What Is Track Lighting, And How Do I Get It Installed?

The use of lighting in your home has its obvious reason; you want to illuminate an area where you can perform whatever activities intended to be done there. However, the world of lighting is in no way limited, and there are multiple options for whether you need soft or bright light. And also, lighting is not always used for obvious reasons. People often look for lighting that can make their space look aesthetic and attractive to the eyes.

With so many options for lighting online and offline, it is easy for you to get lost in the choices and conflict with your decisions. Furthermore, what you want from your lighting will also play a role in choosing. So, what if we talk about track lighting in particular? 

You should know that there are not only various options for them, but the information you will find about them is also unclear in most cases. However, there are obvious reasons why track lighting information is so conflicting. This is mainly because of the uniqueness of track lighting. 

But if you want a straightforward answer to what track lighting is, you will find it here today! Let’s end your confusion about what it is, its types, and how to install track lighting at home. So, firstly we will make you familiar with the meaning of track lighting, followed by its different types and installation process.                                                                           

What Is Track Lighting?

Track lighting is a wall-mounted lighting system that uses rails or tracks to provide electricity down the whole line. Individual lights, also called track heads, can be fixed at any point down the track. Track lighting is categorized as directional lighting, as it illuminates particular areas instead of the room in general. 

Track lights work differently compared to the bulb lighting system. As you may have seen in normal lighting, the current passes through a single bulb only, but the case for track light is quite different. Instead of going to a single bulb, the current passes through the lighting fixture, known as rails or tracks. And from that rail, you will see the current getting distributed to the track lights connected to the line of the current.

The best part about track light is that you can use your current effectively to illuminate the places you are currently using. This is not the case with normal lighting, where the space not even in use gets unnecessary illumination. If you are working in the kitchen, you will need the light to be directed toward your cutting board or whatever you are cooking. There is no need to illuminate the kitchen corners, which is the case in normal lighting.  

So, after understanding the meaning of tracking lighting, we must also study its various categories. 

What Are The Various Types Of Track Lighting?

The basic idea around the working of track lighting involves using tracks and lights in its direction to give your space something unique. Over time, we were introduced to various kinds of track lighting which can suit individuals’ tastes as well as space. However, even when the working is the same, these types can offer something unique to your space. 

So, the tracks, which are commonly known as rails, can be found in four categories. The track lighting types are as follows:

Standard Track Lighting

As its name suggests, it is the conventional track lighting known to many individuals. Standard track lighting is the easiest to install and is usually connected to the ceiling using basic screws.       

The straight track rail is also popularly called linear track lighting because it’s one line of track with connected lighting. 

Swing Arm Track Lighting

It frames only the track’s center, like a traditional lighting fixture. Segments of the track join near a pivot point. You can swing or move the segments to create zigzag or angled lighting designs.

Monorail Track Lighting

Monorail track lighting is unique because they are not connected through the ceiling; instead, they are dropped down from it. It is not mounted straight to the ceiling. Or rather, it swings from bars known as standoffs. 

They come in spiral patterns for a more structured feel. They’re usually low-voltage, but you can also find monorail patterns in 120 volts.

Fixed Track Lighting

Fixed track lighting is the track light type fixed to the wall rather than the ceiling itself. You can use fixed track lighting as a substitute for a typical bathroom vanity light. These have adaptable track heads, such as linear track lighting.

Uses Of Track Lighting In Various Sectors

When we talk about a track light, know that its uses are not limited to home only. In fact, track lighting has many uses in many sectors, including: 

Commercial Track Lighting

Traditionally, trading track lighting is used in many business projects because of its versatility and convenience to adjust according to your requirements.

Industrial Track Lighting

As track lighting can be hung from the roof, it is also utilized in industrial projects for impressive lighting in high ceilings and key task-directed zones.

Retail Track Lighting

Retail track lighting is utilized to highlight store displays and upgrade the entire impression of the area. This kind of lighting features the quality and charm of the store items on offer.

Residential Track Lighting

You can install track lighting throughout the home to feature the family and art heirlooms. It can also be used as task lighting in spaces like the kitchen, bedrooms, and laundry.

How Can You Mount Track Lighting?

Before you decide to start your track lighting project, you should decide on the type of installation method you want for your space. There are various ways to mount track lighting, which include:

Ceiling Track Lighting

This is the simplest and most common method of installing track lighting. The tracks are directly screwed into the roof material and forced against the wall. This way is preferred to be convenient and cost-effective.

Recessed Track Lighting

The process of installing recessed track lighting is the same as installing ceiling track lighting. Although, here, the track assembles inner of the established opening within the bulkhead or ceiling. This technique needs more precision and planning but tends to make for a more clear outcome.

Wall Mounted Track Lighting

The tracks can be installed on the surface exactly as a ceiling as a substitute design feature.

Suspended And Hanging Track Lighting

This technique is used in situations where the height of the ceiling averts impressive lighting or as a voluntary design system used to generate interest.

Read Also :- What Makes Modern Track Lighting For Kitchen A Perfect Choice

How Does Track Lighting Work?

Track lighting has progressed from its commercial, bulky form to a shining, contemporary look that suits any house décor elegantly. Still, the track lighting has remodelled art lighting, giving the greatest adaptability and clarity in the gleam of artwork in residential homes, hallways, and industrial spaces. 

The system of Track lighting is the lighting solution that contains an electrical path that gives strength to a range of track head units. The track consists of copper conductors moving by its longevity, which permits it to illuminate every track head fixture fixed to it.

By placing tracking heads a minimum of four inches apart, we can sketch our track lighting structure to support all light heads you require by developing a lengthy track. Because of this, they are usually a good choice when installing many points of lighting from a welding box without drilling every lighting head into the ceiling. The components of the track lighting system are:

Track Lighting Heads

The track head is the first thing to consider while installing track lighting installations. They are available in various design finishes, options, and guidelines to fit their considered purpose. Suppose several track heads could be fixed with a supplementary, known as a “framing projector.”

These projectors could be adapted so that the light from it strikes in a rectangular or square space that will meet the size and shape of the canvas. These track lightings are mainly functional with bigger artworks, especially big or tall ones. Any canvas above 50 inches will get great focus from a mounting projector compared to an artwork light fixture. LED track lighting heads and Low voltage fixtures are often used because of their property of energy-saving. 

Tracks

Tracks usually come in 4, 6, and 8 feet. Furthermore, the lengths of tracks can be divided and attached to attain any length. Also, the design of a straight-line track can be framed with Left Turn, Cross-beam, Right Turn components. Move inside and outside of the area, down and up elevated ceiling elements, and surround the borders of any area. It makes no difference how big or small the area is.

Tracks come in 8-foot segments. You can simply join together 2 – 4 feet segments. It is better to order the track in 4-foot sections. It reduces the tricky shipping charges and minimizes damaged and lost packages. Generally, the four-foot sections are the finest for working with.

While picking elements for the installation of track lighting, it is important to make sure that your track and track heads are compatible with the common track system. That is the reason you must choose the track type and support it. If you are thinking of purchasing a brand new track head, then you must remember if you contain an L-track, H-track, or J-track. Since these system elements are not replaceable, the head of the L-track light cannot be twinned with an H or J track, as well as vice versa.  

Transformer

In most cases, a transformer is generally needed for low-voltage track lighting equipment that requires a low voltage level compared to what is used in the line voltage. The transformer relinquishes the supply of raw voltage to low voltage levels that are secured as per the power grading of the track lighting equipment.

Installation Of Track Lighting

Suppose you have experience in installing light fixtures. In that case, you will not find much difficulty in installing track lighting at your home or some other space.

Here is the step-by-step guide to the installation process of Track Lighting.

Step 1: Plan Track Lighting Layout

Estimate the distance from the box to the finish point of the track. Use the stud finder to position the joists back of the ceiling drywall. If the deliberate pathway of the track occurs to run under a stud, you will be enabled to use standard screws. If not, try toggle bolts.

Step 2: Cut Track (Optional)

If the track requires to be smaller, most of the tracks can be slit to the tender size with the help of a hacksaw. Deburr the track’s dead end with the help of a metal file. Rejoin the screw and cut-end fitting into place.

Step 3: Remove the Ceiling Light or Faceplate

Detach the present ceiling light and fixing plate. Remove the box if it is shielded with an empty faceplate in place of light. Move the voltage tester that is no longer in contact across the wires to check there is no charged power in the box.

Step 4: Separate the Canopy From Mounting Plate

The metal fixing plate and metallic cover (canopy) might come pre-connected for shipping motives. Detach them by separating the connecting screws. 

Step 5: Attach Track’s Electrical Connector to the Wires

The wired twist-on connector should be connected to the box’s electrical cables. Connect same-color wires like red to red, black to black, or white to white. And also the uncovered copper to uncovered copper or the green one. Turn the given cap of the wire connector over the wires.

Step 6: Install Mounting Plate

Install the metal mounting plate of track light’s with the screws to the electrical box.

Step 7: Mark Hole Locations

Carry the track to the roof. Indicate drill locations for the roof holes by creating a sign through the track’s hole. Detach the track.

Step 8: Install Track To Ceiling

Drill holes of 5/8-inch at the labeled locations. Drift the toggle bolts by the track’s matching holes. Join the bolts’ wings, drifting them over 1/4-inch. Compress the locks into the holes. Bolt them into space with the cordless drill and harden the track as opposed to the ceiling.

Step 9: Attach Mounting Plate To Track

Join the track with the mounting plate with the given screws.

Step 10: Install Track’s Electrical Connector to Track

Turn the electrical connector into the track.

Step 11: Attach Canopy (Cover)

Screw or Snap the canopy across the mounting plate. The canopy will protect the wires.

Step 12: Install Track Heads and Light Bulbs

Turn the track heads onto the track and connect the right-sized light bulbs. Rotate the circuit back on and examine the lights at the surface switch.

Reasons To Hire A Professional For Track Lighting Installations

Although we just mentioned the DIY guide for track lighting installation, not everyone is proficient enough to do the task without any help. Therefore, if you think the installation is too much for you, you can contact a professional who can do the task for you according to your needs. Furthermore, there are numerous benefits that come with hiring a professional electrician for track lighting installation. 

So, let’s see why you should hire a professional electrician for track lighting installation:

Design A Perfect Layout

The professionals can suggest what type of track lighting you should pick for your space. They also give you advice about its correct installation and the convenient method to operate it. They formulate a unique pattern that considers landscaping and architecture to feature the focal points while illuminating the pathways and doorways. Professionals have the potential and enough experience to make your home appealing from the rest.

Proper Installation Ensures Safety

Professionals have the training, experience, and expertise to install the Track Lighting smoothly and ensure longevity. They have the special equipment and tools needed for the right installation and a knowledge of electrical principles and codes to avoid difficulties. Also, they can inspect the present lighting system and repair or replace it to prevent hazards. 

High-Quality Results

Hiring a professional for track lighting installations is worth every single penny. It offers better functionality, appearance, and value outcomes than doing the project yourself. Working with skilled and professional electricians with enough experience, the right knowledge, and expertise assures you satisfaction. They ensure proper load balance and accuracy and have an understanding of the newest trends and technological upgradation to join to the home’s value.

Time And Money Savings

Doing installation work on our own can be tricky and time-consuming, and we might need many attempts to complete the project. On the other hand, hiring professionals will ensure that the job has been done perfectly within the expected time at very fair prices. The expenses of replacing and repairing incorrect DIY installation can cost you a lot. So it is important to hire professionals for the installation process because they complete the projects more efficiently and suggest cost-saving options to save you from high energy bills.

How Much Does It Cost To Fit Track Lighting?

The installation cost of the track lighting system is entirely dependent on the number of lighting heads and the length of the track. The lighting heads are different in price due to the design’s quality and material changes. The overall price you can expect to spend is between $200 to $300. 

Various track lighting systems are available on the market to fulfill the requirement of your lighting project. These scale from handmade kits to hardware stores, retail lighting shops, and boutique lighting producers. These vary in quality and price, so it is necessary to research first to get the perfect system in your budget. The ability to modify your track lighting system means fitting several lighting heads with a powerful wattage or joining more lighting heads in the future.

The method of installing wall-mounted, recessed, and hanging track lighting will also affect the cost. It is anticipated that more work and construction related to building patching, bulkheads, and painting will result in a higher cost for your project. It is also essential to assess the charge of professional installation rather than doing it yourself.

Conclusion

So, were you able to get the answer for what track lighting is, and how do I get it installed? Knowing the perfect fit for your home and office before buying is essential. The vast options of track lighting in the market can make your choice more difficult, so it is better to make the decision wisely. 

Safety Lamps Repair provides you with the best quality track lighting system and installation service to illuminate your space and give it an appealing look. To avail of our services, kindly contact us at 212-348-Lamp. For any query, mail us at info@lampsrepair.com.