Track lights and their use. Track lights

If you have already decided to install track lighting in your home, office or apartment, this is a great idea. You might be interested in learning more about such systems to make right choice. We do not want to overload our readers with unnecessary information, so we will try to pay attention to the most important points when choosing track lighting.

Select standard track

Any track lighting system starts with the track itself. So what is this track? A track, also often called a bus, busbar or rail, is a frame - a base in the form of a metal rail mounted on a ceiling or wall, on which track lamps are installed.

Track types

There are several track standards: 1-phase track, 3-phase track and a low-voltage track designed for 12 Volts.
1-phase track systems can be 220 V or 12 V. In the case of 12 V technology, the track system comes complete with a decorative transformer (a small device for converting 220 V to 12 V), which can create some inconvenience during installation.

Types of single-phase track.
It should be noted that systems designed for 220 V voltage are more common, as they are more convenient and easier to install, and when used correctly, they are no worse than 12 V systems in terms of safety. Low-voltage 12 V lighting systems are increasingly being pushed out of the market by 220 V systems every year, as they no longer have clear advantages over 220 V technology.
3-phase track system Powered by a regular 220V voltage output.
This type of bus makes it possible to turn on different categories of luminaires installed on the same bus separately or together using two switches. This can be useful when you sometimes need to highlight certain objects, for example, highlight something with spotlights from one group for a short period, and the rest of the time use another group of track lights for general lighting. Also, on a 3-phase track system, you can turn on all the lamps at the same time - by using 2 switches.

Types of three-phase phase track.
Each of the tracks presented above can be presented in various variations and performances depending on the manufacturer. Remember that fixtures are not interchangeable; those that fit one track standard will not work on another track system. Although there may be exceptions, it is better not to neglect general rules when completing track lamps. However, within the same standard this is not a problem, you can change the track lights whenever you want.
Typically, tracks are made in the form of straight sticks with a standard length of 1 to 3 meters. The rails can be shortened, adjusting the size of the busbar to your requirements for the illuminated room. Next, these tracks (rails) are connected to each other using linear, angular and other components. The shape and cross-section of tires can have different appearance, design, shape and size, all depend on the manufacturer. The cross section of a 1-phase track is often smaller in size compared to a 3-phase track.

Methods for attaching track systems

The track is fixed to the wall or ceiling and holds the lamps. For the ceiling, the track system can be installed on rigid plumbs, cable suspensions, or attached directly to the ceiling. The choice of one or another mount depends on your wishes for the appearance of the bus system and the technical problems of lighting. For example, with a ceiling 5 meters high, when you need to lower the track quite strongly to the illuminated objects, this can only be done using cables on which the entire track system is suspended. The use of rigid plumb lines is only advisable from an aesthetic point of view, because their use increases the overall cost of track lighting.

Choosing lamps for the track and what they are like

Track lights are sometimes called spots or spotlights on a busbar and are the most important part track lighting systems. So first you have to decide what you need the light for. If you want to select an object, best choice There will be lamps with directional lighting, so-called directional spots. These luminaires have small beam angles and are designed specifically for illuminating objects such as paintings, posters, works of art, paintings, photographs, statues, figurines, etc.

Examples of track luminaires for directional lighting and accent lighting.
To illuminate the entire space completely, for example, a kitchen, corridor, bedroom or living room, you need to create not only directional, but also diffused light, and for this you will need lamps with wider dispersion angles. Such lamps are called track lamps diffused light, are designed to increase the overall illumination of the space.

Examples of diffused light track luminaires for general lighting.
You can use both types of luminaires on one track system, either simultaneously or separately on separate buses.

Options for using systems on tracks

Let's look at some of the most common examples of using track lights in home lighting. From the areas of application of track lamps in a house or apartment in Lately lighting of living rooms, corridors, bedrooms and most often kitchens is gaining popularity. When illuminated kitchen area With track lamps, the most popular solution is when 3 types of lamps are installed on one bus system. Bus lights with diffused light are suitable for general lighting in the kitchen. Directional lighting bus lights, as a rule, are aimed at the food preparation area and interior elements, exactly where it needs to be done. bright accent. Directly above kitchen table pendant track lights are placed in the dining area or bar counter. Pendant track lights are attached to the track via an adapter and look like regular pendant lights. The use of such a combination of bus lights succinctly complements the interior of the kitchen, creates comfort due to favorable lighting with the placement of light accents and provides unique functionality. When you get bored with the interior or a technical need arises, you can always easily change the combination of luminaires on the track and get a new lighting concept. This is the main advantage of lighting with track lamps as opposed to lighting with stationary spotlights, pendant lamps and chandeliers.

An example of kitchen lighting with track lamps: a combination of pendant and directional lamps on one track.

An example of kitchen lighting with diffused light track lamps.
If we consider the lighting of the corridor, then the main emphasis is on the use of directional spots; sometimes the track is supplemented with diffused lamps.

The use of accent spots in the corridor is due to the fact that there are almost always paintings, posters, engravings, reproductions, photographs, facades of built-in wardrobes and other interior items on the walls, which need to be emphasized, and directional spots placed are best suited for such lighting on the track. Usually, when lighting a corridor, they limit themselves to using only directional lamps, and they are sufficient, since the corridor does not require bright general light.

Diffused lamps are rarely used here and may be required only if there is a need for uniform illumination of the room, but in this case the light accents may be blurred and become less obvious.

The concept of lighting rooms, bedrooms, living rooms and study rooms of an apartment with track lamps can be purely individual and often depends on your preferences and the need to make light accents on certain objects. Below are a few examples of using systems on tracks in various rooms.

Small track lamps for illuminating paintings in a bedroom interior with wall mounting

Another example of accent lighting of paintings in the bedroom with track lights mounted on the ceiling.

Using white track lights to illuminate a minimalist living room.

An example of lighting a studio apartment with lamps on a bus.

An example of lighting a living room with a track system directed along the perimeter of the room.

An example of a combination of pendant lamps and spot lamps on one track for lighting an apartment.

The main feature of track lighting is the ability to easily change the interior design by simply replacing the lamps or swapping them in places on the bus. You can change the interior lighting without changing the track system itself. The track system is convenient, simple and relevant for modern interiors.

How to choose lamps for track lights

Choosing a lamp for a track light is much simpler than it might seem at first glance. Track lights come in LED (LED), halogen, metal halide (MHL), energy-saving (fluorescent) lamps and incandescent lamps. If you have already decided on the lamps and the type of track system, choosing light sources (lamps) for the lamps will not be difficult. But there are several important points, which you should pay attention to. If you decide to buy LED track lights, then pay attention to the type of lamps. Lamps can be with built-in (non-removable) lamps or lamps already equipped by the manufacturer with removable lamps with standard sockets (the socket is a connector-socket for installing light bulbs). Fixed lamps cannot be changed, only the entire lamp; the second option may be more convenient if after some time you decide to replace the light bulbs, for example, with a cold glow for a warm one. The main advantages of track lights with LED lamps include lower energy consumption (from 3 to 10 times less electricity consumption compared to halogen lamps), long service life, low heating of the lamp, and the ability to choose the color of the glow: warm, neutral or cold light. The only disadvantages include the slightly higher cost of such lamps compared to traditional lamps.
If you have chosen metal halide lamps for your home, then you should think carefully about why you need it. This type of track lights provide a very powerful and bright stream of light, suitable exclusively for commercial lighting of shops, exhibitions and museums. In apartments, metal halide lamps on a track can only be used as an exception to the rules.
The third type of lamps is energy-saving. All lamps equipped with energy-saving lamps are lamps with removable lamps. Such lamps can be easily replaced with halogen, LED or incandescent lamps. Energy-saving lamps are also quite effective and durable, like LED lamps, but due to the fact that they contain small amounts of mercury vapor, they cannot be thrown away as ordinary household waste, but must be taken to specialized organizations for recycling. Energy-saving lamps, like LED lamps, can have different color temperatures: 2700 K - soft warm light, 4200 K - neutral daylight, 6400 K - cool white light, which distinguishes energy-saving lamps from halogen lamps and incandescent lamps. Thus, the consumer gets the opportunity to choose lighting with the desired shade.
Halogen lamps are a modern variation of incandescent lamps that have a buffer gas added to their housing, which increases the life of the lamp. When using soft start, the service life can be increased to 20,000 hours. The choice of halogen lamps is very wide and the price is low. The glow of a halogen lamp, like incandescent lamps, is close to that of the sun warm color glow. Warm light is ideal for lighting the kitchen and other living areas.
It should be noted that if you want to buy track lamps with the ability to adjust the brightness, then not all lamps are suitable for these purposes. Can be used: special dimmable LED lamps, all types of halogen lamps and incandescent lamps. Most LED lamps and energy-saving fluorescent lamps are not dimmable. Dimmable LED lights and lamps are quite expensive.

How to install a track system

One more an undeniable advantage The bus light is easy to install. If you are doing repairs from scratch, then everything is simple: the voltage output is thrown and the bus power is connected to it. If you decide to replace an existing ceiling lamp in the room, you will need to take a few simple steps to replace it with a bus lighting system. First you need to remove the old lamp. Then attach the track to the ceiling (usually with self-tapping screws, or plumb bobs and hanging cables). After this you need to connect installed system to the power outlet. It's best to hire a qualified electrician if you're not sure you can do it. Now all that remains is to install the lights on the bus in the right places and the bus lighting system is ready for use. You will be able to move and turn on the lamps exactly the way you want, and create a lighting scheme that is comfortable for you.
Below, using the example of the Paulmann U-rail track system, you can familiarize yourself with the stages of installation of track lights.

In conclusion, we note that you should not worry about the number of track lights on the bus; if it seems to you that there is not enough light, you can always buy and install additional lights. After all, this is precisely the beauty of track lighting systems - its excellent and laconic appearance, applicability in any interior, mobility, functionality, and ease of installation.
30.11.2018
If the material is copied in full or in part, a link to the source is required, a specialized center for track lighting.

Modern lighting technologies offer increasingly more economical and efficient systems lighting, including a separate niche are occupied by track lights. The track system is a practical and universal method installation of lighting fixtures, providing for unhindered movement of fixtures within the track (busbar). Such lighting systems allow you to create truly unique interior solutions, therefore they are widely used not only in commercial but also residential premises to create spectacular, accent lighting.

Track lighting systems include several basic elements in their design:

directly the track itself, or the conductive busbar (busbar, ", "),
connecting elements,
adapter for connecting lighting devices,
lamps or spotlights.

A special feature of track lighting systems is the ability to simultaneously be equipped with lamps and spotlights for different light sources. The busbar is a special profile with high fracture and torsional strength, which allows you to create lighting structures of almost any length and the most intricate configuration. In addition, it is possible to connect three phases to one track system, allowing the creation of several groups of lamps independent from each other.

Practical! Profitable! Effective!

Track system of lamps - perfect solution for lighting retail and exhibition spaces, shop windows, halls, showrooms and any premises with high ceilings. Also, such systems look very expressive and harmonious in residential premises made in an ultra-modern style, such as constructivism, techno, hi-tech, etc. Track systems can be mounted directly to the ceiling, to remote brackets, and it is also possible to mount the lighting system on pendants. Additional connecting parts make it possible to model a system of any geometric configuration, turning even the most daring designer’s idea into reality.

The main advantages of track lighting systems:

simplicity and ease of installation,
mobility of lamps,
possibility of changing the type of light source,
universality of the fastening system,
the ability to quickly change the number of lighting fixtures on one profile,
absolute safety;

Possibility to install lighting equipment on one track different types, power and design, opens limitless possibilities in interior lighting. By easily changing the intensity or direction of illumination of track lamps, you can emphasize individual style interior of the room, focus on the display of products and effectively zone the space.

Every year new interior design ideas appear, so interior decoration premises is becoming increasingly complex. And standard lighting fixtures often simply do not fit into the overall atmosphere, which forces you to look for other options. Thanks to this, a track lighting system appeared, which combined lamps, busbar and other elements.

Main purpose and application

Initially, track lighting systems were produced for shopping centers. They helped attract the attention of potential buyers to a particular store. Products are often moved from place to place, so it is necessary to use lamps with adjustable lighting angles.

Over time, designers decided to use this type lighting in city apartments so that residents can change the direction of light rays if desired.

Pendant lamps help hide shortcomings and focus the eye on the advantages of the room. It was with their help that it became possible to visually change the parameters of the room and paint it in different colors.

Track lighting is used in many areas, such as restaurants, cafes and bars. They help highlight a specific area to show its importance at the moment. Such lamps are necessary for exhibition halls and museums.

The system itself consists of a busbar, suspension elements, lamps, connecting parts and conductors. Despite the apparent complexity of the system, bus devices are easy to use, and therefore can be installed not only indoors, but also outdoors.

Their installation does not require much experience, and changing the lighting angle takes virtually no time.

Design features of busbar trunking and its types

Tracking systems are durable and flexible design, so they can be mounted on any surface and their configuration can be changed to obtain best angle lighting. main feature The design consists of light sources that are mobile and, if desired, can be moved from one phase to another. In this case, in one busbar it is possible to use various lamps, having any shape and power.

The main advantage of the track is its ability to illuminate the room, even if one of the lamps malfunctions.

After all, all light bulbs work independently of each other. The track busbar can be distinguished by its shape, installation method and number of phases. Its phases depend on the number of copper conductive busbars inside the track. One bus has one phrase, two buses have two phases, and three buses have three phases.

The number of phases affects the ability of light bulbs to work independently of each other, that is, the more phases, the more lamps, the more operational possibilities.

A particular advantage is the three-phase track, which can be connected to a 380 V network in order to equally distribute the load across phrases.

According to the installation method, track tires can be:

External and installed in a vertical or horizontal position using fasteners or suspension cables.
Recessed and mounted under work area to attract attention.

The busbar trunking box can have a round or square cross-section. If you purchase a custom-made track, you can request a product of any design with any number of edges. From external differences The operation of the device will not change in any way.

Advantages and disadvantages

Movable lamps have mass positive qualities, making them popular among buyers:

With their help, you can create general or accent lighting based on personal preferences.
Another advantage of the system is the ability to install it on different surfaces. After all, it can have a suspended, wall and ceiling design.
All components of the device are different high quality. They are durable and stable, which ensures continuous work systems for a long time.

Tire devices are a combination of convenience, lightness and functionality. Therefore, with their help you can solve any functional issues.
Another advantage of the track is its innovative appearance, which allows it to look harmonious in any interior.
The system has one serious drawback that makes it impossible for some people to purchase it. This is a high price.

Track systems are an excellent solution for lighting design of a room not only in a residential building, but also in mall or a city swimming pool. Even in small apartments With low ceilings their use will help present the space in a favorable light.

What kind of lamps are used?

Speaking about the types of lighting fixtures, it can be noted that almost every lamp can be used in a track. Previously, halogen or fluorescent lamps were selected for it, but in modern world technologies, LED devices and other products that consume a minimum of electricity are held in high esteem.

Based on this, we can conclude that track lighting devices can be classified according to installation method, area of application and functionality:

Depending on the installation method, they can be wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted or suspended.
Based on their area of application and functionality, exposure, technical, rotating and spotlight lamps are distinguished. The most modern are spotlights and exposure lamps, which are designed to focus attention on specific areas.

Thanks to a huge selection of luminaires suitable for tracking lighting systems, you can experiment with light. Tire devices can be used anywhere, be it outdoors or indoors. They can be the main or additional light source - it all depends on the design idea or the wishes of the buyer.

How to choose?

Choosing this method lighting, you need to focus on several main aspects:

The device must be equipped with energy-saving lamps to save the amount of energy consumed.
It is necessary to consider the supply voltage, which indicates the ability of the system to operate under various voltage fluctuations.
The manufacturing materials must be of high quality so that the track does not fail within a short period of time.
The cost of a high-quality device exceeds the cost of cheap analogues.
The design and shape of bus systems must be fully consistent stylistic direction and the size of the room.

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It's no secret that properly designed lighting completely changes the atmosphere inside the house. Using lamps, you can divide a room into functional zones, for example, this is important in the bedroom-living room or kitchen-dining room.

Few people are familiar with track lights, since they have relatively recently appeared in sales in regular stores. Previously, you could only meet them in shops and supermarkets above retail shelves.

Track lights are spotlights with directional light. They are easily installed on a special wire (track) and can be hung on the wall, ceiling and more. About the principle of operation of track lighting systems, their application in different rooms, varieties and features of installation today and “Dream House” will tell you.

Places for using track lights

LED track lights are used primarily for professional purposes. To focus the attention of shoppers in supermarkets on specific products, special lighting is used. Thanks to the right light, people can see products even on the highest shelves. Such lamps can be used to illuminate price tags, goods and display cases in general. In the same way, track lamps are used in showrooms and entertainment places where it is important to attract attention - it is for this purpose that such lamps are created.

In residential interiors, track lights are not as common as in stores. The fact is that in apartments a great emphasis is placed on comfort and functionality. If you want to highlight the interior and make the decor catch your eye, then the most suitable lamps in this case are track lamps. Designers are using them in interior projects more and more often.

There are several main places where you can find track lights:

trading floors;
entertainment centers;
Exhibitions;
museums;
the shops;
catering places;
home interior.

Thanks to the special characteristics and capabilities, busbar luminaires are the most in demand and popular among buyers.

Design of track lamps

For track systems, one electrical installation system is used - busbar. Several identical lamps are placed on it. Special calipers are used for connection. Busbars are made of aluminum and are electrical modules that have special connectors for connecting lamps. Calipers can be different in design:

flexible;
cruciform;
straight;
rectangular;
L-shaped;
U-shaped.

The complete set of the track system is often as follows:

lamps with different bulbs, but usually LED;
transformer;
electrical wire;
fastenings;
elements for suspension.

Thanks to special fasteners, you can hang the entire structure anywhere and do it whenever you want. That is, there is no need to hang it horizontally or vertically, you can even hang it at an angle and not necessarily in a straight line. You can turn on not all the lamps, but through one or half of them - depending on how the system is connected to the power grid.

Luminaires can be placed on the same busbar different designs, size and power. Their number can also be any.

The direction of illumination and the location of the lamp itself can be changed without difficulty.

Types of track lamps

Track lighting systems can be anything you want. One classification divides them by type of lamp:

for the system they are distinguished by their economy and efficiency, as well as compactness;
for halogen lamps, systems cost less than all others, but in terms of characteristics they are by no means the best, unlike LED or fluorescent lamps. But they are usually used in entertainment and shopping centers;
With fluorescent lamps there are reliable and practical track systems;
Systems with a metal halide lamp give extraordinary light, but their heating time is quite long. After some time, the lighting from such lamps has a green tint.

The type of busbar also plays a role important role and affects the function of the entire system. Depending on the busbar, there are track systems:

single-phase;
two-phase;
three-phase;
There are also mini-track systems separately, only 12V.

The number of phases affects the possible number of groups of bulbs that can be connected to the entire track.

Installation of track lighting systems

Track lights for the home are usually sold along with a special power supply. But if you do not want to purchase this kind of track system, then connections are made in a different way:

First of all, when connecting the system, it is necessary to turn off the power to the house. This is very important and neglecting this step can lead to bad consequences.
The next step is to connect the lights to the track.
After this, it is important to connect the contacts to each other. They differ in colors, which makes the task very easy. The ends of the cables are brought out to the ends of the busbar.
Ceiling track lamps can be installed to the ceiling on special frames. You can place the frame under the ceiling in any direction you want. Lamps are supported using cables or hanging chains, you can also use staples.
After installing the frame, you need to arrange the wires at the location where the track is intended to be installed.
The wires are then connected to each other by color.
Basically, there is no need to expose the wires, but if suddenly they are exposed, then they must be wrapped so that a short circuit does not occur.
The design has a special groove for installing a track adapter.
After installing the entire system, all that remains is to adjust the direction of the lamps.

Pros and cons of a track system

There are a number of features that distinguish this type of lamps over any other. Due to their qualities, track systems are widely used in modern interiors residential premises, in work environments, public places and many other places. Such lamps have practically no disadvantages, but they have a lot of advantages.

Today, track lamps have managed to become a fairly popular type of lighting. Such a system is considered an indispensable attribute of large trading floors, small boutiques and shops, exhibition spaces, workplaces, cafes, restaurants and, of course, residential premises. If previously the most common use was metal halide lighting, now the LED sample has given an “increase” in the functionality of lighting systems on the so-called tracks. In this article, we will try to consider in as much detail as possible how to install track lights and do it yourself.

System overview

A track lamp is a lighting device fixed to the track, the contacts of which go to the conductive busbars of the track. Among its main advantages are:

relatively simple and quick installation with connection;
opportunity to produce prompt replacement or install the lamp in another place;
possibility of connection to independent electrical groups.

The disadvantages of such lighting devices include their rather high cost.

Track lighting system is considered excellent option, allowing not only to make the interior stylish, but also to minimize “digging” in the wires. Its design has a minimalistic design, pleasing with various color shades.

The track light can be attached in several ways. The most common is wall mounting or mounting on ceiling surface(for example, on suspended ceiling).

Thanks to cables or chains, the track system can also be brought to suspended ceiling(as shown in the photo below). As an alternative, you can install such lighting under the ceiling to illuminate it from the inside.

A pleasant nuance is that you can install the track lamp after completion finishing stage repair work. This does not require the services of specialists at all - you can connect the system yourself.

By the way, the price for the work of a master who will install the lamps on the tracks will be no less than 900 rubles per linear meter. So isn’t it better to save money and install and connect to the network yourself?

Installation features

Installation and connection of track lighting systems is quite simple process which you can do yourself.

The luminaire is easy to install thanks to the busbar. In this case, it is necessary to decide in advance on the fastening used for this. After all, in order to install a track spotlight, for example, on a suspended ceiling, you will need certain brackets, and connecting lamps to a suspended ceiling will require special chains or cables.

The installation of this lighting system can be divided into the following stages:

Installation of the busbar itself. There are several nuances here. When assembling the suspension system, the busbar will have to be mounted on the floor. Installation of an overhead or built-in track system is possible directly on the ceiling. To cut the busbar, which can be from 1 to 4 meters long, you can use a regular hacksaw. Installation of the lighting "base" may require the use of internal joints or rotation angles (depending on the linearity of the structure). The elements are connected to each other by simple snapping, as shown in the diagram below.

If the installation of a busbar involves the use of cables, then you should take care of special brackets that serve as connectors for the busbar with cables. The cables can be from 1 to 5 meters long; cutting them and adjusting them is not difficult. Connecting the overhead track requires screwing the busbar to the ceiling using self-tapping screws into pre-made connectors at intervals of 20 cm.

Connecting spotlights. Connecting a track light to an already assembled busbar is quite easy. This process consists of snapping the spotlights themselves into the busbar and then securing them at the base near the busbar rail using rotating elements. The lamp (on the adapter) is equipped with a switch (wheel or rotary element), which must be used if the lamp does not light up when the system is turned on. Thanks to this mechanism, the spotlight is connected to one specific power phase (only in 3-phase busbars).

Also learn about how to connect lighting fixture on the track, you can in these videos:

Step-by-step installation instructions

Correct connection

If you plan to install a controlled busbar, which involves the use of LED track lamps with control, then the installation of such a system will be similar to conventional 3-phase and 1-phase busbars. However, connecting controllable track lighting requires a controller pin. It is recommended to connect it to a sensor control system for light levels and color temperature of light.

A track spotlight can be an addition to an already ready-made systems. In this case, all that is required is to combine the busbars of 2 lamps by connecting them in series and then connecting them to the electrical network. The connection diagram of such a system assumes the correct distribution of the load level between the lamps.

That's all I wanted to tell you about installing and connecting track lights with your own hands. As you can see, installation is not difficult!