LED Track Lighting

LED track lighting is is convenient, affordable and attractive and are used in a host of commercial buildings and retail businesses.

When choosing track lighting you need to choose the right LED track lighting to meet your needs, whether you are looking for pub lighting, shop lighting, or need those track lights to fulfil some other commercial needs.

Here at Ultra Beam Lighting we have a variety of different track lights available and can help you to find the right track lights to meet your needs.

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Great Ideas for Using LED Track Lighting

LED lighting is a versatile umbrella term that covers a large variety of light styles and choices. LED track lighting is one of them. Track lights are great for adding illumination both in commercial and domestic settings and can be used to accomplish many illumination goals. Read on to learn more about track spotlights.

What Are LED Track Lights?

There are three main components of track lighting: the head, the track and the lightbulbs. The head is the movable aspect of the light that contains the lightbulbs and is available in an infinite variety of styles to suit any space. The track is the part that is attached to the wall or ceiling to accommodate the light heads and is connected to the power feed that runs through the entire track. It is just as versatile in terms of appearance.

Ultimately, LED track spotlights are a type of lighting system that lets you take control over the end result. In essence: the track is what is attached to the wall or ceiling where it connects to the power supply. The mains power supply enters the end of the track, creating a live bar within the track that is capable of carrying the power through it.

From there, the lights are then clipped onto the track in any position that you prefer. You can move them along the track by sliding them to reposition their locations at any time. This allows you to place each light head exactly where you want it. Ceiling track lighting is used for both domestic and commercial LED track lighting applications and can be beneficial in:

  • Hallways
  • Kitchens
  • Home offices
  • Living rooms
  • Galleries

These directional lamps are ideal for:

  • Highlighting products on a shelf
  • Showcasing artwork
  • Lighting workstations
  • Highlighting awards, antiques and collections
  • Offering general ambience in tandem with statement fixtures and task lighting

What Are the Benefits of LED Track Spotlights?

The benefits of using track lighting systems are plentiful. Below are just a few of the reasons you should consider adding spotlight track lighting to your space:

  • The main reason people like track lighting for their homes, offices or even retail display lighting needs is their versatility. The ability to tailor the light to your specific needs each day depending on the weather outside or what you want to highlight inside is a huge draw.
  • OVERALL AESTHETICS. Track lighting is as versatile and varied as any other kind of lighting in terms of style and material. It goes particularly well with simple, minimalistic home decor but can be added to any room, anywhere.
  • SAVES SPACE. With lights dangling from ceilings or rafters that are capable of moving, you can remove the need to add multiple lamps and similar lighting solutions that might take up too much space. This is especially important if you have a smaller home.
  • TO HIGHLIGHT CERTAIN ITEMS OR FEATURES. Using ceiling track spotlights, you can put emphasis on different aspects of your home or business. When used as shop display lighting, it can be trained on certain items you want to sell. Using it as kitchen track lighting provides beautiful task lighting for you to take advantage of when cooking and cleaning. You can also use decorative track lighting to illuminate certain pictures, paintings, sculptures or other features of a home or gallery.
  • Whereas standard lights cannot be moved once they are installed, LED track lighting can be adjusted as needed. You can move and adjust them as you see fit depending on the changes your space undergoes over time.
  • COST EFFECTIVE AND ENERGY EFFICIENT. By nature, LED lights use very little energy and output very little heat compared to other types of lights. In a retail environment where there is a need for a lot of light, LEDs won’t overheat the space and cause the air conditioning to have to work overtime. This means that on top of their innate ability to output less heat and save money on light replacements, they undoubtedly save money on the energy bills.

What Are Beam Angles, And Which is Best For a Retail Store?

The LED bulbs in commercial LED track lighting also allow you the chance to choose beam angles. Beam angles are the angles at which the light is shone, either in a thin strip or a broader wash.

Like colour temperature, the beam angle often amounts to preference. Below is a quick guide to help you determine the best beam angle for you:

  • NARROW BEAM ANGLE (15-30 degrees) – This narrow beam of light is best for highlighting small displays or specific products. It is ideal for use with intricate or high-value items and is commonly used in jewelry displays or for high-end displays.
  • MEDIUM BEAM ANGLE (30-60 degrees) – A medium beam is better for shining light on areas of larger displays or whole, medium-sized displays. It provides good coverage while still bringing focus to certain areas and is commonly used for shelving units, accessory displays and clothing racks.
  • WIDE BEAM ANGLE (60+ degrees) – This angle is good for illuminating entire sections of a shop or larger displays. Large wall displays, open retail spaces and general store lighting are common applications for such angles.

Luxury show store with modern LED retail track lighting

What Is The Best LED Colour Temperature To Use in a Shop?

The bulbs in retail LED track lighting are available in a wide spectrum of colour temperatures. The colour temperature of a light is used to indicate how cool or warm a light is measured in units Kelvin. Warm lights rest on the lower end of the spectrum, and cool lights rest at the upper end.

The colour temperature of retail lights mostly comes down to preference, though many prefer cooler lighting. If you need help deciding which colour temperature is best for you, here’s a little cheat sheet.

  • WARM WHITE LIGHT (2700k-3000k) – This temperature is best used in retail shops that prioritise an inviting and cosy ambience. It can make the space feel more comfortable and relaxed to encourage customers to spend more time in the shop. They are commonly found in high end clothes stores and boutiques.
  • WARM/NEUTRAL WHITE LIGHT (3500k-4100k) – This temperature is ideal for those looking for a versatile and balanced colour temperature. It offers a crisp, clean look, which shows the true colour of merchandise while also giving a clearer look at the products. Department stores, supermarkets and general retail shops commonly use this light colour.
  • COOL WHITE LIGHT (5000k-6500k) – If you prefer high visibility and an energetic, upbeat feel, cool white is the best choice. It can make products look more vivid and bright, drawing attention to them. This temperature range is commonly used in electronics stores and convenience stores.

Below are some ideas for installing LED track lighting in your home.

Where to Place Them

  • Run a straight track down a ceiling in a hallway and point the fixtures at the artwork on the walls
  • Customize a track to work in a kitchen, such as a U-shaped fixture around an island or the countertops
  • Use them to highlight a collection of art on a wall or over the mantel
  • Use them on higher ceilings
  • Installed in a closet, they can illuminate all of the dark areas

Applications for LED Track Lighting

  • TURN YOUR HALLWAY INTO AN ART GALLERY. Line up the track lighting and turn the light heads to point at different objects of art. You can adjust the heads to illuminate specific items, giving the space a gallery feel. Position the lights at a 30 degree angle from the wall to get an even spread over most sizes of artwork. It is also recommended you place the lights 18 to 24 inches from the wall.
  • SHOW OFF UNIQUE FEATURES IN A ROOM. LED track lighting is great for accent lighting. It provides dramatic illumination that calls attention to some of the best parts of the home or commercial space, such as rock walls, little nooks, pianos and sculptures.
  • KITCHEN TASK LIGHTING. Make a kitchen more attractive while also providing beneficial illumination with which to see by when you add track lighting above islands and countertops.
  • ENHANCE ROOMS WITH LOW CEILINGS. Low ceilings typically make it hard to effectively light a space, as ceiling fixtures often draw the eye downward. This can make the ceiling feel even lower and the room smaller. Track lights can be minimalistic and subtle, so they don’t add any extra depth to the ceiling. Instead, they can give the appearance of higher ceilings.
  • OUTLINE A ROOM. Set up the track lights along the borders of the room to create a perimeter that will provide ambient lighting over furniture, task lighting over desks and highlight any artwork.
  • CONNECT OPEN CONCEPT ROOMS. By installing track lighting that runs seamlessly throughout various rooms, you can create visual harmony and connect the rooms to one another. This will also make the space feel open, light and airy.

Below are some tips for lighting your retail shop using LED track spotlights:

  • LIGHT IT VERTICALLY. Lighting walls and vertical surfaces will make retail environments more welcoming. If you just point lights at the product alone, the space can feel dark and small.
  • CONSIDER DAYLIGHT’S EFFECT ON YOUR SPACE. If you have a lot of windows in your shop, you’ll need to consider that sunlight has a bluish colour temperature. Choose bulbs for your track lighting that match that colour temperature instead of opting for warm ones. This will prevent an unsightly clashing of light.
  • MINIMISE THE AMOUNT OF SHADOWS IN YOUR RETAIL SHOP. By using track lighting and layering it with other kinds of lights, you can make your shop feel more spacious and less cramped. This may make it look more inviting for customers to get them to come inside.
  • TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MOVABILITY. Since you can turn track light heads in any direction, use some of them to highlight the most important products in your shop.
  • CREATE TASK LIGHTING. Using LED track light fittings over the main counter or other workspace can make checking customers out and completing various tasks more comfortable.
  • USE IT AS DECORATIVE LIGHTING. Much like with rooms in a home, you can line the perimeter of your shop with track lighting. This will create fuller illumination while also adding an extra layer of visual appeal to the space.
 
What Are The Benefits of LED Track Lighting in a Retail Store?

Retail track lighting brings with it a number of benefits when you use them as your main shop light fixtures. This makes them one of the most popular types of lighting for shop fixtures in a variety of retail settings.

Some benefits of shop track lighting include: 

  • UNOBTRUSIVE – The slimline nature of track lighting keeps them out of the way. This gives them a minimalist look that is appealing from an aesthetic standpoint. They also won’t take attention away from the products on display.
  • EASY TO ADJUST – The very nature of a commercial track lighting system is primed for adjustability. Spotlights can be tilted and turned, so you can change the focus from shelf to shelf or product to product.
  • FEATURE LIGHTING –  With track lights, you’ll be one step closer to layering your shop’s lighting scheme. This adds visual depth and drama to make the atmosphere of the shop more attractive.
  • COOLER PERFORMANCE – LED bulbs do not output heat the way traditional halogen bulbs do. You won’t have to worry about the shop getting too hot for your customers to be comfortable. This may also reduce electrical costs, as you won’t need to run the air conditioning as long to offset the heat.
  • ENERGY EFFICIENT – LED bulbs use significantly less energy than traditional bulbs as well. More electricity is turned into light instead of into heat such as the case with halogen bulbs. This extends their lifespan tremendously while further cutting costs on your energy bill.
  • CUSTOMISABLE LIGHTING – Commercial track lighting fixtures are fitted with LED bulbs. These bulbs come in a wide spectrum of colour temperatures and lumen levels for you to choose from. This gives you total control on the style of illumination you are using.

Their versatility also allows you to easily arrange the tracks in whatever formation you choose. Through them, you can tailor the lights to the needs of your specific store and layout.

The brightness requirements of track lights will change depending on the application. For instance, a five watt track light would be well suited in a home, but not as much in retail environments. For retail track lighting, you’ll usually need higher light levels to accurately display the products. Fittings that have nine watts or more are usually needed, though this can depend on a few other factors. Take into account any other light sources you may have, how high the ceilings may be and how many track lights you will need to use to accomplish your lighting goals.

To determine the brightness of LED lights, you need to look at lumens instead of wattage. Generally speaking, one watt of LED light will output 80 to 100 lumens. Take a look at the examples below to get a better idea of how wattage translates to lumen output:

  • A 5 watt LED bulb will shine the equivalent of a 45-50 watt halogen light bulb.
  • A 9 watt LED bulb will shine the equivalent of a 60 watt halogen light bulb.
  • A 12 watt LED bulb will shine the equivalent of a 90 watt halogen light bulb.
  • A 20 watt LED bulb will shine the equivalent of a 160 watt halogen light bulb.
  • A 30 watt LED bulb will shine the equivalent of a 240 watt halogen light bulb.

Lighting deals directly with electricity, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, you run the risk of shock or electrocution. For this reason, you should always have a professional come in and install the lights for you. Any moving of the fittings or maintenance that needs to be done should also be completed by an electrician. This is due to the fact that the LED track itself has live voltage inside of it, which can also leave you at risk.

LED track lights are a highly versatile type of lighting fixtures. Whether you install them at home, in your retail store or office, they offer modern flair and efficient illumination. Above, we outlined some of the benefits of LED track lighting as well as how to use them in various settings. Consider this information as you shop for your new LED track lights.

 

This is entirely possible. Tracks for this type of lighting application come in one meter or two meter lengths that you can purchase track extensions for. These extensions will allow you to connect them at the ends to easily create corner lighting. You can join many tracks together at once to create a more streamlined look as well while still having a single power input source at one end of the track. This will ultimately save you a lot of time and effort not having to power each individual length of track.

If you want to turn the lights around corners, you can use a 90 degree corner connector, which will plug right into the track. Then, you can simply connect the next length of track to make installation easy.

Part of what makes track lights so unique is in the nature of their design. Track lights are powered by voltage input within the track itself being supplied to the light heads. Both sides of the track are made from conductive metal that moves the electricity more efficiently.

Strips made of copper or iron most commonly run through the track itself, and have rotating copper resting at the joints of the track. Each of these elements combine to effectively move the electricity along the track to power the light heads. More often than not, the heads themselves are adjustable and can be moved up and down the tracks with ease.

Track lights give you incredible versatility and control over their placement and use. High-ceiling LED track lights are especially beneficial, as they can fill out taller ceilings in a way that many other lighting solutions struggle to.

Due to their more compact and often modular design, such track lights are easy to install in spaces of any size and with any needs. Modern flexible track lighting designs are sometimes even magnetic or have plug-in heads that make them easy to change out whenever you like.

They can be positioned and re-arranged easily, letting you adjust them as your needs change. This makes them especially good for use cases like hotel lobby accent lighting. As the style and personality of your property develops over time, so, too can your track lights be altered to fit the new vibe.

Versatility of these lights extends to their ability to be used in any lighting layer. Depending on the size of your space, you can use them as either ambient, accent or task lighting.

When seeking to install anything from hotel to warehouse track lighting, there are a few things to keep in mind. 

Match the Track Style to the Design of the Space

Some general guidance when it comes to choosing the right tracks for your space include:

  • Linear track lights in offices and hallways at a beam angle of 15 to 40 degrees
  • Flexible track lighting for curved ceilings with beam angles between 30 and 60 degrees
  • Heavy duty track lights for warehouses and industrial buildings at beam angles of 60 degrees or higher

Understand the Use Case

Since LED track lights are so versatile, they can be used in a number of ways in a commercial setting. Whether you plan to use them as ambient, task or accent lighting will influence certain factors of the fixtures.

For example, if you intend to use your track lights as the main ambient layer of light, you will want wide beam angles and higher lumen counts. If you want them as task lights over tills and reception counters, more focused illumination at a moderate brightness will suffice.

Finally, accent lighting needs softer illumination and therefore will require less brightness. Keep the intended use of your new track lights in mind when purchasing.

Consider CRI

CRI, or colour rendering index, indicates how well a light shows the true colours of what it is shining on. For hotels, offices and retail shops, high CRI at >90 is ideal. This provides crystal clarity in applications where it matters most.

Like any other style of light, track lighting requires a little TLC. This is especially true when it comes to track lighting for atriums or other areas that might have higher exposure to dust and moisture.

Get off to a good start with proper installation by choosing durable lights with a good IP rating. IP ratings indicate a light’s protection against entry of dust and moisture. Higher IP ratings provide better protection against both, so you can’t ever go wrong with ratings like IP65.

Once the lights have been installed, you will need to occasionally examine and maintain them when needed.

  • Once a quarter, you should dust the tracks off with a microfiber cloth to remove light dust and debris.
  • Twice a year, it is a good idea to check any connections for loose housing or faulty wires.
  • Recalibrating your smart systems once a year will ensure the lights continue behaving predictably.
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