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Track lighting: When lighting concepts know no limits
Purchase sufficient tracks to cover the length. Allow for T-, X- and corner connectors. Decide between an end power feed and a central power feed. Incorporate a switch component for controlling individual lighting areas separately via remote control.
No, track lighting systems are not the easiest way of lighting up a living space, but they are the most individual kind of lighting. If you know a bit about it and are not afraid of reaching for your ladder, folding ruler, pencil and drill, planning and installing the system can even be fun! This guide aims to point you in the right direction.
The reward for your efforts - lighting that is...
- extremely sophisticated,
- easily extendible
- always truly unique due to its individuality!
When is track lighting used?
One good reason for choosing a track lighting system over standard ceiling lights, for example, is that there is only one power connection on the ceiling of your room. Another thing that tack lighting kits are really good at is providing a room with ‘complex’ lighting.
“Complex” means that you would like to create different pools of light, e.g. above the kitchen table as well as attractively highlighting pictures on the wall, as shown in the picture. Also, ‘complex’ can mean that you want to provide decent lighting in irregularly shaped rooms where a standard ceiling light leaves too many dark areas.
This is what ‘complex’ means in a private home.
Track lighting systems are used much more frequently in the commercial sector. After all, ‘complex’ is standard here - in chain stores, for example, spotlights and pendant lights that can be flexibly repositioned at any time to light up the changing range of products. In museums, they provide targeted lighting for changing exhibits.
In all areas of application, both private and commercial, it is the high flexibility of track lighting - even after installation - that gives it its value.
What is the difference between high-voltage and low-voltage track lighting?
High-voltage track lighting is connected to the standard mains power of 230 volts. Since there is no transformer, there is no minimum load. This means that additional lights can (largely) be added without any problem and without overloading the track lighting system.
Low-voltage track lighting systems work with 12 volts, for which a transformer is required. In low-voltage track lighting systems, ensure the transformer is not overloaded.
And that is where we, or to be precise our specialist consultants, come into play! Call us on +44 20 3514 3658 or message us using our contact form. Tell us what you are planning, or plan everything with us right from the start. We will help you to achieve the best possible lighting for your project!
Can track lighting be controlled via smartphone or remote control?
Operating smart light bulb via smartphone or remote control – such as changing the luminous colour, diming or customising the light – is a popular functionality among our customers.
Of course, if track lighting is the most flexible of all lighting systems, that ought to work here too!
And indeed, it does. Take the Paulmann URail track lighting system, for example. All that is needed for this is the relevant remote control and a switching component in a specific section of the track lighting system. The section behind this can then be controlled via remote control. Of course, the switch can also be positioned at the start of the entire system and then be controlled by the touch of a button.
What lights can be incorporated into the system?
Which lights are compatible with which track lighting system? In our categories, all components are conveniently sorted by the track lighting systems we offer. For instance, the Paulmann URail system can be fitted with spotlights, pendant lights, flat light panels, hanging lights with fabric lampshades, downlights and more.
Track lighting provides a lot of scope for creativity! Imagine a spotlight that provides targeted lighting for your armchair in the corner of the room; a little hanging light for the side table and several downlights providing basic light output in the room.
For all these variations, several power connections would usually be required on the ceiling and the wall. However with track lighting, you only need a single power connection!
How is a track lighting system installed?
From the outset, we recommend you call upon the services of a qualified electrician. Just how complex a system like this can be (depending on your wishes and requirements) can be seen below, using the Paulmann URail system by way of example. A rough step by step procedure would be as follows:
- Determine the shape of the room, track lighting is super convenient for L-, T- or U-shaped rooms.
- Measure the room and plan the areas to be lit.
- The system is connected via a ceiling power outlet (only one is required – super handy).
- The power feed required is based on the direction in which the track lighting system is to run. So, in the case of a track lighting kit that runs in two directions from the power outlet (e.g. in an L-shaped room), a central power feed is required. If the track lighting system runs in just one direction, an end power feed is required. If the power outlet is shifted from the start of the track lighting system, but is similar to an end power feed, a so-called monkey swing should be used.
- Tracks come in different lengths. These are connected to one another by connectors, i.e. straight connectors, corner connectors, T- and X-connectors, height-adjustable connectors and flex connectors.
- A switch element is connected up from areas that can be controlled separately. Similar to a connector, the switch element is positioned before areas that can be controlled separately.
- Clip lights to the track lighting system, slide on, align them and screw them in tightly. Please note: Despite the high voltage, track lighting systems such as the URail system also have a maximum load. In this instance, they may only loaded with a maximum of 1000 watts.
Want to work with us to plan your system and ensure you have not forgotten about an important part at the end? Call us on +353 1 699 2138 or write to us using our contact form.