largely, the most crucial parameters of an LED luminaire such as lifespan, efficiency, harmonic distortions, dimming range and flickering.
An AC-DC LED driver typically provides full-wave rectification, power factor correction (PFC), switching regulation, and executes sub-tasks sequentially or in parallel for tight regulation and control on the current output provided to the LED load. The LED load of track luminaires is typically dimmed through constant current reduction (CCR), and the driver may be designed to work with phase control dimmers.
Track systems that are static or non-addressable systems do not allow selective control of luminaires mounted on a circuit. This means all luminaires on the same circuit respond to control signals in the same fashion.
Individual control of an addressable track head or a group of luminaires is accomplished by incorporating data lines or building wireless connectivity into the luminaires. These addressable track systems can be controlled through a wire protocol such as DALI or DMX, or a wireless protocol such as ZigBee, Z-Wave or Bluetooth.
Track lighting for every room
Even in the home, track lighting is a winning choice, especially in some rooms. The kitchen, for example, is among the rooms that most need well-designed lighting: in addition to providing an entrance for natural light, artificial sources must be well designed for optimal illumination of the work areas.
An LED track is an excellent solution because it provides good direct illumination of the worktop and the cooking area, but at the same time guarantees a homogeneous diffusion of light throughout the room.
In the living area, track lighting can also be an excellent option: with track mounted spotlights we can create different lighting areas, on the sofa, on the dining table, or for a reading corner or even for playing the piano. The advantage of using track lighting in large rooms is that you can concentrate the light directly where you need it, without dispersion, with an economic advantage, especially if you choose LED spotlights.
Another important advantage not to be underestimated is that the installation of a track, on which to place the various lighting points, allows to have differently illuminated areas even in case of a single electrical connection, unlike traditional lighting that needs various electrical connections, ceiling and wall.
Choosing the Best Track Lighting
Several factors matter for choosing the best track lighting systems for your home, including flexible or straight types, the power source involved and the fixtures you want to hang from the track. Each type will be primarily powered from the electrical box in the ceiling with line voltage or low voltage, and can also be powered in the middle of a run or at the end. Modern track lighting systems can accommodate different types of track lighting fixtures including mini pendants and directional spotlights.
You may prefer only track pendants or only track heads, or you can mix fixtures on your system. You will need to also have the correct parts and accessories to make it work. From rails, adapters and power supplies, having the right components for your application is key. For sloped or vaulted ceiling track lighting, a standoff vault adapter kit is essential for installation.
High quality at museum gallery level LED track lights to come from Rodec Light one of the best-LED track lighting manufacturers and suppliers in China. Rodec Light focuses on the design, development, and production of LED track light fixtures over 10 years. At the same time, Rodec Light provides complete LED track lighting systems solutions, including track lights, guide rails and LED connectors. If you are engaged in the business of track lamps, you can purchase all the accessories from Rodec Light.
How to Use Track Lighting for Commercial Spaces？
Except for professional track light for Museum & Gallery area application, like a commercial, cafes, stores, and residential homes how to choose led track light?
- Different designs styles of track light body: round/square/rectangle and linear types;
- Different body colors: white & black or customized color;
- Deep anti-glare with honeycomb, URG<16, is ideal for many types of retail space;
- Can be rotated and tilted at different angles and this ease of adjustability can help to keep pace with a frequently evolving retail environment;
- Different mounted, like track adapter, surface base, the integrated driver with adapter, etc.
- Dimmable track lighting is available and designed to give more control over the brightness and ambiance required of your ceiling lights, like TRIAC DIM,0-10V, and DALI.
- Compatible with many circuit track lighting systems;
- When designed correctly and selecting the most suitable type of track lighting fixtures, the best features of any retail or commercial space.
How To Light The Museum & Gallery Area With LED Track Lights?
Rodec Light supplied Led track light product Family is a track lighting system. Standard track lights include round or square or with a narrow mounting edge, adjustable, fixed, or as a wall washer. Zoomable track light beam angle can be adjustable from 10~60degree, 50*50mm square track light also professional. Top-quality shapable track lights satisfy the needs of all different shapes and sizes in the same space, such as the creation of Buddha light.
- COB Track Light has the characteristics of high reliability, uniform light emission, and high color rendering index, and is widely used in downlights, spotlights, ceiling lights, bathroom track lights, etc. For Museum & Gallery Area always using CRI95.
- Zoomable track light can be adjustable beam angle on the lamp lens, KLM 045Z series beam angle can do 10~60Ddegree. Decorative zoom led track light to enhance elegance and beauty in the installation spaces.
- The shapeable LED track light is designed for museum lighting or any special lighting purpose that requires the light output to be a certain shape. The Framing Projector uses two lenses for precise focus adjustment to highlight artwork and wall décor or project images, signs, and corporate logos.
- Wall Wash Architectural LED Track Light, is designed to light up the walls evenly and make a statement on your accent wall. Wall Wash Architectural LED Track Light, is designed to light up the walls evenly and make a statement on your accent wall. This type of light “washes” the wall or an area of the wall with illumination, it is an excellent choice for commercial, retail, and hospitality applications.
Why is Rodec Light Hidden track light popular?
Perfect for contemporary homes, offices, and workspaces, high-end retail, and small rooms where space is a premium, Rodec Light hidden track lighting keeps the ceiling clean and unadorned;
- Hidden track light with magnetic function, free move & free adjustable;
- Exclusive track bar design for single or double line;
- Hidden track bar with strip light combination design;
- 24/48V low voltage,100% safe;
- Diversity of styles;
- A hidden light track bar can do seamless connect;
- A hidden light track bar specifically design with Gypsum together;
- 4wire can do single or group control;
- Sand white or sand black color option;
- Easy install;
- A hidden track bar inside with a strip light for indirectly lighting;
- The magnetic function can free adjustable track light for any angle;
- Common track bar & Gypsum track bar option;
- 24/48V low voltage, safe touch;
We sell everything you need for flexible and adjustable LED track lighting for clothing store track lighting, art gallery track lighting, office track lighting, lobby track lighting, dealership track lighting, retail store track lighting and hundreds of other commercial spaces. Begin shopping today by email: service@rodec-light.com on how we can help make your track lighting project a success!
Professional Track light for Museum & Gallery; Anti-Glare design track light with honeycomb for commercial lighting design.
Rodec Light Manufactures Various LED track lights for Your Business.
