Track Lighting
Track lighting is a type of lighting where light fixtures are attached anywhere on a continuous track device which contains electrical conductors. This allows for variable positioning of the light fixtures. Track lighting and spotlighting by their very nature are decorative, accent and directional lighting solutions that not only are aesthetically pleasing but very practical too.
These light fixtures were invented in 1961 by Anothy Donato, of the company Lightolier. Track lighting was not an instant hit however, in fact, it was not a popular option at all due to the expensive and clunky design resulting in limited accessibility and lighting uses. However, by the 1970s a new version of track lighting was introduced by Halo Lighting, these were cheaper and offered a wide array of fixtures, finishes and wiring options, making track lighting a much more accessible option. By the 1980s, track lighting had become a staple in stylish lighting design, due to its flexible, customisable design. Since then, track lighting has become cheaper to manufacture and had its design capabilities expanded, resulting in the product becoming even more attainable and having more options available. Track lighting, like all light fittings, has also benefited from the widespread use of LED technology, this is due to the decreased amount of maintenance required switching out old bulbs.
At BLT Direct, we offer a comprehensive range of track lights in a variety of different finishes, materials, wattages and colour temperatures, from trusted brands such as Knightsbridge, Megaman and V-Tac. Explore our complete range today.
What are the different types of Track Lighting?
There are three different types of standard track lighting: H, J and L. These terms originate from the manufacturers of each track lighting type. Whilst they may all visually look the same, internally, they each operate differently. It is integral to distinguish what type of track lighting pattern you will follow, as not all of these are interchangeable between each other.
- Halo (H) - A track light with 3 contacts.
- Juno (J) - A track light that has contact tips an inch apart.
- Lightolier (L) - A track light with contacts 7-8 inches apart.
Where is Track Lighting used?
Track lighting is used in a wide variety of locations both indoors and outdoors, commercially and domestically. This is due to how customisable track lighting can be, as a result of the spotlights being able to change distance between each other and angle, a major change to a room can still only require minor adjustment to the track lighting.
The most popular places to find track lighting is:
- Kitchens
- Offices
- Living Rooms
- Hallways
- Galleries
You may have noticed the trend of style and practicality in choice of locations. Track lights allow for focus to a particular area, which makes them invaluable for uses in galleries, kitchens and offices due to their ability to hone in on one particular point of interest. When not being used as a point of interest however, they make for great stylish lighting to equally illuminate a living room or bedroom.
Can you add additional lights on an existing track light system?
If you are considering adding additional lights to your existing track fixture, the two main factors you must take into account is the supported wattage of the track light fixture itself and ensuring you are using the same light fixtures on the track.
Firstly, ensure the light fittings you are hoping to add to the track are the same as the existing fixtures by the same manufacturer. Once you’ve confirmed the fixtures you’re going to add are the same, find out the maximum wattage supported by the track fitting and subtract 20%. The reason you must calculate the 80% is to determine the safe usage range, as going above the safe usage range can risk overloading the circuit. Next, add the wattage of your current light bulbs together as well as the amount of light bulbs you want to add to your track light fitting. You are able to add more lights using LED bulbs over traditional halogen and incandescent lamps due to LED bulbs requiring much less power. Assuming your combined existing and additional lights don’t exceed the (ideally safe) wattage limit of the track fitting and you have purchased light fixtures that are the same as the ones currently fitted on your track, you’re free to begin installation. It is also a general rule of thumb to install the lights on your track fitting at least 1 ft apart from each other, so ensure you have the space.
The interchangeability of track lighting is just another reason why track lighting has remained so popular after 40 years. As a result, there’s nothing stopping you from removing your additional lights if you change your mind as well as removing any original lights. So long as you are careful and abide by the manufacturer’s guidelines and the safe wattage limit, you are able to add and remove as many lights to your track as you please.
