Low Voltage Track and Rail Lighting Systems for 2013

Your Guide to Outstanding Low Voltage Lighting Installation 2013

You cannot beat the versatility and design of innovative low-voltage track and rail lighting systems.  New compositions and energy-efficient options are extraordinary and may be custom-designed to blend seamlessly with changes in your decorative environment.

Far from the industrial-sized straight runs and bulky fixture heads of the past, new track and rail lighting systems are elegant and balanced to beautifully illuminate both traditional and modern settings.

Top 5 Reasons to Update with Low Voltage Lighting Systems

1.  More Economical:  Because low voltage lighting systems function on 12 volts of electricity rather than the standard 120 volts, low voltage lighting uses less energy, and smaller low voltage track heads deliver light more efficiently.

2.  Easy installation: From colorful and vibrant glass pendants to sleek metallic spot light fixtures, track and rail systems are easy to install and maintain. The monorail system is the most basic and easiest to install; consisting of a single line of electrical cable that may be installed in straight runs or custom designed in a unique configuration.

3.  Safer Operation:  Low voltage lighting requires a transformer to “step down” the 120-volt standard to a 12-volt system; and, the reduced 12-volt system eliminates the risk of electrical shock.  Because of the reduced risk of electrical shock and safer operation, low voltage lighting may incur fewer required inspections.

4.  Greater Flexibility:  Unlike other ceiling fixtures where a lighting design in required before you begin construction, low voltage track and rail lighting systems provide the flexibility to update your home lighting design as you can afford. You may choose to do one segment at a time, and add to the design as your needs and budget allow.

5.  Superlative Lighting Designs: Low voltage track heads and light fixtures are available in a myriad of styles and sizes.  They are made to accommodate compact light sources that are as bright as 120-volt bulbs but in a smaller fixture. Most of the bulbs used in low voltage lighting are more than twice as bright as regular incandescent bulbs of the same wattage.

FAQ’s

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

-The cost to install low voltage lighting currently runs on average between $150-$220 per fixture.  Material and labor costs vary according to hourly labor wage restrictions, specific project size and the number of fixtures needed.  It is a good idea to get a few estimates before hiring an electrical contractor for your low-voltage lighting installation.  Estimated costs should include all materials, as well as delivery charges for equipment and costs to prepare, protect or repair existing structures. (Permit and inspection fees are usually additional charges that may be involved with certain lighting installations.)

-Low voltage track and rail lights operate on a system equipped with a transformer. Since standard lighting installations run on outlet and junction boxes that provide 120 volts of electricity (in the US and Canada), the transformer serves to “step-down” or decrease the voltage from standard line voltage (120 volts) to low voltage (12 volts).

-Low voltage fixtures, bulbs and dimmers are generally more expensive than line voltage systems due to the transformers that are included as part of the fixture’s electrical construction; Although low voltage installations may be more expensive than line voltage systems, lifetime operating costs are lower due to energy savings and lower maintenance costs.

WHAT TYPE OF LIGHT SOURCE WORKS BEST IN A LOW VOLTAGE TRACK HEAD?

-Although there are some good compact fluorescent lamps that may be used in low voltage track fixtures, halogen bulbs are still the most popular choice.

-Low voltage halogen lamps contain filaments that are shorter and fatter, so the illumination is precise, crisp and luxuriant.  These lamps are available in a variety of beam spreads offering over 20 variations in any given wattage, ranging from super narrow spot lights to full-spectrum flood lights.

-The most common lamps or light sources used in low voltage track heads are PAR 36 and MR 16 halogen light bulbs.

CAN I UPGRADE MY TRACK FIXTURES WITH LED (LIGHT EMITTING DIODE) LAMPS?

-LED (light emitting diode) low voltage lamps are compact solid-state light sources that provide cool focused task light.  LEDs last 10,000-100,000 hours and use very little electricity.  With future production, LED lamps may become more affordable and the standard go-to choice in track and rail systems.  *Rather than a transformer, LED bulbs require a “driver” to convert from standard to low-voltage.

 With a state-of-the art low voltage system, you may custom design formations with imagination and creativity and the possibilities are endless…

-Use straight runs of track to highlight displays in a gallery or down a corridor.

-Make a design statement and provide the perfect task light with hand-painted low voltage pendant lights over kitchen islands, bath vanities or night tables.

-Highlight the sparkle in crystal and provide accent light to an elegantly set table with low voltage rail lighting.

-Expand your space with hand-bendable rail fit to accommodate rooms with limited ceiling space or rooms where electrical junction boxes are  inconveniently located. The beauty of track is that it may be custom measured and easily cut to fit your exact specifications.

*Especially suitable for savvy renovation projects, such as older New York City apartments that may have one junction box in the ceiling:  Track and rail lighting configurations can do it all, providing general, task and accent lighting.

-Track lighting systems are even being used to power residential garage space with functional and inviting illumination; Showcase expensive automobiles and provide excellent task lighting to a workbench or hobby station with streamlined track lighting.

Low Voltage Track Systems from Start to Finish

GETTING ON BOARD: YOUR TRACK  7-STEP SYSTEM

-Although, electrically-speaking, track runs must work as separate units, multiple track and rail layouts may be connected to appear as one system.  An isolating connector is used to power each section.

-A floating canopy connector may be installed anywhere along the track and covers a junction box while providing power to the system.

-A live end connector may be used if you are running wires directly into the track without using a junction box.

-You may also power the system at any connecting point (straight, angled, T-junction, etc.) where the connector has a power feed entry point.

-A junction box may also be used at any of these power entry points; a canopy cover plate should cover the entry points for aesthetic, as well as safety reasons.

Basic guidelines to ensure safety and effortless performance of low voltage track heads:

-Most track and rail systems are installed directly into the ceiling and mounting hardware should be included.

-Systems that are suspended from the ceiling require adaptable suspension hardware.

-Low voltage track heads are made to slide directly onto the track and repositioned easily.  End caps should be included in the installation for a clean finish.

-Low voltage track fixtures may be placed on line voltage track systems by using a track connector with a transformer installed to lower the voltage of the track system.

-Voltage drop:  On longer track runs, you may notice a decrease in brightness the farther away the low-voltage head is located from the transformer.  With remote transformers, voltage drop is dependent on the number of fixtures on a system, the length of track, and the length and gauge of wire from the transformer to the power feed.

– Be sure to mix and match fixtures within the same systems; check for compatibility when trying to interchange fixtures from different track and rail systems.

-PAR bulbs and MR16 low-voltage halogen are available in a variety of beam spreads.  Wide-angle bulbs are great for general illumination; narrow spotlights are good for task and accent lighting.  Track head accessories and special lenses may be added for increased directional and colorful effects.

Track or rail systems allow you to create an original lighting design to perfectly illuminate your home. Capitol Lighting offers track and rail lighting systems, accessories and compatible light fixtures from top brands like LBL Lighting, WAC Lighting, Kichler Lighting, Tech Lighting and Wilmette Lighting.

Top Pics include:

TECH LIGHTING MONORAIL 

Low voltage track and rail systems that twirl, bend and twist are available in choice finishes.

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EUROFASE Cable Lighting

Energy-efficient 4-light Design Pro LED Rail Lights from Kichler accommodate installation on the wall or ceiling.  They are fully dimmable and Energy Star-rated.

Industrial-inspired head with proprietary 5.8 watt LED module. It is easily field upgradeable and replaceable similar to a medium-base socket, though it utilizes a dedicated base. The heat sink remains with the fixture minimizing any waste at the end of life. Rotates 360°, pivots 90°.

“Clamps to Wall MonoRail. 18″” long with 3″” high gentle curve. Pivots at head to direct beam. Low-voltage, MR16 lamp of up to 75 watts not included). For Wall MonoRail system only.”

With the latest track and rail lighting innovations, the flexibility to redecorate with light is intrinsic. Adjust your lighting design with ease by adding new track segments or repositioning adjustable fixture heads.  Transform your guest room into a nursery with whimsical designer pendants or upgrade your hallway with sleek metallic low voltage track heads.

Low voltage track and rail lighting fixtures are brilliantly engineered to adapt to modifications in your décor and furniture placement; lighting may be reconfigured and beam spreads refocused to highlight artwork and illuminate your home safely and purposefully to bring out the best in a new design scheme.

Science fiction aficionados may appreciate today’s blog post on one of the fundamental ingredients needed to create an other-worldly retreat where you can … well, space-out. From childhood bedrooms to multi-million dollar estates, science fiction has been the motivation for some of the most amazing spaces ever. Call it your Star Wars Sanctuary, Asimov Alcove, or Halo Haven, sci-fi rooms all have similar characteristics that give it their “universal” appeal. LIGHT.

One of the most popular settings for a fictional future is in outer-space. A black landscape, interrupted only by the flickering of shining planets & stars is the perfect backdrop for sci-fi design. LED fiber optic ceiling lights will make you look like you’re in space.

Patience and attention to detail will go a long way when installing these kits. You’ll find detailed instructions Make a home-made star constellation projector with star printables and a flashlight to mark real constellations!

Did you know that today is National Science Fiction Day, as well as Isaac Asimov’s birthday? 

Anyone who has undergone a home inspection on an older home has likely heard the term “GFCI” in regard to outlets. For many people this is a “huh?” or a “smile and nod” type of moment. If you did rudimentary online research and still don’t really understand what the heck GFCI is, why it’s important, or why you should care, then read on for an understandable explanation, courtesy of our residential electricians.

Ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets may sound foreign, but they are actually very recognizable; have you ever noticed a couple of buttons on a power outlet? That is a clear sign of a GFCI outlet, and those buttons are made to test the integral function that differentiates this type of outlet from the standard version. Basically, GFCI outlets can very quickly perceive when power that was put out is not going to the correct place and can very quickly trip the breaker to shut off the outlet, potentially preventing injury, fire, etc.

These protective outlets can go pretty much anywhere, and they used to not be required to go in any particular places. Now, they are typically required in bathrooms, kitchen counter areas, in and around swimming pools, on external outlets, and many more specific residential areas. Basically, GFCI outlets are required anywhere that appliances used can come in contact with water (ie, kitchen counter, bathroom, in the event of snowfall piling against an external outlet, etc). These outlets are becoming more and more standard throughout the home and could potentially become necessary for all outlets in new construction in the near future.

If your home was requested or required to comply with GFCI outlets, or if you are concerned that your family or home is at risk, please give us a call. As Des Moines’ Top Rated Local® residential electricians, we would be happy to help make your home a safer place.

There are numerous lighting options you have when it comes to upgrading and updating your home. The standard light in the center of the room is no longer the only option. In fact, it is a rather dated look. You can update your home and give it a more modern look by simply changing out a light fixture. Of course, this will require handling electrical wiring, which should always be done by an electrician in Pasadena. Don’t risk trying to do it yourself and causing some serious damage to your home or injuring yourself. The team at The Electric Connection is here to help and can take care of your lighting update.

Track lighting offers numerous benefits and looks great too! If you are unsure of what track lighting is; it is several lights fixtures on a track that is on one circuit. The track can be a straight line, a U shape or a curved shape. You can choose to have 2 lights or 4 or more. Your Pasadena electrician can help you determine just what track lighting structure is best for you and your needs.

One of the major benefits of track lighting is flexibility. You can light up an entire room with a single fixture. You have the freedom to choose just how many lights you use and direct them where you need the light the most. Another benefit to track lighting is the fact many are designed to use LEDs. LEDs will save you a great deal of money on your lighting bill. They are extremely bright and use a fraction of the electricity of a standard light bulb or even a CFL bulb. You will want to have the track lighting fixture installed by an electrician. Pasadena homeowners will feel better knowing they are getting a professional installation job. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your track lighting upgrade.

Many homeowners assume that electrical fires always happen because of poor wiring within their house's walls. Believing that the fire had nothing to do with their actions. They tend to blame these events on the poor workmanship of those who built the house. However, many homes are consumed by flames that had perfectly adequate electrical systems where the wiring was completely up to code.

One extremely common cause of house fires are deficiencies in the items attached to outlets. Extension cords, for example, can be extremely dangerous to homeowners if they neglect to replace these items after they have exceeded their lifespan. These cords carry currents to secondary locations where they plug in with a remote appliance. If there is a weak connection where the two cords meet, this could mean an electrical current may be exposed, which is perfect fodder for fire. Once the connection between an extension cord and the male end of a cord that attaches to it has weakened, there is little that can be done to repair the damage.

Another issue is a frayed cord, which also exposes electrical currents to potentially flammable materials, like your home's carpeting. Many homeowners think that simply wrapping the exposed wiring in electrical tape is an adequate solution. However, even as a temporary remedy, this tape is insufficient, and will not guarantee adequate protection from exposure.