Track Lighting Systems

Tracks, the most common and versatile lighting systems...

Track Lighting Systems

A lighting track is a live electrical channel that is fitted to the ceiling and from which luminaires are suspended. Installing a track is easy, and it is the ideal solution for flexibly changing the lighting of a space. As well as being screwed to the ceiling, it can be suspended from it or mounted on a wall.

Power can be fed to the track from one end, or through special connectors along its length (depending on the type). Tracks make it possible to distribute light evenly where the existing power outlets in a space are not sufficient.

Tracks are among the most common lighting systems and a valuable tool for designers. However, the result of any given installation can be disappointing if certain basic principles are not observed.

Because most of the luminaires mounted on tracks are directional, they are best used to highlight specific points in a space rather than for general lighting. These systems are typically used to accentuate architectural features, furniture, artworks and paintings.

To avoid glare or shadows falling on objects, we recommend placing the luminaires around the perimeter of the objects, at a horizontal distance of 35 to 90 centimetres from them, depending on the ceiling height. The higher the ceiling, the further away from the object being lit the luminaires should be.

Track lighting requires the assembly of various components to make a complete system. Most manufacturers offer accessories and a wide range of spotlights, suitable for creating the desired atmosphere.

About the author

Manos Lianopoulos

Manos Lianopoulos is a Content & Digital Strategy Specialist, founder of INTRIGUE Digital and creator of FLASHLIGHT and Tripment. He believes good design and the right light change the way we experience a space, and here he writes about architecture, lighting and the ideas that make everyday life better. When he isn’t shaping content strategies, you’ll find him on the road on his motorbike, filming new episodes of Tripment.