Our Guide to Tracking Lighting

Track lights are a specific type of lighting fixture that are installed on a ceiling or wall-mounted tracks. Track light systems consist of a few different components...

The tracks themselves come in both straight and angled formations, and can support multiple light fixtures (track heads). Generally sold in 1 or 2-metre lengths, multiple tracks can be joined together with straight or angled joiners to make them as long as needed; they can also be cut down to whatever length is required.

The track is electrified via live ends (power feeds) that are usually connected at one end of the track, but can also be mounted in the centre between lengths of track if needed.  

The track heads are the lights themselves and easily plug into the tracks. They are generally adjustable, so they can be moved along the track to direct light to specific areas or objects in a room.

The benefits of track lights

Functional flexibility - You can move track lights around to illuminate specific areas of a room.

Design customisation - There is a big selection of track lights on the market, often a wide variety of styles, materials and options for all budgets.

Easy installation - Track lighting is typically straightforward to install, both in terms of the electrical wiring and fixing the track to a surface.

Energy efficient - Track lights are generally LED-based and use low levels of electricity.

As with any lighting options, there are also some things to be aware of, such as ensuring you maintain the track and track heads through regular cleaning. Track lighting can also have limited utility in situations where illumination is required in large rooms (especially with high ceilings) or in circumstances where it’s not possible to run track to certain areas of a space.

Understanding track systems

There are competing track systems on the market with different functions and design features. The most popular options include:-

H-Track, also known as Halo compatible track, is named for both the original manufacturer (Halo) and for the H-profile shape of the track. This is the most commonly used general-purpose track on the market and consists of a 3-wire system (live, neutral and ground).

J-Track, also known as Juno compatible track, is again named after the original manufacturer (Juno) and for the shape of the track, which resembles the letter J. Most commonly used in specialised commercial situations, J-Track is a 2-wire system (live & neutral) that uses the track for the ground.

L-Track is also named after the shape of the track, which resembles the letter L and its original manufacturer (Lightolier). Similar to J-Track, L-Track is a 2-wire system most commonly used in more complex commercial setups.

Monorail & Cable are tracks that are suspended from the ceiling by cables, with Monorail being more flexible in shape than a simple, straight-lined cable track.

Recessed tracks are also available, where the track is set into a surface for a more sleek and streamlined look.

It’s important to note that the track systems are not interchangeable, so you need to decide upfront on what track system and compatible fixtures best fit your needs.

1 vs 3 Circuit Tracks

1 Circuit track lights have a single circuit/channel in the track, so all the fixtures on the track will be controlled by the same switch or dimmer. This is best for simple applications where you want to control everything together. Standard H, J & L track are all single circuit.

3 Circuit track lights have three separate circuits in the track, which allows each circuit to be controlled independently of the other. This suits more complex lighting set-ups, typically in commercial spaces where you need more control over the lighting. For example, you may want task lighting, mood lighting and general lighting in a room to all be on separate controls. Another example is being able to separately control different sections of the track that illuminate different areas of a room. 3-circuit track generally only comes in an H configuration and is not interchangeable with single-circuit track.

Picking your track lighting fixtures

Track compatible heads/lights are available in a wide variety of styles and finishes, such as decorative and ornate options that can add a touch of elegance to a room, as well as sleek and modern designs that blend seamlessly into a space.

Common varieties include Cylinder Heads, which are simple directional lights, and Gimble Ring Heads that can be rotated and tilted to direct light exactly where it is needed. Another popular option is Pendant Track Lights that are suspended from the track.

An ideal option to get started is Track Kits; these are product bundles that include lengths of track, the mounting hardware, a live end and the track heads.

Selecting track lights for your space

Other things to consider when selecting a track system:-

Lumens - As a very rough guide, you need a minimum of 200lm per square meter for a more cozy feel (think bedrooms or living rooms), all the way up to 600lm+ for clear visibility (bathrooms, kitchens & offices). So measure your room and then multiply the number of lumens by the size in square meters. For example, a 10 sqm bedroom would need at least 2000 lumens of lighting.

Colour temperature - On top of Lumen’s, it’s also good to consider the temperature of the light. On the more ambient side of the temperature scale is 2200K (Kelvins), which will provide a very warm yellow-orange light ideal for a soft ambient mood. At the opposite end of the scale is 5000K+ cool white, similar to daylight, which can be good when clarity and focus are required. We often recommend 2700K to 3000K for a good middle point.

Colour rendering - Especially important if you are using track lighting for artwork, the colour rendering index measures how well a light source accurately reflects colour. You should be looking for a CRI of at least 90 for a true-to-life depiction of colour.

Beam Angles - The beam angle is the spread of light from the light source. For example, spot lights will typically range from 15° to 30°, which will focus light on a specific feature. Flood lights for comparison will have a much wider range, from 45° to 120° and are ideal for providing comprehensive lighting, such as outdoor areas or lobbies.

Dimmability - Most track systems & track heads will be dimmable, but it’s always good to check their compatibility with the dimming system you are looking to use. For example, most track lights will be phase/triac dimmable out of the box, but you may need to get specific options that are compatible with 0-10V or DALI systems.

Spacing - As a general rule of thumb, 1 meter of track will support up to 3 track heads, so they will be spaced approximately 30cm apart. It’s good to have this in mind when choosing track lighting for your space and ensuring you have enough track heads to illuminate your space.

Final word

We always recommend that you discuss your lighting needs (including track lighting) with a certified electrician before making a purchase. Please thoroughly check our product specifications to make sure you have taken into account all the factors that go into selecting the right fitting, this includes understanding the voltage of the fitting, the wattage of the light source(s) and dimming compatibility.