Everything You Need to Know About Track Lighting: Terms Explained Simply

Track lighting is rapidly growing in popularity, both in homes and commercial spaces. It is flexible, stylish, and functional. However, for those new to this form of lighting, the many terms can be quite confusing. In this blog, we explain the key terms around track lighting in a simple and clear way.

Basic Terms in Track Lighting

Track: The track is the core of the system. It carries the electrical current and serves as the mounting base for the light fixtures, such as spotlights or pendant lights.

Spots: These are adjustable light sources that can be flexibly placed anywhere on the track. Perfect for highlighting specific objects, workspaces, or artworks.

Fixtures: A general term for all types of lights you can mount on the track: spots, pendant lights, or decorative fixtures.

Adapters: Adapters connect the fixtures to the track, ensuring the power flows from the track to the light.

Connectors: With connectors, you can link multiple track sections together. There are different types:

• I-connector: Connects two tracks in a straight line. Ideal for long corridors, kitchen islands, or tables.
• L-connector: Connects two tracks at a 90° angle. Perfect for room corners.
• T-connector: Connects three tracks, allowing you to split into different zones.
• X-connector: Connects four tracks in a cross shape, ideal for larger open spaces.
• Flexible connector: Connects two tracks at a variable angle. Perfect for slanted ceilings, creative designs, or complex layouts.

Power feed: The power feed is the component that supplies electricity to the track. There are several types:

• End feed: Every track section comes with an end feed by default. It is placed at one end and allows direct connection to the power supply. If you wish to create a different setup, the end feed can easily be removed and replaced.
• Centre feed: A centre feed provides power to the track at any point between two sections. Useful when you want to supply a long track from the middle or combine two separate sections.
• Corner feed: Combines a power feed and a corner connector into one component. Ideal for feeding power from a room corner instead of from the end or centre.

End cap: For a neat and safe finish, an end cap is placed on the open end of a track. We supply this with every track section.

Technical Terms You Should Know

1-phase track lighting: With a 1-circuit system, all spots are connected to a single circuit. All lights switch on and off simultaneously. Simple and ideal for residential use. Read more about 1-circuit track lighting.

3-phase track lighting: With a 3-circuit system, you can control multiple light groups independently. Perfect for shops, offices, and larger spaces. Read more about 3-circuit track lighting.

Magnetic track lighting: A relatively new trend where fixtures are magnetically attached to a sleek track, often operating at 48V low voltage. Read more about magnetic track lighting.

DALI: A digital system for lighting control: dimming, programming, and automation – ideal for professional applications.

Zigbee: A wireless standard that makes it possible to control your track lighting smartly. You can control your lights via your smartphone or smart home system.

Dim to Warm: LED technology where the light becomes warmer (more yellow) as it is dimmed. Perfect for creating a cosy atmosphere.

CRI (Colour Rendering Index): Indicates how accurately colours are rendered under a light source. The higher the CRI (preferably 90+), the better.

Practical Terms

Light colour (Kelvin): The colour temperature of the light:

• Warm white (~2700K) → Cosy atmosphere
• Neutral white (~4000K) → Professional, fresh
• Cool white (~6000K) → Functional, bright

Beam angle: Indicates how narrow or wide the light beam is. Narrow beams are ideal for accent lighting, while wider beams are better for general illumination.

Pendant lights: Hanging lights that can be attached to the track using special adapters. Often used above dining tables, bars, and counters.

Track spots: Specially designed spotlights that click easily onto the track system, often adjustable and sometimes dimmable.

Track hangers / pendant adapters: Accessories that allow you to hang existing pendant lights onto the track system.

Why Choose Track Lighting?

Track lighting is not only stylish and sleek but above all highly flexible. You can easily add, move, or replace fixtures without major installation work. Plus, there are countless configuration options: L-shape, T-shape, U-shape, I-shape, P-shape or even O-shape.

Whether you are looking for a minimalist solution for your home or professional lighting for your shop or office – at Qub, you will always find the perfect track lighting system!

Need more information or advice?

Feel free to get in touch! At Qub, we are happy to help you find the best solution for your project.