Most people assume that the popularity of low voltage cable lighting (also called 'cable track lighting')
today is due solely to the sleek, floating fixture effect common
to this style of lighting. This is largely true, but this type of lighting
is also extremely practical in many challenging design situations.
With an understanding of the basic principles of these systems, they
may be quickly and easily configured for common or challenging
spaces. This article is intended to provide just such an understanding.
Although often lumped into the same category, this type of lighting
should not be confused with traditional track lighting, monorail lighting, twinrail or rope lighting systems.
When to use cable lighting
Consider it when unusual ceilings make a
traditionally-mounted lighting system impractical. Common
situations include rooms with very high ceilings, cathedral
or vaulted ceilings and ceilings interrupted by soffits, beams
or exposed ductwork. In these situations, short runs (under twenty feet)
may typically be installed from wall to
wall without any vertical support at all. In situations requiring
cable runs longer than twenty feet, additional vertical support
is recommended to prevent excessive tension from stressing the
mounting points on the wall. These longer spans are easily supported
using any combination of a variety of
versatile vertical supports.
In spaces with standard, flat ceilings, the use of cable track lighting
is largely a matter of design preference over other linear lighting
systems such as monorail or
traditional track lighting systems.
In these situations, dual wire systems offers many of the same benefits.
They are ideal when adjustable lighting is required.
If the focal points in the area to be illuminated move often,
cable lighting may be a good solution for you. Classic examples
of shifting focal points are restaurant tables and art gallery displays,
but almost any room without built-in furnishings is a candidate.
Use these systems primarily for accent and task lighting rather
than general illumination. Linear lighting systems in general are rarely suitable to
illuminate an entire room. Most spaces require a balance of general,
ambient illumination, task and accent lighting…low voltage cable lighting is
best used for task and accent purposes.
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