How to assemble and connect a track system

What it is?

First, you should answer the question of what track lighting devices are. These are special systems in which lighting sources are attached and moved on a special busbar.

Thanks to this simple design, you can change the position of the light bulbs, emphasizing their light on a certain interior detail.

These types of lighting devices are often used not only in residential premises, but also in public institutions: cafes, museums, restaurants, offices, jewelry stores and many other settings. This speaks to the versatility of such devices.

They look great in many ensembles.

As a rule, the design of such lamps includes the following elements:

Directly the busbar along which the lamps move;
Spotlights;
Plugs;
Rotary mechanisms.

Of course, the modification of a particular device largely depends on its manufacturer. Today in stores you can find more advanced copies, equipped with other functional elements.

Types of track system

There are several types of modern track lighting systems. Such designs are divided into two main groups. Whether a luminaire belongs to one category or another depends on the ability to change the number of simultaneously operating lamps in the device.

Dimmable options have this function. Those lighting devices that do not have such a function are ordinary.

Also, track lamps differ in the design of the busbar:

Single-phase;
Two-phase;
Three-phase;
Mini-track options, the power of which does not exceed 12 W.

A certain number of phases shows how many light bulbs in the device can be used simultaneously. Moreover, all sources can act together or work separately. There is also another criterion, according to which track lamps are divided into two types. This criterion is the installation method.

The following options are available:

Built-in. Such lamps are installed in pre-prepared niches or a specific place in the room. Such options are perfect for both home interiors and museums;
Portable. Most often, such track systems are used for concerts and other similar events. They are also often found in public places (cafes, bars, clubs). Such designs are distinguished by mobility. They can be easily moved to a new location;
Spring. Track lights on a spring are also mobile. This flexible and durable lamp is superior to simple static lamps in many ways.

Track systems: the secret of popularity

Today, track lighting systems are often used in interiors, although a few years ago only a few people knew about such technology. Track lamps are “newcomers” on the modern market. Initially, this lighting option was used in stores and showrooms – where it was necessary to attract customers’ attention to the display windows.

The location of goods in retail premises changes periodically, which is why there is a need for mobile directional luminaires. Gradually, track lighting was “relocated” to residential buildings. What are the tracks?

Track lighting systems are structures consisting of a rigid or flexible busbar on which a group of lamps is mounted. The lamps easily move along the guide and change the angle of light supply thanks to the rotating mechanism.

This lighting system has many advantages:

Mobility. By turning the lamps and moving them along the track, you can set the direction of light in accordance with the individual needs of the room.
Reliability. The design is highly durable. The lamps are resistant to mechanical stress.
Economical. Track systems illuminate the space efficiently and evenly, while consuming less energy than a ceiling chandelier. The most economical devices are those based on LED lamps.

Easy installation. A group of track lights and a busbar are installed quite quickly. If you have certain knowledge, the work can be completed without the involvement of specialists.
Versatility. Designers value systems for their versatility. The structure can be mounted both on the ceiling and on the walls.

Track-type lighting has gained wide popularity not only due to its convenience and excellent performance. The designs look very impressive and non-trivial, making the room interesting, stylish, and memorable.

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Application in bedrooms and living rooms

Recently, foreign websites about lighting have begun to use track lamps more often in the interior; there are many reasons for this. Let's start with the fact that this lighting option allows the lamp to fit perfectly into the design of almost any direction; some examples of using this lighting in a classic style have proven to be very successful.

It turned out that the design with furniture made of natural oak and silver-colored lamps look quite appropriate and attractive, but we will still consider simpler and more familiar options for use.

For example, in the bedroom, instead of your usual lamp, you can install a system of several light sources, which will be mounted on a busbar and directed in different directions.

Thanks to the rotating design, you can direct light sources to those areas that are most important for you to illuminate, and diffused light will illuminate all rooms more evenly.

Very often, lamps are directed towards the sleeping area, towards the wardrobe, desk, windows and recreation areas, in order to obtain the most pleasant lighting there.

If you have light walls, even light gray will do, you can get a fairly bright and light room, without using your usual lamps and floor lamps.

Lamps on cables look especially attractive - they allow you to adjust the luminous flux as accurately as possible, plus you will always have the opportunity to place them at the desired height. This lighting option also looks good in the bedroom, but recently this type of lamps has begun to be used in living rooms and even in the kitchen.

Actually, this is not surprising - in terms of design, everything looks very modern, stylish and ultra-cool, and there will be enough light both for receiving guests with tea and photo albums, and for the kitchen, where you will peer into the smallest details and cut fruits and vegetables.

Typically, when using one main light source, certain food preparation areas in the kitchen will end up darkened, or you will block the light by working at a countertop or something like that.

In terms of lighting, this version of lamps is much more interesting, since you can adjust the light in the desired direction, use at least a dozen light sources and highlight each area of the kitchen separately.

And, I repeat, under certain conditions and furniture, the design looks very cool, without unnecessary designer demagoguery we can say that such a solution will completely change the room and radically change the feeling of being in it, and I’m not just talking about the kitchen, but about any room - a bedroom, a corridor, even a study can be illuminated in this way and gain an advantage over conventional light sources.

But, perhaps, we’ve sorted this out, and if you really want to make your room more stylish and modern, plus you don’t want to lose in terms of lighting quality, then you know what to do.

However, let's look at the options for using track lights in a more work environment, where they show their best side.

For example, in the same office or bar, the use of this type of lighting allows you to create incredibly beautiful rooms for work, conferences, meetings and other tasks.

Track lamps in the interior. Photo

Now look at what track lamps look like in the interior in the photo.

Office use

If you follow fashion trends or have simply been to the offices of large and modern companies, you have noticed lamps on a busbar - an original, more or less affordable and simple option for illuminating large rooms, where each employee should have good bright light and the opportunity to work in comfort.

When the workplace is dim and you have to peer at a document in order to understand what letter is written there, it will simply be impossible to produce productivity at an adequate level, so when designing rooms and workspaces, they usually immediately think about using lighting devices of various types.

However, the use of chandeliers or single pendant lamps is not a very effective solution - they provide too diffused light and it will not be possible to illuminate the room evenly; there will be dark and excessively light spots, which will lead to discomfort for office workers.

To avoid this, they began to use a combination of several high-power pendant lamps and additional track lamps in order to obtain a more comfortable atmosphere and sufficient lighting in all areas of the office or work area.

Thanks to the development of the direction of lamps, in the future it was possible to abandon the main pendant light sources, the only solutions left were those based on a busbar or on cables, this is much cheaper if you decide to illuminate a large room, plus you will always have the opportunity to direct the light to the desired area without adding a new one light source into the room.

Agree – the advantages are quite important.

Application in bars and cafes

Perhaps, the pros and cons of this type of lamps are most clearly revealed in the entertainment sector - most bars are implemented with just such lights.

You understand, in a bar it is not necessary to have one hundred percent visibility and bright lighting there is also not necessary; it is more important to create a pleasant atmosphere and a small amount of light necessary so that visitors can calmly eat and drink, enjoy life and communicate.

In such locations, track lights have gained enormous popularity - they are easy to install and illuminate most of the room at once, they look quite attractive and do not distract the visitor to too bright areas of the cafe or restaurant.

However, these lamps also have disadvantages associated with a more complex installation scheme, space requirements and cost.

Let's start with the installation difficulties - this is not a single lamp that can be screwed to the ceiling and forgotten about it, the design is more complex, there are a lot of details in terms of choosing models, installing them and connecting to a common network.

Installing such a complex system without an electrician will be problematic, that’s a fact. Plus, even if you know how to install a track lighting system, no one guarantees that you will have enough space - you need to place the lamps on cables at a certain height, which is not entirely possible in rooms with low ceilings.

Plus, if you want to direct the light in the room to different areas, then you need to remove obstacles in the path of light - all chandeliers and lamps will have to be removed.

Tips for choosing track systems

You need to start with a functional definition of lighting technology by types of lamps, their luminous flux, power and control parameters. To do this, you should set a task and calculate the illumination of the object. The technical specification may look like a floor plan with the required illumination values in lux indicated.

Having in hand the figures for the total power consumption for each group of light, you can choose the type of track:

The conductors are designed for current up to 16 A. This means that each provides power up to 220 V x 16 A = 3520 W.
If in each room/premises the total required lighting power does not exceed 3.52 kW x 0.5 = 1.76 kW, it is permissible to limit ourselves to a single-phase track system (0.5 is a safety factor that takes into account the influence of inrush currents).
In one track circuit, the total power of the luminaires exceeds 1.76 kW? Then we choose a three-phase circuit.
Three-phase tracks are also necessary if you plan to create several lighting groups in one room. They can also be implemented on a single-phase bus if you use Bluetooth-controlled lamps. But there are few such models, which greatly limits the choice of functions and design.
Next, the installation method is taken into account. Example - you are satisfied with the power of a single-phase magnetic system, but you need to fix it on suspensions with spans of more than 2 m. And since magnetic tracks allow a span of no more than 1 m, you will have to consider other types of lighting equipment.

But even without any calculations, we can give some recommendations based on the initial conditions:

Are you engaged in lighting a large-scale object? Then refuse any other track systems except the classic three-phase with mechanical fastening of lamps.
For track lighting in an apartment, a single-phase busbar is sufficient.
Are you interested in local accents in a small room with low ceilings? Then, in addition to tracks, consider railing and tensioning lighting systems.
Taking into account the style of the residential interior - in minimalist design magnetic tracks are more appropriate, in high-tech, loft and classic - mechanical. In the latter case, choose Tube type spotlights, whose drivers are hidden in the housing.
Track lighting cannot be installed in wet rooms - bathrooms, unheated buildings, etc.

Advantages and disadvantages

Owners of houses and apartments are increasingly paying attention to this type of device for organizing general and accent lighting. Their interest is based on the following advantages of track systems:

Practicality. The combination of ease of use and functionality allows you to organize lighting in the most convenient way.
Original design. Despite the distinctly industrial appearance, the track lighting system in the interior is a winning option, stylish and creating a special aesthetic.
Minimum power consumption. Applies to LED devices.
Safe work. The design does not heat up during operation and does not create strong electromagnetic radiation or noise.

Maneuverability. It's nice to be able to direct the light to the desired areas of the room, and do it without much effort. The track system with its movable lamps allows you to easily change the direction of the light beam, emphasizing the selected object or interior detail.
Easy installation. Installation of a structure consisting of ready-made elements does not take much time; the same goes for adding or replacing fixtures.
Easy care. During operation, the system does not require special care; Periodically you will need to remove dust from its surface.

The main disadvantage is the relatively high cost of track design. For many, the downside is the system’s poor compatibility with some styles; Sometimes the glare of a poorly angled lamp can cause inconvenience.

Design features

Track lighting consists of:

busbars;
special lamps;
cable entries;
suspensions;
connecting connectors;
transformers.

Busbar (track) is a guide profile into which the lamp is mounted. Typically made of aluminum, steel or plastic. Inside there are copper bars separated by a dielectric. (The type of busbar trunking is determined by the number of busbars.) Most often, the busbar is made in the form of a channel, cable or string. Tracks have a standard length of 1 to 3 meters. They can be shortened and connected using connectors.

Example of connecting tracks

The connectors allow the installation of an indirect lighting system. Depending on the form there are:

direct connecting nodes;
L-shaped;
X-shaped;
T-shaped;
Flexible.

Track lights are mounted on the bus using special contacts. Depending on the shape of the lamps, the presence of a lampshade, and a reflector, you can receive directed or diffused light. And with the help of different hinges, the lamps can be rotated in one or two planes. All this together allows you to achieve unique lighting.

Installation

You can assemble the system yourself, from individual components to your liking, or purchase it assembled. The finished kit contains a busbar, mounting posts, a certain number of lamps and the necessary components.

Installation of track lights is carried out after the room is de-energized; the work proceeds according to the following plan:

All parts of the track (if it is composite) are assembled into a single structure and fixed to the ceiling using hangers or brackets. Wiring is carried out, wires of the same color are connected and insulated.

Track lights are connected to the busbar, placing them in any location.
Install the track adapter (there is a special groove for it). The track system is connected to the electrical network, and the lamps are set to the required direction.

Home Application

The combination of simplicity and style allows you to use this lamp in any design.
Easy to use.
Visually changing the size of the room will help to enlarge a small room or vice versa.
These lamps can also be used to zone a space.
Application on one track, several lighting devices of different designs.
The characteristics of lamps may be different on the same track.
Installation of a track lamp is possible on any surface, which is why the devices are in demand.
For better lighting with a track lamp, components from the same production are used during installation.
The lamps can be rotated 360 degrees.
Track lamps save energy.
Original system design.

In addition, the lamps do not heat up during operation and do not make noise. For home use, track lights are an excellent and functional lighting option. In addition to all the above advantages, there is also a disadvantage, this is the high price.

How to emphasize the interior style

Track lighting in the interior performs not only a utilitarian, but also an important decorative function, creating a certain atmosphere. When choosing the appearance of a track system, it is important to remember that different shapes of lamps are appropriate in different style solutions.

You won't go wrong in your choice if you choose the following combinations:

For techno and loft styles. A good solution would be massive lamps of simple shape, with a black, white or metal surface. Models in the form of a spotlight are organically combined with industrial design.

High-tech interior. The style, based on advanced technologies, will be organically complemented by space-shaped track lights and transforming models in a bright chrome housing.

In the style of minimalism. In a laconic interior, simplicity and functionality are valued, so models of correct shapes and proportions are used for lighting, without the desire to emphasize their presence. Choose white or black options, ones that the eye glides over without lingering.

Classic, modern, contemporary. Contrary to popular belief, track systems fit confidently into elegant interiors. Large manufacturers offer interesting design solutions that adapt to most styles.

Classification

It was said earlier that track models of an additional light source are divided into several groups and are sold in various models. Now we need to look at this in more detail.

These devices are divided into several types depending on the lamps that are used directly for lighting.

According to this criterion, lighting fixtures can be:

LED, that is, working with an LED lamp.
Halogen.
Working with a fluorescent lamp.
With metal halogen bulb.

Also, these devices are divided into two large groups depending on whether in a particular model it is possible to change the number of simultaneously operating lamps or not. Models that have this function are called dimmable track lighting fixtures.

Those lamps that do not have such an opportunity belong to the category of ordinary ones.

Depending on the type of busbar itself, these devices are divided into the following groups:

Single-phase track lamp.
Two-phase.
Three-phase.
Mini-track devices with a power of no more than 12 W.

The exact number of phases in this case shows exactly how many lamps can be used simultaneously. Moreover, all of them can work both together and separately from each other.

There is one more criterion by which track lighting devices are divided into two groups - this is the method of their installation.

In this case, the lamp can be:

Built-in , that is, installed in niches or in a permanent place. Built-in models are more often used at home or in museums.
Portable . Such devices are actively used at concerts, bars or shops. They can be easily moved across the entire area of the room.

Such a variety of types allows you to choose the ideal track lamp in accordance with the main selection criteria.

Structural features

Any track lighting device consists of a track (bus) and a lamp. Additional parts: connectors, hangers, brackets, plugs.

Track structure

A track (busbar, frame) is a rail that is mounted on a ceiling or wall with light sources. Busbar body cross-section: rectangular or oval. There are flexible and rigid frames.

Single and three phase tracks

Inside the profile there are insulated copper bus bars for current conduction. There are single- and three-phase busbars.

Single-phase track - 2 current conductors pass through (one phase and zero). All light sources on a single-phase busbar can be turned on and off only at the same time. This two-wire system is suitable for small cafes and residential apartments.

Three-phase track - 4 current conductors pass through (three phases and zero). Such a system can be connected to a 220 V, 380 V network. If you plan to connect the track system to a voltage of 380 V, and the lighting devices are designed for 220 V, an additional converter is connected.

Light sources can be divided into several groups and switched on individually using a two- or three-key switch. This four-wire system is suitable for lighting huge areas of shopping centers (it reduces the load on the entire network and allows you to configure individual groups of lighting fixtures).

Mini track systems

Separately, there are mini track systems that are used as additional lighting. Mini structures consist of 2 chrome-plated copper tubes connected by an insulating profile. This frame is powered by 12V. When installing a mini busbar, additionally select clips and hangers.

Magnetic track system

Popular new frame luminaires differ from conventional frames in that different lighting fixtures are attached to the busbar with magnets. Inside the guide profile there is a conductive board with a magnetic core. Such a magnetic system runs on electricity, but requires a voltage of 24 or 48 V. Additionally, a power supply is selected, which is mounted separately and connected via a wire to a copper guide. The power of the power supply should be 20-30% higher than the total power of all lamps for a given magnetic track.

Advantages of the magnetic system:

simple installation;
replacement, addition of light bulbs to the magnetic frame;
safety during operation due to low voltage;
ability to use under different conditions.

Choice of frame material

The most popular material for the guide frame (track) is aluminum. Steel, various alloys, and plastics are also used. When choosing a busbar, take into account the material and conditions where the structure will be used. The parameter “Dust and moisture resistance” (IP protection class) is important, where the first number indicates the degree of protection from dust, the second – from water. If you plan to install the track system in rooms with high levels of moisture, outdoors, then the IP value should be higher than 45 (for example, IP66 - complete protection from dust, protection from strong jets of water).

Standard colors for busbars are white, black, grey. A different color or shade of the frame can be ordered for an additional payment directly from the manufacturers or the online store website.

How to choose?

Having decided to purchase such a track lamp, every potential buyer is faced with the fact that he does not always understand how to choose it correctly. To make this task easier, we bring to your attention some useful tips that will help you make the right choice easier and faster.

Pay attention to the country of manufacture.

It is better to give preference to domestic, German or American lamps. The same models that have a manufacturing country of China, especially at a low price, are better to be avoided. A track light is a purchase that you should not try to save money on.

It is also necessary to pay attention to such an indicator as luminous flux - the higher it is, the more the room will be illuminated.

And if you need to save on electricity consumption, you should choose low-power models.

The supply voltage should also be taken into account when purchasing and be sure to read the manufacturer's recommendations on this issue.

The number of phases of a track lamp and the angle of dispersion of its light are two important indicators. The more lamps there are in the track, the brighter the room will be, and the smaller the dispersion angle, the less concentrated the light flux will be.

If you plan to regularly move the lamps along the track and throughout the room in general, it is better to purchase models with a spring. They are more durable and flexible compared to static track models.

Guided by these simple recommendations when purchasing, you can easily choose a high-quality, reliable, durable and stylish lamp for your home and work.

Stylish interior solutions

The fact that today track lamps are actively used both in crowded places and in private homes was mentioned at the very beginning of this article.

Below are the most original and unusual examples of their use in the interior.

An excellent option for decorating kitchen lighting for a small room with a bar counter.

Black lamps stand out against the background of a light ceiling, while they immediately illuminate three areas of the kitchen. Their color visually increases the height of the room itself, and the minimalist style, on the one hand, attracts attention, and on the other, does not distract from the overall interior of the room.

Another clear example of the successful use of track lights on cables in an ordinary apartment. Thanks to the double design of the bus itself, these devices managed to create ideal lighting in the room, and most importantly, also very stylish.

With his help, here too it was possible to visually stretch the space of the room upward, making the kitchen itself unusual, but at the same time cozy and discreet.

A cozy living room in light colors has become even more attractive and gentle thanks to this lighting. Small white track lights placed directly on the ceiling do not focus the light in one place, but distribute it evenly throughout the room.

Their color fully matches the overall color scheme of the living room and gives it special comfort and warmth.

Fans of the loft style that is popular today will definitely like this kitchen lighting design. In this case, track lamps are chosen very well; they both stand out in the overall interior of the room and emphasize its style.

Their exquisite metallic color immediately attracts attention with its unusualness, and due to the fact that the lamps have a rotating mechanism, you can easily change the angle and intensity of the light at any time.

A clear example of how beautiful track lights look in crowded places, in this case in a restaurant. They allow you to illuminate all parts of the room as efficiently and correctly as possible, while the light is carefully dispersed and does not cause any inconvenience to visitors.

At the same time, it is precisely this kind of lighting that makes it possible to advantageously highlight free tables for customers.

Another clear example of the successful use of track lighting in a bar. In this case, the lamps on cables are located directly above the bar counter. They allow you to carefully study the menu and immediately highlight empty seats at the counter.

But at the same time, they do not blind the eyes and do not distract attention from the most important thing.

It’s not for nothing that track lamps are in high demand among buyers today, and these examples once again confirm this. With the right choice of such a lighting device and its correct installation, it can not only provide the correct and necessary lighting, but also become one of the main decorations of the room.

When purchasing, you should always remember the useful recommendations that were given at the beginning of this article, as well as choose the right power and intensity of lamp illumination and remember that for home use you should purchase models with a lower glow intensity than for public places.

In general, we can safely say that track lamps are the lighting devices of the future, because they have a universal purpose, a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and a long and safe service life.

Colors

Track lamps can have different colors, but the most popular and common designs are classic shades. Let's take a closer look at the most attractive options that will look organic in many interior styles.

Black and white . Such versatile models fit perfectly into many ensembles. Such designs look best against a contrasting background. Otherwise, the lamps may merge with the walls. For example, snow-white models will stand out well against the background of pastel, rich or dark walls, and black ones, on the contrary, will stand out well in snow-white, beige, cream, peach and other similar rooms;

Traditional gray options are versatile and neutral. They can be placed in almost any environment. The main thing is not to place them against the background of the same gray walls and ceiling, otherwise the ensemble will turn out boring and “bland”;

One of the most popular are chrome designs. They not only look impressive, but also bring special futuristic notes to the interior. However, it is worth considering that such options will look harmonious only in modern interiors. They are not suitable for classical ensembles;

Fans of non-standard and bold solutions will definitely like red track lamps . Such designs look very original and fresh. They look especially impressive in contrasting ensembles, for example, on a white or black background;

with a golden finish look elegant and attractive Such pieces will look harmonious in many ensembles. Golden models can be chosen even for classic interiors.

Tire models and design

Tire lights look best in modern interiors. For example, in a “garage” loft style, such lighting fixtures will look organic and attractive. They can be installed against the background of rough walls with decorative bricks or plain gray surfaces.

Most often, laconic designs in black or dark brown are selected for such environments.

Also, track lamps are perfect for ultra-modern high-tech interiors. Many designers call this trend “a classic of modern youth.” This style is characterized by simple details made from non-natural and high-tech materials. For example, it could be metal, high-quality plastic and other similar options.

In such ensembles, track white, black and chrome models will look the best.

Rail lighting fixtures are also suitable for a minimalist style. Such interiors are simple, devoid of graceful lines and patterned weaves. Such lighting fixtures have a laconic and discreet design that does not have intricate decorative elements that have no place in minimalist ensembles.

Manufacturers

Let's consider the advantages of several leading manufacturers that produce high-quality and beautiful track lamps.

Arte Lamp. This Italian brand produces durable and reliable LED lamps in classic colors. Most of Arte Lamp's products are designed for modern high-tech style and have a discreet design;

Citilux. Track lamps from this brand from Denmark are usually made in the Art Nouveau style. Many have graceful curved bases and pendant bulbs in a variety of shapes;

Novotech. This Hungarian manufacturer produces high-quality LED track lights that combine two colors. It can be white and black or black and chrome. They look very stylish and modern;

Paulman. The assortment of this German brand includes inexpensive and laconic lamps in the Art Nouveau style with a laconic design and matte gray surfaces.

Track lighting control

Manual, remote or fully automatic control of track systems consists of regulating 5 lighting parameters:

Turning light groups on and off.
Luminous flux values (dimming).
Geometry of the light spot (focusing).
Color temperature.
Beam directions (automatic rotation of the lamp in 2 planes).

Rice. 10. Control of light groups in a single- and three-phase system

Statics and dynamics

Setting or changing the light scene refers to the control of lighting parameters to select a new optimal ratio for changing exposure tasks. We are talking about rearranging goods and props, changing general (natural or artificial) light, and implementing a new exhibition concept.

Dynamic control is of particular importance. It involves periodically repeated programmed variation of parameters. This technique is adopted by lighting merchandisers when decorating shop windows in fashionable commercial districts (where the visual space of the street is overloaded with advertising, and the dynamics of lighting is one of the ways to stand out among boutiques of the same product group).

Dimming LED track lights

Adjustment of the luminous flux in the range from nominal to minimum (the minimum possible level depends on the driver of the LED track lamp) is carried out for:

Selecting the optimal illumination level of the object, lux.
Energy savings.
Creating dynamic effects.

In order to correctly control the brightness of a section of the lighting system, it is necessary that all lamps included in the light group be dimmable. The simplest control method involves connecting one or more selected bus phases to a phase dimmer. The second name for such a device is TRIAC. It is mounted instead of a conventional switch.

Using TRIAC, you can control the brightness of dimmable track LED devices and any other ICs (incandescent, halogen, fluorescent). Phase control involves 2 types of control - manual and remote (remote control).

Some track models are equipped not only with a controlled driver, but also with a Bluetooth module. This makes it possible to change the brightness (and sometimes color temperature) not of the entire group, but of each device separately and connect the entire lighting system to specialized software. Individual binding via Bluetooth helps create lighting groups on a single-phase bus, and on a three-phase bus, form them from devices connected to different phases.

Our catalog presents a separate line of Optima lamps with the ability to control via Bluetooth.

Rice. 11. From the remote control or smartphone you can control the brightness, color temperature and rotation of the lamps

Beautiful ideas in the interior

Gray track lamps with long bases will look good in a spacious living room in snow-white tones. Place in such a room a white sofa, a small table with cream chairs and decorate one of the walls with decorative bricks.

You can dilute the “fresh” paints with large contrasting paintings on the walls.

A large track design with black bases, assembled into a square, will look organic against the background of walls decorated with wood panels. This solution is often used in private two-story houses, where the first floor has a very high ceiling.

Under such a lighting system you can place a gray cozy sofa, a TV stand with all the necessary equipment and even a small fireplace on the right side of the furniture.

Track lights with a light base, small bulbs and two large pendant shades can be hung above a light wooden dining table in a room with crisp white walls.

Place beige plastic chairs on a metal frame nearby and dilute the ensemble with an accent yellow finish on the far wall, as well as contrasting small paintings on the walls.

A loft-style bedroom will definitely appeal to lovers of non-standard solutions. So, in a white room with a dark laminate floor, you can put a low modular bed in a blue shade and decorate the lower part of the wall behind it with decorative red brick.

In such an environment, black ceiling track lamps installed in two rows and one snow-white curved floor lamp near the bed will stand out effectively.

A track lighting system can also be installed next to the stairs leading to the second floor in a private house. It is desirable that this design matches the color of the railings or steps of the structure.

For example, against the background of a snow-white finish, black staircase details and black track lights on white cables will look harmonious.

Snow-white track lamps can be combined in the interior with pendant chandeliers with chrome surfaces. For example, this solution is ideal for a kitchen with dark green walls, a white ceiling and a glossy black floor.

Track models can be hung near a white set, and chrome lamps can be hung above a glass table with a thick curved white leg and black original chairs. The ensemble will turn out to be unusual and attractive.

Black track lamps can be hung in a white loft-style room with walls lined with snow-white decorative bricks. Place two shiny blue sofas opposite each other in this room, with a small fireplace between them and a zebra-print rug. Hang a TV and colorful paintings on the walls behind the upholstered furniture.

Complete this interior with side tables with vases, complemented by live plants in rich colors and tall floor lamps with red or yellow legs.

Chrome rail systems will look great in a bathroom above console vanities with a sink. Decorate the walls in such a room with black materials, and lay tiles or waterproof gray laminate on the floor.

Previously, track lights could only be seen in showrooms and shopping centers. Today, such systems are increasingly chosen for offices, apartments and houses. Laconic spotlights fit perfectly into designer interiors in loft, minimalism and hi-tech styles. In the article we consider the rules for assembling and connecting track structures.

The track system consists of several spots or spotlights that are mounted on a busbar. The busbar is a module made of aluminum alloy, with electrical contacts located inside it. The lamps can be moved along the busbar and directed in different directions.

Track systems look great in living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms, and are suitable for lighting hallways and corridors.

The main advantages of track lamps:

variability: you can flood the entire room with light, or you can highlight individual areas or objects;
you can easily and quickly rotate the lamps and redirect the light flux;
the system is easy to install on any ceiling: regular, suspended, suspended or slatted;
The design is quite simple and quick to install, and in the future it is easy to replace any part;
spots, spotlights and busbar ducts require little maintenance;
you can assemble structures of different shapes: place busbars in a straight line, make an angle, square or rectangle.

Choosing lamps

The Leroy Merlin collection includes two types of track lamps: with built-in LEDs and with replaceable lamps for E14, E27 and GU10 sockets.

Examples of track lamps from Leroy Merlin:

Let's decide how many light bulbs or LED lamps of different power will be needed to illuminate the room.

Pay attention to the luminous flux brightness (lm) indicated on the packaging of the LED lamp or finished LED lamp. Each type of room has its own lighting standards according to SNiP. On average, this is 150-200 lm per 1 m2 for living rooms and 200-300 lm/m2 for public ones.

Most track lights provide directional light with a beam angle of less than 100°. If you plan to use a track design as the main lighting, take one lamp more than what was calculated.

Briefly about the price and design. Lamps designed for lamps will cost less than those sold with built-in LEDs. The Leroy Merlin catalog presents black and white lamps.

We purchase additional components

As we wrote above, a track lamp consists of a bus and spotlights/spots. In addition to them, additional accessories will be needed for installation: connectors, plugs (remember: one connector and one plug are always included with the busbar), cables (required if you plan to hang the structure). Let's look at what components are needed for what.

Connectors and hangers:

Rules for using accessories for track systems:

To install a track system, you will need one or more busbars; they come in 1- and 2-meter lengths. If any of the busbars are too long, simply take a hacksaw and saw off the excess part.
If you want to connect the busbar to electricity in the center, and not at the edge, as the factory assembly implies, use a spot adapter instead of a network connector.
If you plan to power the track system not directly through a cable, but through a socket, purchase a special connector with a plug.
The busbar can simply be screwed to the ceiling or the structure can be suspended on cables.
If you use hangers, maintain a distance of one meter between them. One suspension can support the weight of up to five lamps and/or up to 5 kg. Equipment for track systems is made by different brands, their requirements and restrictions may differ - read the instructions carefully and check this issue in the manufacturers' catalogs.
In addition to the lamps that were originally made for the track system, you can connect any other lamps to the busbar. For this you will need adapters. They come in three types: universal, for suspensions or for spots and spotlights. All you need to do is remove the base of your lamp and connect the cord to the adapter.

Now that we have figured out what parts are needed for what, let's see how they can fit together.

Installing a track system

The busbar can be fixed to the ceiling in three different ways: screwed to the surface, suspended on cables, or inserted into recesses. For the latter method, only special built-in busbars are suitable; we’ll talk about their installation a little further.

Below are detailed diagrams that tell you how to secure various track systems.

Scheme of work. How to fix one busbar

Scheme of work. How to connect a line connector

If the length of the busbar is not enough and you want the design to be larger, you can connect one or more busbars to the track.

Scheme of work. How to connect an angled connector

L-, T- and X-shaped connectors are connected according to the same principle as linear ones. Let's look at installation using the example of a corner connector.

Let's see how the track system is assembled from scratch to the installation of lamps.

How to connect busbars and spots:

The built-in busbar is a little more difficult to install than a regular one. Here are two build options:

To the surface - for this you will need self-tapping screws, they are included in the kit. The method allows you to install track lights even on concrete ceilings; you just need to drill the channels.
On a bracket - this method is suitable for plasterboard, slatted ceilings and other ceiling systems that have additional mounting height. It is necessary to install the bracket and then secure the busbar with bolts and nuts.

How to install a recessed busbar on a bracket:

We have discussed the most important aspects that relate to track systems: from the selection of lamps, busbars and accessories to the installation of structures.

We are waiting for you in the Lighting department of our store and on the website. Our salespeople will help you choose lamps and accessories for them.