Track lights are designed to create accent lighting. They look like small spotlights. They are actively used in salesrooms, cafes, museums, workplaces, and apartments. Installation of track lights on the busbar is simple, you can do it yourself.
Purpose and benefits
Track-type luminaires are located on the busbar. A group of lighting devices located on one bus is assembled into a common wiring diagram using electrical modules and supports. Electromechanical calipers are produced in various forms - straight, cruciform, flexible, U-shaped, L-shaped, rectangular.
Busbars are of the following types:
- single-phase;
- biphasic;
- three-phase.
The number of phases determines how many groups of light sources can be connected independently of each other.
Busbars can be made of various materials. These include steel, plastic, aluminum.
The system consists of the following parts:
- track;
- lamp;
- conductive element;
- transformer;
- connecting components;
- clamps.
The number of luminaires can vary depending on the needs of the user.
The benefits include:
- ease of connecting the busbar;
- minimalistic design;
- compactness;
- the ability to change the direction of lighting by 360 degrees;
- do not require special care;
- long service life;
- safety;
- lack of heating;
- silent work;
- different mounting methods;
- the ability to quickly replace and install in another place;
- you can connect lamps of different types and powers;
- connection to independent electrical groups.
Track lighting has one drawback and that is cost.
Track lights applications
Track light sources are actively used in various fields. Due to the possibility of dimming, they are installed in stores, in showcases, in offices, exhibition pavilions, museums, and advertising objects. Track lights are also applicable at home. Usually track systems are made in techno and hi-tech styles, so they may not fit into every design.
Busbar luminaires act as both main and accent lighting. It all depends on the lamps used.
In production and in warehouses, technical lamps are used. They have high requirements for strength, moisture and dust resistance.
On the streets, building facades, floodlights are used to illuminate monuments. They must provide bright light and be weather resistant.
Fixing devices
There are two types of fastening - suspended and overhead. Track lights are mounted on any kind of ceiling (tension, drywall) using chains or cables. The system can also be connected to the ceiling for interior lighting.
Overhead products are mounted on walls and cabinets. You can connect the track system after finishing work with your own hands.
The choice of luminaires per track
Track lights are also called spot and tire spotlights. By the type of luminaire used, spots, linear, anti-panic and emergency devices are distinguished. The choice depends on the purpose of the light source.
To highlight an object or interior element, sources with directional lighting are used - spots. They provide a small scattering angle, which is why they are used in the illumination of works of art.
For general lighting of the room, diffused light is used. To create the backlight, you need devices with a wide dispersion angle. Several types of luminaires can be used simultaneously on one bus.
The choice of lamps for track luminaires
According to the type of lamps used, halogen, fluorescent, metal halide and LED devices are distinguished.
Halogen are the cheapest track light bulbs. They are used in shopping centers. The light is close to warm sunlight. The service life is about 8 thousand hours. Halogen bulbs consume a lot of energy.
Luminescent sources are more reliable and durable. They are economical in electricity consumption, high efficiency, wide color temperature range and long service life. Disadvantage - the flask contains mercury vapors that are dangerous to human health.
Metal halide lamps are used for even and bright lighting. They are installed in museums, exhibitions, and shops. They are practically not used in apartments due to the powerful luminous flux. The disadvantage is a long warm-up and turn-on time.
There is an active transition to LED lamps. They are distinguished by quality, reliability, economical energy consumption, uniform and bright light, long service life. LEDs are more expensive than other bulbs.
When choosing LEDs for a track system, the following guidelines should be observed:
- It is undesirable to buy devices with a group of LED dots. This indicates the low quality of the product.
- The presence of one bright yellow dot indicates that a new generation of diode lamps is being used. These products are characterized by increased power and can replace 50W metal halide bulbs.
- It is recommended to purchase models in which the LED is covered with tertiary optics. This makes the light distribution more even.
To choose the right track lighting systems for your home, it is recommended to pay attention to the following aspects:
- busbar type - the maximum allowable number of lamps depends on it;
- lamp type and base;
- number of phases;
- the material from which the busbar is made;
- light bulb color temperature;
- operating voltage;
- material reliability;
- protection from moisture and dust;
- design.
You also need to pay attention to the manufacturer of the device. It is not recommended to take lamps from little-known companies; it is better to give preference to reputable companies.
Installing track lights
Installation of a track light is simple:
- creation of a luminaire arrangement scheme;
- power outage in the room;
- assembly of all parts of the track with each other on the floor (for complex overhead and suspended structures) or directly on the wall or ceiling (overhead models);
- fixing the frame to the ceiling or wall using cables or staples;
- execution of wiring to the busbar;
- connection of wires by colors;
- insulation of bare sections of wires;
- installation of the power supply;
- regulation of the direction of the lamps.
After completing the steps described, you can connect the electricity and test the system.
Interior solutions
Track lights are a good option for decorating a kitchen with a bar counter. A cable system of several lamps is selected. Such a solution allows you to visually increase the height of the kitchen and emphasize its interior. Light bulbs are non-dazzling and illuminate the entire rack.
To create comfort in the living room, small ceiling lamps of light colors are used. They can be placed over the entire area of the room. Then the whole room will be evenly lit. With the help of the swivel mechanism, the lamp can always be turned in the desired direction and the intensity of the backlight can be changed.
Track systems are widely used in small studios. They will help you zone the room.
In corridors, track systems are installed along the walls. They can illuminate mirrors and paintings.
Popular models
Various companies are engaged in the production of track systems - Citilux, Globo Lighting, Odeon Light and others.
The Australian brand Globo Lighting produces quality budget products and is one of the five best manufacturers of lighting equipment. Popular models include Baroni 56946-1, Globo Kirogi 56453-1H, Globo 54904-6.
Citilux has been manufacturing lighting equipment since 1994. Lighting devices from this manufacturer are used in residential, office and work buildings. The products are distinguished by high reliability, stylish design, simplicity of construction, and increased power. Popular models are CL561165 Citilux Accent and CL561141 Citilux Accent with 50W.
The Italian manufacturer Odeon Light offers a wide range of lighting products. In the catalog, any buyer will find a product that suits his needs. The luminaires are of high quality, stylish appearance and simple design. The most demanded models are 2075/6 ODL Odeon Light Medeo, 2066 / 5C ODL Odeon Light Terza.
