How much track lighting do I need? How much track lighting you need will vary based on the application it is being used for. If your goal is to highlight specific features of your home, then you will want to arrange your track lighting fixtures where the light will best flatter those features.
Full Answer
How many lights can I have on a track system?
Fixtures can always be added, removed, replaced, or moved anywhere along track after being initially placed on the systemQ: Is there a limit to how many lights I can have on a track system? A: Yes, There is a general 1 light per 1 foot of track rule to prevent fixtures from being too cluttered.
How do I choose the best track Lights?
The type of track light you choose depends on the location and what you want the light to accent. Track lights have two main parts: the rail (or bar) and the track head. Rotate the track light heads to different areas of the room for ambient lighting, toward collectibles for accent lighting or over a work surface for task lighting.
How far out from the wall should track lighting be installed?
A U-shaped configuration may allow you to place light right where you need it—over an island or onto the countertops. Install a track 20- to 40-inches out from the walls in a room.
Can track lighting be used as a general light?
Track lighting is specialized lighting and is not designed for use as a general light in a room. Rooms with low ceilings are not good candidates for track lighting since the heads hang down from the ceiling and could present an obstacle.
How far apart should track lights be?
As a general rule of thumb, the lights should be situated every 12 to 24 inches. You may opt to keep the lights closer in instances where you are attempting to create a focused light source, though, such as on a piece of art or your work area. In this case, they should be at least four inches apart.
How many track light heads do I need?
In general, you'll want to place track heads on linear and monorail track every 12 to 24-inches. You can place lights closer together for a specific use, such as lighting a work area, but keep them at least 4” apart.
Will track lighting be bright enough?
Yes, track lights are bright enough to illuminate a kitchen. According to lighting experts, the kitchen is a visually demanding area and it should have a minimum illumination of around 600- 700 lux (54 – 63 lumens per square feet).
How many lights can I put on a track?
A general track lighting rule is to add no more than one fixture per foot. A 15-amp, 120-volt lighting circuit can support a total of 1,800 watts, but you must deduct 20 percent from the total wattage to avoid overloading the circuit, so the safe capacity of the lighting circuit equals 1,440 watts.
How do I plan a track lighting?
Designing your own professional track lighting system in just 6 stepsCreate an outline drawing of your space. ... Choose a layout for your track lighting system. ... Decide where to connect the track lighting system and the direction of the current flow. ... Enter the number of connectors you will need. ... Nearly there!More items...•
Is track lighting still popular?
That versatility and the ability to change your mind without having to plug holes in the ceiling is one reason track and rail lighting remains popular.
Is track lighting making a comeback?
Well, reminisce no more! Track lighting is not only back (it really never went away), but it is also back in fashion with a style trajectory similar to the wide-legged jumpsuit (it's true, check the runways!) Not only were track lights stylish, but they were also functional.
How many lumens do I need for track lighting?
Track lighting brightness generally ranges between 400 and 800 lumens. The more lumens, the brighter the lighting. Track lighting that uses 60-watt incandescent bulbs will generate about 800 lumens per lamp, while a fixture that uses 50-watt halogen bulbs will produce about 500 lumens per bulb.
What is the three types of track lighting?
Types of Track LightingA standard track lighting rail is a straight track. ... Swing arm track lighting mounts only the center of the track, like a standard lighting fixture. ... Monorail track lighting isn't mounted directly to the ceiling. ... Fixed track lighting is attached to the wall instead of the ceiling.
What is the difference between track and rail lighting?
What is the difference between a track system and a monorail system? At the most basic level, track is a line-voltage, 120-volt system; monorail is usually a low-voltage, 12-volt system. Functionally, this means that track lighting is essentially an extension of your home's electrical circuit.
How many LED can lights on a 15-amp circuit?
Each CFL or LED bulb typically gives the same amount of light as a 60-watt incandescent bulb while drawing 10 watts or less, which is equivalent to a current draw of 1/12 amp. Thus a 15-amp circuit can safely control 180 or more fixtures that use CFL or LED bulbs.
How do you light a room with track lighting?
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.
What is the difference between single and two circuit track lighting?
Single circuit means all the track fixtures turn on and off together, while dual circuit gives you more control by allowing you to turn on a set number of fixtures at a time. Say you have a painting that you want a light to shine on, but you don't need all eight of your track heads on.
How does 2 circuit track lighting work?
Track lighting track is connected to 2 different circuit, which enables you to control track heads by two different switches. For example, some track heads are set to connect to circuit 1 which is controlled by switch A, and others are set to connect to circuit #2 which are controlled by switch B.
Can you use LED bulbs in track lighting?
The quick answer is that yes, these should be just fine in your track. Especially if your neighbor has been using them and liked them. LEDs are more efficent than incandescent and halogen light sources and will put out more light with a smaller wattage.
What is the difference between J track and H track lighting?
To identify a track fixture, if it has three contacts, it is likely an "H" type. If the contact-tips are 1 inch apart, it is likely a "J" type, but if they are 7/8 inch apart, the track is likely an "L" type.
What is track lighting?
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.
Do you need a light source for wall washing?
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.
Is flexible track lighting bendable?
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.
How much track lighting do I need?
If your goal is to light an entire room, then the amount of track lights you need will vary based on the wattage of the individual lights, the size of the space , and how bright you want your space to be.
How do I create a track lighting design?
What is the primary function of your track lighting system? Are you looking to cast a spotlight on a specific feature, add safety to your hallway where other fixtures are inconvenient, or establish multi-layered ambient lighting in your living room?
What is track lighting?
The term track lighting refers to a lighting system where multiple light fixtures are attached to a single, continuous track. The track is mounted to the ceiling or wall and supplies power to the track lighting fixtures attached to it. Tracks can be arranged in a variety of shapes to suit your space’s specific lighting needs, including around corners. You can also use different track shapes to add aesthetic appeal to your lighting design.
What types of track lighting systems are available?
There are several different kinds of track lighting systems available:
What are the components of track lighting systems?
There are two main components of track lighting systems: the track, which supplies the power, and the track lighting fixtures (also referred to as elements), which supply the illumination.
What is track lighting?
Functional and stylish, track lighting serves as both light source and art piece for your home or workplace. In the vast world of lighting, there are a lot of shiny, sparkling pieces that exist only to light up a room. Some are intended to offer soft light, others bright light, and some are just there to add a little color.
What are the different types of track lights?
There are three standard types of tracks used in North America: H type, J type, and L type. The standards between the three types were developed by three different manufacturing companies, Halo, Juno, and Lightolier, which they are named for. There are additional types that can vary by manufacturer, such as the two-circuit J2 system, which is used to control two sets of lighting on a single track. The tracks are similar in features and options when it comes to performance, but they are not interchangeable. The individual light bases insert into the track and twist to lock in place, powering the lights through the connection to the conduit in the track, so the light and track pieces have to fit together smoothly.
What is the difference between monorail and square bar lighting?
The rails are suspended from the ceiling by rods called standoffs. Unlike the square bar shape of standard tracks, monorails are flexible and narrow . The rail can be bent and curved as much as 30 degrees.
How does track lighting work?
Track lighting works much the same way, except the whole light fixture itself connect s to the track to draw energy, rather than just the bulb. This allows flexibility in placement as the lights can be attached to the track anywhere they are needed, rather than at a particular fixture like a light bulb socket requires.
How many volts does a transformer need?
They will also need transformers to step down to 12 or 24 volts from the standard home’s power. Surface transformers then deliver the power directly to the cables to power your choice of lighting fixtures, from pendants to spotlights and track heads.
What is a connector in a track?
Connectors - Connectors serve to extend the track along the same powersource. They safely provide an uninterrupted power connection across multiple pieces of track, without requiring a new powerfeed, allowing you to design your own lighting layout.
Why do you angle a light against a wall?
Angling a light against a wall or object can offer accent lighting to highlight a specific feature of the architecture or room design.
What parts are needed for track lighting?
Get advice from an experienced electrical salesperson on what parts are needed for a track lighting installation in your space—including connectors, heads, tracks, and other parts. In some local areas you may be required to obtain building permits to upgrade lighting, so check to make sure. If this project is too advanced for your skills, have your new track lights installed by a qualified electrician.
How long is a track light?
Track lighting is manufactured in specific lengths (such as 4- or 8-foot sections), though track sections can be joined via connectors in a straight line, L-shape, or T-shape.
Why do we need track lighting?
Why You Want Track Lighting. Track lighting is a contemporary fixture that’s as perfect for new construction as it is for renewed spaces in existing homes. Tracks are versatile, allowing flexibility in sizing, placement, and fixture styles. Lights can be aimed at any artwork, countertops, walls, or other room features as needed, ...
Why install a track on a mantel?
Consider installing a track to highlight a large collection of artwork hung over a mantel or on a wall since the heads can be adjusted to point to specific areas of the display.
When to use track lights?
Track lights are perfect when you want to accent objects with light or work under a directional task light.
Can a higher ceiling take track units?
Higher ceilings can take track units that are dropped from a central electrical box location or via stems or cable systems.
Can you use track lighting in a low ceiling room?
Rooms with low ceilings are not good candidates for track lighting since the heads hang down from the ceiling and could present an obstacle.
How to measure a room for light?
Measure the length and width of the room. Divide unusually shaped rooms, such as L-shaped rooms, into two segments and measure each, since a single light is unlikely to adequately light the entire room.
How many watts does a room need?
Multiply the width by the length of the room and multiply the result by 2.5 to estimate higher light-level requirements. A room 10 feet wide by 12 feet long would need 300 watts under this formula.
How to calculate wattage of a room?
The purpose of the room guides lighting placement. Multiply the width by the length for each room or room segment, if applicable. Multiply the result by 1.5 to determine the estimated watts to sufficiently light a room. For example, for a room 10 feet wide by 12 feet long, multiply 10 times 12 to get 120, then multiply by 1.5 to get 180 watts.
Is it better to have overabundance or lack of lighting?
It is better to provide an overabundance of lighting than to lack lighting. Lights can, after all, be turned off when not in use. The amount of total light available -- natural and artificial -- affects the comfort of the room. Forget footcandles or lux, which can be difficult to grasp or use.
How many watts can a single run of track light?
Line Voltage systems have a limit of around 1900 watts for a single run. Low voltage systems require a transformer and not more than 300 watts (6 - 50 watt fixtures) can be on any single run of track. Multiple low voltage systems can be installed together but must be electrically separated using an isolating connector and the systems must have separate power supplies. a Dual Feed transformer can also be used to increase the total wattage to 600 (300 watts in 2 directions) from a single power source.
How much does Tech Lighting save?
Save up to 15% on all Tech Lighting Orders!
Can track lighting be used in damp areas?
A: We currently do not carry any track lighting for wet or damp locations. You can achieve the best lighting outdoors by using low voltage landscape lighting
Can you use a Tech Monorail pendant on a WAC Monorail?
A: Typically manufacturers will only make lights that will fit their systems. For example, a Tech Monorail pendant will NOT install on a WAC Monorail system or vice versa. WAC Lighting, however, does make track and fixtures compatible with Halo (H-Track), Lightolier (L-Track) and Juno (J-Track) Brands*. *Lightingdirect does not sell ...
How to add light to a room?
There are two ways to add light to a space. The first way is to add more sources of light (or more bulbs), and the second way is to use brighter bulbs. In general, using more sources of light with bulbs that are less bright is better than using fewer sources of light with bright bulbs, because bright bulbs may cause eye strain. Pay attention to the number of sockets on the fixture you purchase and note also the lumen count on the bulbs you purchase. For example, a fixture with 4 sockets installed with 800 lumen bulbs will produce 3200 lumens. If this isn’t enough, consider a fixture with more sockets or consider installing additional track lighting, lamps, or sconces.
How many square feet is a bathroom light fixture?
Say the bathroom you are installing a light fixture in is 8 feet long by 8 feet wide (8 x 8 = 64). The bathroom will be 64 square feet.
How to determine how bright a room should be?
Whether you plan to light the room for task work or for ambience, you can get a good idea of how bright a space should be by using a unit called a foot-candle. A foot-candle measures light intensity and is defined as the number of lumens cast on a one square foot area. The below table summarizes approximate light intensity ranges using foot-candles for several spaces. You can see, for example, that a kitchen or bathroom will require more light than a hallway or bedroom.
How to calculate lumens?
To estimate the number of lumens your space will need, just multiply the square footage of your room by the number of foot-candles required for the space. For example, for a bathroom that is 64 square feet with a foot-candles range of 70-80, you’ll need from 70x64 to 80x64 lumens, or 4480 – 5120 lumens.
Measure the Room
Large spaces need more lighting than small rooms. To find out how many lumens you’ll need in a given area, you need to start by measuring the room. Here’s how to quickly calculate square footage:
Understand Foot Candles
A foot candle is a measurement that tells you how bright a light source is when standing one foot away. Understanding foot candles to lumens conversions can make it easier to determine your own lighting needs.
How Many Lumens Do I Need?
Once you’ve measured the room and calculated the required foot candles, it’s time to determine how many lumens a space needs. Multiply your room square footage by your foot candle requirement.
Lumens Quick Guide
Taking a few minutes to determine the recommended lumens per square foot with the method outlined above is ideal. However, if you can’t make calculations or quickly need to know how many lumens are needed per square foot for a garage or workshop, you can try the lumens quick guide below for an average estimate:
Tips for Industrial and Commercial Spaces
Industrial spaces often require more lumens per square foot because of the complicated, potentially dangerous nature of work being performed. In these spaces, you’ll want to look for shop lights, wraparound lights, LED troffers and high bay lights that have higher output.
How to figure out how many bulbs you need?
Divide the total number of lumens by the efficiency of the bulb and round up to figure out the number of bulbs you need:
How many lumens per square foot do I need?
In the first step of your calculations, you need to choose the type of area and activity that you want to illuminate. Simply select one of the options from the list, and our lighting calculator will automatically determine the optimal level of illumination in lux or foot candles (that is, how much light should be incident on the surface). Intuitively, ambient light in the bedroom shouldn't affect our preparations to sleep time and won't be as intensive as the light required for sewing.
How many lumens does a kitchen light bulb emit?
Then, choose the type of a light bulb you want to use. Let's assume you're using a standard bulb that emits 800 lumens for the kitchen and small LED lights that emit 200 lumens each above the counter.
What is foot candle calculator?
This foot candle calculator gives you the optimal level of illumination for each room in your home and determines how many light fixtures you need to achieve it. Additionally, we will provide you with foolproof lighting calculation formulas that make the whole planning process a breeze!
How many lux are in a foot candle?
You can use illumination units of lux or foot candles. If you want to recalculate between these units, remember that one foot-candle equals 10.764 lux.
How many lux does a kitchen need?
Check the optimal lighting level. For the whole kitchen, it is 108 lux, and for the counter (detailed tasks) - 538 lux.
How wide is a counter?
The counter is 4 meters long and 60 cm wide:
