What Is The Difference Between Track And Rail Lighting?

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. Monorail lighting is its own low-voltage system dictated by the transformer used.

Is track lighting out of style?

Track lighting ideas aren’t generally at the top of an interior designer’s list for current room styling. In fact, track lighting more often finds its way onto outdated decor lists.Because it is so flexible with both looks and functionality, track lighting is one of the most versatile home lighting fixtures.

What are the different types of track lighting?

There are three types of track: H, J, and L. The terms come from the manufacturers that set the standards for each type: Halo, Juno, and Lightolier. The different types do have some similarities.

How do you identify 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 the most common type of track lighting?

Heads
Track Lighting Head Types
Heads: Heads are the most common type of track lighting. Track lighting heads resemble spotlights and can be angled to highlight specific areas.

Are track lights good for kitchens?

Track lighting works well in kitchens as it combines both powerful and useful lighting sources as well as being able to accommodate more decorative pendant choices.

Can you put track lighting in a bedroom?

Track lighting works best in a contemporary or minimalist bedroom with high ceilings. There are many styles of track heads, including pendant styles, cans, and traditional spotlights. Track lighting is a good choice for large walk-in closets.

What is track lighting best for?

Track lights can be used to illuminate every space from a dark hallway to an office, to a cozy living room, or highlight beautiful artwork and family photos. There is no specific function or place for track lighting; with endless applications, they’re an easy choice for any room in your home.

Are all track lights the same?

Whether or not the fixtures are interchangeable depends on the system. In short, there are a few types—such as J, H, and L track lighting. Most units are interchangeable if they are in the same track category.However, you can’t simply add in fixtures meant for J track to an H or L track.

What are track lights used for?

Track lighting systems are versatile lighting solutions that can be used to power spotlights, floodlights, pendant lights or any other fixtures with the proper adapter and voltage.

What are the different types of track lighting heads?

The four main types of track heads are step, round back, pinhole, and gimbal. You can also use a pendant fixture instead of a head fixture.

How many lights can go on a track light?

Track light systems range from three lights to six lights.

Are track lighting rails standard?

Track lighting systems feature two principal components: the rail and track fixtures.The three original track lighting tracks, otherwise known as rails, are the H system, J system, and L system. Each track is a standard, specific size, and is compatible with any track lighting system of that same type.

Can you install track lighting on a wall?

Because it is surface mounted, track is particularly easy to install, especially in remodels. The track is usually mounted to the ceiling but it can be mounted to a wall, a beam or dropped from the ceiling on stems or cables.

What is standard track lighting?

Standard incandescent, low-voltage Halogen/Krypton, CFL, and energy-efficient LED track systems are all available, just like any other lighting solution.

What is the best lighting for a kitchen?

The higher and brighter you go, the better illumination you will achieve. Typically dome-shaped, flush mount or semi-flush mount lights are used to light up medium to small kitchens . A single or a couple of flush mount lights are sufficient. Recommended: Use a mix of warm and white light bulbs in flush mount fixtures.

Where do you put track lights?

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.

How far from Wall should track lighting be?

Mount the track 2 to 3 feet from the wall as long as your ceiling is nine feet or less. Ceilings between 9 and 11 feet high need to have the track light mounted 3 to 4 feet from the wall. Space the fixtures the same distance apart as the track is from the wall to evenly spread out the light.

Are track lights 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).

Is recessed lighting cheaper than track lighting?

Track lighting typically provides a more cost-effective lighting solution, because they are mounted directly to the ceiling surface in a minimally invasive process, and do not require the structural remodeling that recessed lighting does.

Can track lighting light a room?

Track lights work splendidly even in living rooms with high beamed or angled ceilings. By running the tracks parallel to the beams, you can create a sense of visual harmony. If you have large windows, track lighting is perfect because it won’t block the natural light beaming into the space.