Showing posts with label flexible track. Show all posts
Showing posts with label flexible track. Show all posts

Friday, February 20, 2015

Track Lighting Fixtures

Are you familiar with track lighting fixtures? Track lighting is a lighting system where a track device connects to the light fixtures. This track device has electrical conductors. The power flows from the power source to the track, and the track distributes the power equally between however many fixtures are affixed to that particular piece of tracking.

Many people consider the selection and installation of track light fixtures a challenge. Once you have decided and installed your track lighting the next challenge that you will encounter is the fixtures themselves. Look at it as you would a shade on a lamp: you have the base but now the shade is going to complete the lamp. It is the same thing with selecting the track lighting fixtures.

So what are the various components of a track lighting installation that you need to know about? You should know about the different parts, after all, if your in the market to buy and install a set. Unfamiliarity with it may pose a challenge to you as to which one to buy and install. You can educate yourself with this information.

What are the basics that you need to be familiar with about track lighting fixtures?

  • Track style. There are three typical lighting methods in track lighting. These are the 3-Wire "H", 2-Wire "L" and the Wide 2-Wire "J". There are also available versions for all of these three systems. These variations allow you to choose the fixture compatible to the track. For beginners, 3-Wire "H" is good. Take time to gather more information on the different styles of track and fixtures from different manufacturers then do comparisons.

  • Line voltage track heads. There are different track head styles available. Some manufacturers offer track heads that do not require you to have a transformer. This results to a lot smaller base.

  • Low voltage lighting fixtures with transformers. These transformers allow the voltage to go lower, from 120 volts to 12 volts. The transformers attach to the track and serves as the base. However, these transformers do not go well with magnetic dimmers.

  • Wattage rating. Most of the low voltage fixtures have 50W lamps, but there are some available in 75W.

  • Extensions for track lighting heads. This lengthens the distance from the fixture head to the track via a rigid tube. It is not easy to order these extensions and usually manufacturers do not accept returned purchases. Although there are available easy-to-install extension rods, it is only compatible to "H" style only.