Installation Material

The Building Blocks of a Track Lighting System

A complete track lighting system consists of various components that work together to provide power and positioning for track spots. Choosing the right components depends on the desired number of light groups and the layout of the room.

Track Profiles: The Foundation for Flexible Lighting

Track profiles are the carriers of the system. They are available in various lengths and colors. A distinction is made between 1-phase and 3-phase tracks:

• 1-phase track: These tracks offer one electrical circuit and are suitable for situations where all connected fixtures must be turned on or off simultaneously. The installation is typically simple and linear.
• 3-phase track: This variant is divided into three separate electrical circuits. This allows multiple groups of fixtures to be switched or dimmed independently, offering a high degree of control over the lighting in different zones of a room. This is often the preferred choice for commercial applications.

The profiles are mounted directly to the ceiling, or with the help of pendants for a suspended installation.

Power Connectors: Supplying Power to the Track System

To supply power to the track system, a power connector is used. It connects the electrical cable from the mains to the track. There are different types:

• End feed: This type is placed at the beginning or end of a track profile.
• Middle feed: This connector is used to introduce power in the middle of a longer track system, or to connect two track profiles while simultaneously supplying power.

For 3-phase systems, it is important to connect the power connector with a five-core electrical cable, where L1, L2, and L3 represent the separate phases, in addition to the neutral and ground wires.

Connectors: Creating Various Layouts

Connectors are essential for linking track profiles together and achieving the desired shape of the track system. These adapters provide both the mechanical and electrical connection between the track segments.

A crucial aspect of connectors is the indication of the grounding position with an 'L' (left) or 'R' (right). To create a functional system, a connector with an 'L' grounding side must always be followed by a connector with an 'R' grounding side, and vice versa. This ensures correct electrical continuity and safety.

Common connectors include:

• Straight connectors: Connect two tracks in a straight line.
• Corner connectors: Allow for a 90-degree turn.
• T-connectors: These allow a branch to be created from a main track. They have one grounding side that occurs once and two that occur multiple times (L-R-R or R-L-L). The power enters through the unique side and splits in two directions.
• Cross connectors (X-connectors): Provide four connection points, creating two parallel power lines. An X-connector does not support three directions, but rather two interconnected lines.

After installing the tracks and connectors, the open ends of the tracks should be covered with end caps. This contributes to the safety and a neat finish of the system.

Step-by-Step Installation of a Track Lighting System

The installation of a track lighting system requires precision but can be done well with the right approach. Here is a practical step-by-step plan:

1. Turn off the power: Always start by switching off the main power in the meter box and check with a voltage tester that the power is actually off. This is a necessary safety measure.
2. Determine and mark the layout: Determine the exact positioning of the tracks on the ceiling or wall. Mark the drill holes accurately with a pencil, taking into account the length of the track profiles and the positions of the connectors and power points. Ensure sufficient mounting points to support the weight of the tracks and fixtures.
3. Drill holes and place plugs: Drill the holes at the marked positions with a suitable drill bit (usually 6 mm for standard plugs). Then place the appropriate plugs in the drill holes.
4. Mount the track profiles: Securely attach the track profiles to the ceiling or wall with screws. Ensure the tracks are level for a clean look.
5. Connect the power connector: Attach the power connector to the desired spot on the track. Connect the electrical wires (brown for phase, blue for neutral, yellow-green for ground, and possibly extra phases L2, L3 for 3-phase systems) from the mains network to the correct terminals in the power connector. Make sure all connections are securely fastened.
6. Place connectors: If the system consists of multiple track segments, mount the connectors between the profiles. Pay close attention to the 'L' and 'R' markings on the grounding sides to ensure a correct electrical connection.
7. Apply end caps: Place the end caps on the open ends of the tracks. This is important for safety and an aesthetic finish.
8. Turn on the power and test: After all components are correctly mounted, switch the power back on and test the functionality of the track lighting system.

Considerations for Functional Track Lighting

In addition to the basic installation, there are some additional considerations that can affect the functionality and lifespan of your track lighting system.

Capacity and Maximum Load

Each track system has a maximum electrical load it can handle. It is important not to exceed this limit with the total wattage of all connected track spots and any other equipment. Always consult the specifications of the track profiles and the power connector to prevent overload. An overview of the maximum load can often be found in the product's technical documentation.

Integration with DALI and Other Control Systems

For advanced lighting control, such as detailed dimming and creating complex light scenarios, track lighting can be integrated with systems like DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface). This requires specific DALI-compatible track spots and possibly DALI modules or drivers placed in or near the track. The wiring for DALI control typically runs alongside the power-carrying conductors in the track or via separate wiring.

Distance Between Spots and Optimal Light Distribution

The distance between the track spots depends partly on the light output (Lumen) of the spots and the desired illuminance on the surface to be lit. For fixtures with a light output above 1200 Lumens, a distance of about three square meters per spot is generally recommended. For spots above 1800 Lumens, this distance can increase to four square meters per light source to achieve even basic lighting. For accent lighting, spots can be placed closer together.

Mounting Height of the Track System

The mounting height of the tracks affects the perceived space and the effectiveness of the lighting. A height of 2.40 to 3 meters above the floor is often functional. Since the track spots themselves have a height of 20 to 30 cm, this results in a comfortable light height.

With the right knowledge and materials, setting up a robust track lighting system is a straightforward process. The flexibility these systems offer makes them a suitable choice for many environments where dynamic and adaptable lighting is needed.