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Track Lighting 101 (part 2)
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(continued from track lighting 101 (part 1))
Line voltage track lighting vs. low voltage track lighting
The most significant change in track lighting in the past decade is
the emergence of low voltage fixtures. The pros and cons of line
voltage vs. low voltage track lighting systems aren't covered in depth here
but a basic understanding of the differences is important.
‘Line voltage’ is a term used to describe the ubiquitous type of power
that runs throughout homes and offices everywhere. Standard wall outlets
provide line voltage power and, as everyone understands, line voltage
power can be dangerous. ‘Low voltage’ refers to power that has been
converted from line voltage by a transformer to a safer level.
When working with traditional track light systems remember that all traditional track
carries line voltage power. When someone refers to a low voltage track
system they are referring to the fixtures themselves.
Low voltage fixtures for traditional track convert power from line to low voltage using a transformer built into the
fixture itself. In the illustration at left, the longer black connectors seen
on the pendant on the right and the small track head in the middle contain
transformers. These are low voltage fixtures while the large can shaped
fixture above is a line voltage fixture.
The emergence of low voltage fixtures has been driven in large part by
consumer’s desire to reduce the overall size of the track fixtures in
their homes. The smaller size has produced hundreds of new compact fixture
styles for both track heads and pendants. Additionally, low voltage fixtures
use halogen bulbs which produce exceptionally crisp, white light rather than the more yellow light common to older incandescent fixtures. Finally, low voltage fixtures consume less power to produce the same amount of light.
Low voltage fixtures may or may not be appropriate for your application.
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continue to track lighting 101 (part 3)
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return to design tips
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