Types of Tracks
The prevalent type of track lighting system is the voltage track to which the lights are affixed. It is normally made as a straight line. The shapes of the track can be different, it depends on the track system standard - Juno, Halo or Lightolier. When you are choosing the light fixtures for your track lighting system, make certain that they will fit in your particular track standard. You can also change lighting fixtures at any time, just keep in mind your track standard.
One more trendy track light type is the monorail system. The range of styles and designs is wide, moreover the user can create the form of track that matches his or her requirements, e.g. follow the curves of an object which needs to be illuminated. Monorail tracks can be divided into subcategories: ready-to-use systems; flexrails - track systems that the customer can flex by himself according to his or her needs; and suspended monorail - track lighting that hangs down the ceiling with the help of several connectors.
Another popular track type is a two-circuit monorail track lighting. This system makes it possible for a user to turn on different lights with two switches. It is useful when you need to occasionally highlight some objects with spotlights for a short period, while all the other time the dispersed ambient light is enough.
Pick the Bulbs
The lights themselves are the most important part of a track lighting system. Choosing the best track heads for your particular interior design can be overwhelming as there is a wide variety of lamps on the market. So at first you should decide what you need the light for. If you want to highlight some particular object, the best choice will be spots. These lamps have small beam angles - under 25 - and are designed specially to light up objects like artworks, picture galleries, statues, and places like workspaces or kitchen islands. To illuminate the whole room or create an ambient light you will need floods - the bulbs with larger beam angles. It is possible to use both types of lamps in one track lighting system either simultaneously or separately via two-circuit system.
One more great feature of track lighting system is that it gives an opportunity to easily change the whole interior design by replacing only the track heads. The lamps are affordable and easy to replace, so you can vary the interior lighting without changing the system. Just pick out the bulbs keeping in mind your track type, and of course don't forget about the voltage.
How to Install
Another big advantage of track lighting is the simplicity of installation. If there is an existing ceiling light fixture in the room, you'll have to do a few simple steps to replace it with a track lighting system. First you'll need to remove the old light fixture. Then attach the track itself to the ceiling (usually with screws or bolts). After that you'll need to connect the installed track system to the electrical box. It is better to hire a qualified electrician if you are not sure how to do this. Now all that's left is to snap the lamps in their places and your track lighting system is ready to work! You will be able to move and turn the lights exactly as you want or need and create the perfect lighting scheme in your interior.
