How to Buy Track Lighting: Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Purchase

The Ins and Outs of Track Lighting: How to Buy What You Need

Light can be added to a room with track lighting. It is beneficial for kitchens, bathrooms, and other spaces where you need task lighting but doesn’t want to be confined to a wall mount fixture. Like any electrical project, it is crucial that you know what you are buying before you start shopping for track lights.

Consider Track Lighting Kits

One of the best ways to get started with track lighting is to purchase a kit. Kits usually include everything you need, from the track to the bulbs and hardware. They come in various lengths, styles, and finishes so that you can customize your setup exactly how you want it. If you don’t have any electrical knowledge or experience installing tracks on your own, it might be worth springing for one that comes with a dimmer switch as well—make sure it matches your other fixtures before purchasing!

The Advantages of Track Lights

• They’re easy to install.
• They’re easy to move.
• They are easy to adjust.
• Track lights are dimmable and can be used with a dimmer switch, which is an essential feature if you plan on using them in your home or office since they’ll be on for long periods and you want them at the right brightness level for reading or viewing artworks. A suitable dimmer will allow you to choose how much light is hitting your eyes without having the bulb burn out prematurely from being too bright for too long (or being too dark if there’s not enough).
• If you have any ideas about what else might look good along these tracks, it’s super easy and inexpensive (usually around $10) to add additional fixtures as needed—it’s only a matter of screwing things together! If one breaks or stops working correctly after years of use, it’ll probably cost less than $20 per fixture if all goes well—and even less if this isn’t your first rodeo buying track lighting fixtures!

Three Types of Track Lighting, Complete Track Kits, Linear Track & Monorail Track Systems

Your home will look great with track lighting. They’re versatile, easy to install, and they’re not too pricey. You can use track lighting anywhere in your house, from your kitchen to your entryway or bathroom. Track lighting systems are available in many different types, this article will help you understand the different track lighting systems available today.

• Complete Track Kits: These kits come with all the parts needed to install one light source at a time (i.e., one canister light). They are ideal for those who do not have any electrical background and would like an easy solution for installing their first track system—follow the instructions included with each kit! The only drawback is that these complete kits do not include accessories such as dimmers or switches, so if you wish them installed in addition, then make sure it’s mentioned when ordering online or over the phone; otherwise, there may be additional charges later down the line once everything arrives at its desired destination which could cause delays!
• Linear Track: This type features metal railings mounted directly onto walls rather than suspended above ground level like other styles tend towards doing so while still maintaining stability throughout their lifespan; therefore making this type ideal if space is limited around corners where traditional methods might prove problematic due to protrusion into walkways etc.
• Monorail Track Systems: Monorail track systems are the most common track lighting systems you’ll find anywhere. These simple, easy-to-install light tracks are available in various lengths and colors, making them an excellent choice for almost any application. Monorail systems also come with several accessories that make it easier to use your lights and get more functionality out of them.

Choose A Track With The Right Shape And Size

If you invest in track lighting, choosing a track that suits your room and its design is essential. When installing light fixtures in a long hallway with high ceilings, you’ll need a longer track than someone installing light fixtures in their kitchen. You also want to ensure the track has enough outlets and switches for your needs.

The next step is choosing what type of electrical wiring you’d like for your tracks: low-voltage or standard household electricity. Low-voltage systems require less wire overall—and therefore cost less money—but they don’t allow for dimming functionality or other advanced features offered by more expensive systems. The choice depends on how much control over light output you want while saving some cash!

Choose A Track Finish That Matches Your Existing Decor

Track lighting is a great way to add light to your home, but it’s also something you can use to highlight specific areas of the room. When it comes to highlighting a piece of art in a room, track lighting is a great way to do this. Alternatively, if you have a particular corner in your home that is dark and needs some light on it, track lighting offers an easy solution for highlighting this area without having to put up separate lights or lamps.

Track lighting can also be used as mood lighting—that is, if you’re going for something more atmospheric than functional. You might consider using warm yellow bulbs with overhead lights for an inviting feel; however, be careful not to create too much contrast between these bulbs!

Choose A Track Style That Fits Your Needs

The use of track lighting is appropriate for many areas in the home. The flexibility of track lighting allows you to place light exactly where you need it, making it perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, bedrooms, and living rooms. Track lighting can also add light to reading areas and computer desks. If you have an art gallery or museum in your home, track lighting is also an excellent choice for these types of spaces!

Choose The Right Light Bulbs

The right track lighting bulb should take a few factors into account. Before you choose a fixture for your home or office, you must make sure you know what it is. A recessed downlight will require a different bulb than a track light bar or strip.

Next, think about what type of space you’ll be using the bulb in; this will help determine if it should be dimmable or not. Finally, consider how bright you want that area of your home to be. Bulbs come in different wattages: higher wattage bulbs are brighter but also use more energy and thus cost more money over time (and maybe less eco-friendly).

Line Voltage vs. Low Voltage

Line voltage track lighting is safer, more reliable, and versatile; it is also more expensive and has a longer life. Line voltage track lighting has a smaller footprint than low voltage track lighting.

Line voltage track lights are wired directly to your house’s electrical circuit so they can be used in any room of your house or business without needing a separate power source. Low-voltage systems operate with an independent circuit that requires a dedicated transformer and wiring system, often adding high cost to the installation process.[1]

Line voltages are typically 120VAC (or 240VAC), while low voltages run on 18-24VDC.[2] Since line voltages are higher than low voltages, they provide more outstanding lumens per watt; this means you get brighter light without wasting energy (a win-win). In addition, line voltage systems generate less heat, so they’re safer for pets/children and electronics such as televisions or computers.[3].

Decorative vs. Task Lighting

• Task lighting is for tasks in the kitchen, bathroom, and garage.
• Decorative lighting is for general lighting and can be used in any room.
• Task lighting is more efficient and focused than decorative track lights because it shines a light on the task at hand, whereas decorative track lights are better used as ambient light sources that provide a sense of comfort throughout your home or office space rather than being targeted at a specific area.

Customizing Your System – Connecting Linear Track Pieces, Cutting Linear Track, Spacing Lights, Sloped Ceilings or Walls & Dimmers

In track light kits, everything you need is included, whether you want linear, monorail, or a combination of both. However, selecting tracks, connectors, and lights that are compatible with each other is essential.

Using straight, T-shaped, or L-shaped connectors, you can link multiple lengths of the linear track with most systems. Again, make sure that the parts are compatible.

Cutting Linear Track: Individual products specify the options for cutting linear track. Be sure to attach or cap the cut end with a dead-end cap.

Spacing Lights: Track heads should be spaced every 12 to 24 inches on linear and monorail tracks. You should generally keep lights at least 4″ apart, but you can place them closer if you are lighting a work area.

Sloped Ceilings or Walls: Many different types of track lighting systems can be installed on sloped ceilings or even on a wall surface. We will note in the product description whether a particular design can be installed in such a way.

Dimmers: Adding a wall dimmer to your home lighting system can provide extra versatility and atmosphere. With LEDs, be sure to use a dimmer compatible with LED bulbs. A standard wall dimmer will work for line voltage systems with incandescent bulbs.

Track Lighting Is Easy To Customize And Can Complement Any Decor Style In Your Home

Track lighting consists of flexible metal tracks, which can be cut to any length. There are a variety of sizes and shapes available to satisfy your needs. Track lights are an excellent choice for accenting kitchen islands, bookshelves, and other areas of your home where you want more focused light. Here are some valuable tips for choosing track lighting:

• Consider kits that include everything you need to install your new track light system. These kits often include a remote control to adjust the bulbs’ brightness on the go. This is especially helpful if one bulb goes out unexpectedly!
• If you have a large room with multiple windows or doors facing south (or west), consider installing monorail track systems with up to six lamps per circuit so they provide enough brightness at all hours throughout the day when needed most – while saving energy costs by reducing power consumption during off-peak hours.

Conclusion

Track lighting is an excellent addition to any home, whether you’re looking for task lighting or more ambient light in your living space. Different manufacturers and retailers offer a wide range of options, so you can be sure there is something perfect for your needs. Whether it’s an easy DIY project or professional installation by an electrician, track lighting is a great way to brighten up any room!