Track Lighting Guide

Track System Parts

• Track Heads – supplies the light and mounts near the track
• Pendants – supplies the light; similar to a pendant, but mounts on a track rather than to a ceiling canopy
• Rail or track – how the light source connects to the power source
• Transformer – supplies power to the track system; most track lights can be converted into a plug-in ready system.
• Track Kits – these are when manufacturers put together all the necessary parts. This is the easiest track system set up

Line vs Low Voltage

• Low voltage can still emit the same brightness of a 120V fixture.
• Typically low voltage track bulbs are twice as bright as a regular incandescent bulb at the same wattage.
• Low voltage track fixtures can be placed on line voltage track by using a track connector with a transformer.
• Note for Low Voltage systems – a transformer with a wattage rating equal to or greater than the total watts used on the system is required. Example: Five 50-watt pendants in a system will require no less than a 250-watt transformer.

Use this to help choose which system you need. Still not sure, below we fully explain all systems.

Which System is Right for Me?

Basic Track Kit

• Most user friendly
• Installed directly to ceiling with screws
• May be dropped using suspensions
• Slide fixture onto track and add end caps
• Uses power feed—i.e. a floating canopy connector or live end connector

Monorail Track

• Suspended by standoffs every 30 to 36 inches
• Ceiling-mounted power feed canopy is one standoff
• Height must be uniform for system
• Adjustable and rigid standoffs allow up to 8 feet of custom track height adjustment
• Power extenders are used with longer ceiling drips to extend power to system

Suspended Monorail

• Hand-bendable to make the style and shape you want
• 90 degree flexible connectors
• End caps supplied with rail for a finished look

Two-Circuit Monorail

• Two tracks in one system
• Can separate fixtures onto separate switches
• Example: track system with pendants and spot lights can be assigned to separate circuits to switch on light fixture of your choice

Tech Track

• Look and design of monorail
• Uses larger 120 fixtures
• Hand-bendable line voltage system
• Requires power feed standoff
• Low voltage fixtures may be installed to the system using a transformer track adaptor
• Cannot be mounted flush to the ceiling

Kable Lite

• Look like floating lights
• Unique system featuring parallel low-voltage cables designed to disappear
• Cables are tightened between 2 rigid surfaces using anchors and turnbuckles
• Can a span a distance up to 20 feet without additional support
• Create turns and change directions at any angle
• Suspend the fixture wall-to-wall or on any ceiling

Shop All Track Lights

Powering Method

• Power feeds should be installed near the installation site and typically cover up the junction box
• Flexible cable power feeds supply power to the junction box that may be further away
• Most track systems may be converted into a plug in outlet

Transformer Details

• Power feed with built-in transformer or surface transformer mount directly to the ceiling and are typically apart of a canopy
• Remote transformer has the power feed away from the installation source. Typically, these systems are suspended or the junction box is not near the installation site.

Designing Track System Layouts

• Draw a layout of your desired track layout for the room it will be installed.
• Choose the system based upon the application you decide.
• Choose your lights and location on the system.
• Determine the total feet of track in the system and add up the wattage.
• Choose between track heads and pendants or a combination of them both.
• Note: Remember that each manufacturer is different. We have a great customer service center for LightingDirect.com by calling (800)375-3410. We highly recommend that you consult an electrician when installing track lighting.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions About Track Lighting

1. Limit to number of lights on a track system?

• Yes
• 1 light per 1 foot of track
• Line voltage limit to 1900 watts
• Low voltage needs a transformer and no more than 300 watts
• Multiple low-voltage systems installed together with separate power supplies
• Dual feed transformer can increase wattage to 600 from a single power source

2. Can you mix and match different manufacturer's systems?

• No
• Manufacturers make their systems to match with only their own lighting parts