Contemporary Track Lighting: Installation Basics

Contemporary track lighting offers new styles of fixtures to go with any décor, but it would not be track lighting without a proper track. When buying a track, you will be faced with decisions you probably did not even know to ask about.

Compatibility

You will be faced with the problem that not all tracks are interchangeable. There are three main manufacturers who make tracks and they are not the only ones who do. The three major makers are Halo, Juno and Lightolier.

The fixtures are designated with the letter - H, J, or L respectively - and that maker's fixtures go with that maker's track. If you vary from this, you might have problems connecting the fixture to the track, or even electrical problems due to this poor connection.

Tools Needed to Connect

It is pretty straightforward. You only need a screwdriver to connect the pieces of the track and the fixtures to the track. Even a power screwdriver is overkill. These connections are easily made.

Where the Power Comes From

This is different for a new home than it is for an older remodeled home. There are a couple of ways to go about it. In a new home, you can hardwire it into a junction box. In this case, your builder will likely do the work for you.

In an older home, the power for the track lighting will likely come from a power cord that is plugged into an outlet that you already have in a convenient location in your room. This solution requires a few special parts; a plug and a live end connector are needed. However, it is easy to do and if you understand the concept, you can do it yourself.

What the Track Will Look Like with the Power Feed

If you put the track lighting in when you have your house built, it will be practically invisible. The power cable can be hidden in a live end connector or other type of power connector that looks like a piece of your track.

Contemporary Track Fixtures

There are a variety of contemporary track lighting fixtures. Some look like a cylinder and are finished in black or white paint. Some have metallic finishes. Others look like a bell and may or may not have a visual handle on them. These are usually done in metal finishes, such as nickel. The fixtures must be compatible with their tracks.

Some of the more interesting contemporary fixtures for track systems are the pendant lights. These are generally fairly small, but can be made from excellent glass, such as Murano glass or glass from several European countries. There are exotic designs and minimalist fixtures. They can be used together on one track for a formal look.

The contemporary chandelier can be used on track lighting if it is properly supported on the track. These chandeliers have multiple lights like an ordinary chandelier, but their shape is often like swirling branches. These fixtures are lightweight for chandeliers and they run on low voltage.

When you are buying track for your contemporary track lighting, be sure you get all the features you want. Know all the details of what it takes to choose the right tracks and fixtures and to install them. It is an easy job, but not exactly a no-brainer either.