How to Choose Track Lighting

Track lighting is very versatile and can be customized for any space. It’s great for illuminating an entire room or spotlighting wall art or architectural details. Learn how to choose track lighting in this Build.com video:

Track lighting works by attaching light sources (luminaries) to a track or rail. The light sources can be either track heads or track pendants. Electricity passes through the track and into the heads to power the lights. The track heads can be moved along the track and swiveled or tilted to direct light exactly where you need it.

There are three standard types of tracks. The shape of the track head connector has to match the shape of the track. Standard track heads draw 12 or 24 volts of electricity. As electric current in most homes is 120 volts, you will need a transformer to step-down the electricity. Depending on the type of track you choose, the transformer can be part of the rail or built into each individual track head.

One of the advantages of a track lighting system is the ability to swap out track heads. Just be aware that not all track heads fit on all rails. There are countless combinations of shapes, styles and finishes, so you can change up your look just by taking the old heads off and clipping new ones onto the track.

Linear track lighting is the most traditional type. The track is mounted directly to a surface, usually the ceiling, but it can be mounted to the side of a ceiling beam. The electrical conduit runs along the entire length of the track. You can place the track heads anywhere along the track. When the metal base comes into contact with the conduit in the track, it gets the power it needs to illuminate the light. A transformer is built into each track head, so you don’t need a separate transformer to step-down the power.

Monorail lighting hangs down from the ceiling suspended by rods called stand-offs. Unlike traditional track lighting, monorails are flexible and can be bent or curved. The electrical current runs through the exposed metal of the rail itself, and the heads are attached to the outside of the track, making the connection necessary to power the lights. The heads can be re-positioned along the rail and swapped out when your style changes. Most monorail systems are low voltage and require a transformer.

In cable light systems, the electricity runs through low voltage conductive cables that are suspended from the ceiling or stretched from wall to wall. Track heads or pendants are then attached to the cables. The heads typically require 12 or 24 volts, so a transformer will be needed to step-down the power.

Fixed rail lighting is a sub-category of rail lighting which has the lamps fixed directly to the track. In most cases, the heads can be tilted or swiveled, but you can’t switch them for another style, and they can’t move along the rail.