1. Low-voltage track lighting uses 12-volt power and consumes less electricity than line-voltage lighting that runs off standard outlets. A transformer (usually included) converts the standard 120-volt line power to 12-volt; transformers should have wattage equal to or greater than the wattage sum of all the bulbs operating in this lighting system.
2. Average dimmer switches do not always work to full capacity with low-voltage track lighting; there might be a buzzing sound, or the lights may barely increase or decrease in intensity. This problem is easily solved with the use if noise filters and by purchasing a more rugged dimmer switch.
3. Track lighting quickly adapts to new room arrangements because lights are easily repositioned to meet new requirements. Track lighting draws attention to architectural detail and can be used for general lighting or task lighting, or to highlight paintings or outstanding features of the room.
4. Lamps of a track lighting system are also known as fixtures. Track lighting systems have fixtures that are specially designed for that track system; tracks and fixtures are not always interchangeable from system to system.
5. There are two different track systems: the original two-wire tracks and the newer three-wire tracks that are required by some building codes. The higher demand for three-wire tracks, which use the third wire for grounding, ensures that selections of replacement fixtures and expansion parts will remain readily available.
6. Line-voltage fixtures use a variety of bulbs that vary in diameter and in the amount of light they expel. Floodlights have large beam angles to provide general, overall lighting, and spot lights have smaller beam angles to illuminate specific areas.
7. Once you install track lighting, there are modifications that you can make. When installing track lighting on high or vaulted ceilings or loft areas, use a track suspension kit that allows you to hang lighting tracks from the ceiling.
8. Connectors allow you to attach tracks to each other in straight lines, or at any angle you wish to create; you can even create circles or squares without using dead connectors. A flex connector used in flexible track lighting connects the diverging light tracks, and is able to be bent in a series of directions and maintain the various positions.
9. Fixed track lighting was originally a commercial lighting style. Now common to any architectural structure because of versatility and easy installation, most fixed track lighting systems operate on line voltage, taking the current directly from wall or ceiling outlets.
10. Pendant lighting, which is available in kits or for sale as individual components, consists of fixtures that are suspended to provide soft task lighting. Pendant lighting, which is at home over counter workspaces and dining tables, eliminates the shadows often present in non-suspending fixtures.
