Kitchen track lighting is an excellent way to provide focused task lighting over key kitchen work areas. Track lights come in a variety of styles that allow you to aim adjustable spotlights exactly where you need the light. Here we’ll look at the main types of track lighting systems and spotlights available to help you choose the right option for your kitchen.
What is Track Lighting?
Track lighting refers to an entire lighting system consisting of a metal track mounted to the ceiling or wall and spotlights that attach anywhere along the track. The track acts as a conductor to deliver power to the individual spotlights.
Track lighting offers a high degree of flexibility compared to fixed lighting as each spotlight can be freely aimed and adjusted. Spotlights are available with a range of beam angles from narrow spotlights for highlighting artworks to wide floodlights for general illumination.
Some of the benefits of track lighting include:
- Focused task lighting – Spotlights can be precisely aimed to illuminate work areas
- Adjustability – Spotlights can be freely moved and aimed along the track
- Versatility – Various styles of spotlights are available to create different lighting effects
- Easy installation – Tracks can be mounted to ceilings or walls
- Flexible layouts – Straight track sections can be shaped into endless configurations
Types of Track Lighting
There are several types of track lighting systems available offering different installation methods, light outputs, and functionality.
Low Voltage vs Line Voltage Track
The main decision is whether to use low voltage or line voltage track:
- Low voltage track – Runs on 12V power and requires a transformer. Limited light output.
- Line voltage track – Runs on 120V household power. Offers brighter light output.
Low voltage systems are easier to install since they don’t require connection to junction boxes. However, line voltage track can deliver more light so is better suited for bright task lighting in kitchens.
Single Circuit vs Multiple Circuit Track
Track lighting systems are available as either single circuit or multiple circuit:
- Single circuit track – All spotlights receive power from the same circuit. If one fails, all lights go out.
- Multiple circuit track – Contains parallel circuits to power groups of spotlights. If one goes out, others stay on.
Multiple circuit tracks provide redundancy so if one spotlight fails the others continue working. This prevents your kitchen being plunged into darkness if a spotlight blows.
Flexible vs Rigid Track
The track itself is available in flexible and rigid options:
- Flexible track – Can be gently curved for shaping into configurations. Easier to install around obstacles.
- Rigid track – Maintains straight lines and crisp angles. Only suitable for straight layouts.
Flexible track offers adjustment during installation, allowing you to curve sections around pipes and ducts. Rigid track maintains straight lines for a contemporary aesthetic.
Spotlight Styles for Kitchen Track Lighting
Spotlights designed for track lighting come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Choosing spotlights with appropriate beam spreads, light outputs, and features will allow you to tailor the lighting to your kitchen’s unique needs.
MR16 Spotlights
MR16 spotlights use a compact halogen bulb and integral reflector to produce a narrow focused beam of up to 50W. They have a clean, minimalist appearance and are ideal for highlighting cooking or food prep areas where bright focused light is needed.
PAR Spotlights
PAR spotlights use a parabolic aluminized reflector (PAR) bulb to produce a clean beam of light. PAR16 spotlights are smaller while PAR20 and PAR30 are larger versions suited for higher light output up to 100W. PAR spotlights are available with a range of beam angles from narrow spot to wide flood.
LED Spotlights
LED spotlights use energy efficient LEDs that last up to 50,000 hours. They offer similar directional lighting to halogens but use around 85% less energy. LED spotlights also run cooler. They’re available in both MR16 and PAR shapes.
Adjustable Spotlights
Adjustable spotlights can be tilted and rotated to redirect the beam without moving the whole unit along the track. This allows easier fine tuning of the lighting angle.
Wall Wash Spotlights
Wall wash spotlights feature an asymmetric distribution ideal for grazing light across walls. They create subtle ambient lighting and highlight the textures of tile, stone, or wood surfaces.
Linear Spotlights
Linear spotlights feature multiple light sources in a slim rectangular housing. They provide uniform lighting in a streamlined contemporary style. Linear LED designs are also very energy efficient.
Popular Brands of Track Lighting
Some of the best known manufacturers of track lighting include:
WAC Lighting
WAC Lighting offers contemporary track lighting with flexible or rigid tracks and a wide range of compatible spotlights. Their systems feature minimalist designs constructed from quality materials.
Kichler
Kichler is renowned for their stylish track lighting systems and fixtures. Their product range spans modern, transitional, and traditional styles to suit any home’s decor.
Tech Lighting
Tech Lighting offer track systems with exceptional quality and performance. Their spotlights feature advanced optical design for superior light control.
WAC Lighting
WAC Lighting offers contemporary track lighting with flexible or rigid tracks and a wide range of compatible spotlights. Their systems feature minimalist designs constructed from quality materials.
Progress Lighting
Progress Lighting produces track lighting renowned for functionality, performance, and affordability. Their products offer flexibility and easy installation.
Elco Lighting
Elco Lighting offer a wide selection of track lighting suited for both residential and commercial applications. Their products feature sturdy, durable metal construction.
Where to Install Track Lighting in Kitchens
Track lighting is perfect for delivering targeted task lighting for food preparation and cooking areas in a kitchen. Some of the best places to install track lighting include:
Above Islands
Islands make a natural focal point in kitchens. Track lighting mounted to the ceiling above islands provides a streamlined look while allowing light to be aimed onto the countertop as needed. Flexible track can be shaped into creative patterns.
Above Sinks
Task lighting is essential above sinks to illuminate food prep and washing up. Tracks running perpendicular to the countertop with spotlights trained down provide bright focused light where it’s needed most.
Above Ranges
Cooking requires good visibility so tracks with spotlights mounted above ranges illuminate pots, pans, and ingredients. Position tracks behind range hoods to keep them clear of steam and heat.
Above Counters
Small tracks with spotlights can be mounted above counters or work stations for localized task lighting. Position them over food prep, drink stations, or areas where you use kitchen gadgets.
Over Dining Areas
Use track lighting over dining areas to create a focal point and highlight the table. A single prominent track makes a bold design statement and adds drama.
Installing Track Lighting
Installing track lighting involves mounting the track, connecting it to power, and adding spotlights:
Choose Mounting Location
Decide on placement above key work areas. Check for access to ceiling joists or wall studs for securing the track.
Mount Track to Surface
Secure rigid track to joists using screws and connector clips. Flexible track can attach directly with screws. Ensure a stable, level installation.
Connect Wiring
Feed electrical cable through openings in the track and make wiring connections. Use weatherproof boxes if attaching to ceilings.
Attach Spotlights
Simply twist spotlights into the socket outlets integrated along the track length to complete the system.
Adjust Aim
Aim spotlights to direct light where needed. Adjust angles by pivoting the spotlight heads. Fine tune positions by sliding lights along the track.
Professional installation is recommended for track lighting to ensure correct wiring and positioning. However, basic DIY installation is achievable in many homes.
Lighting Controls for Track Lighting
Today’s track lighting systems offer a range of control options for dimming, zoning, and automation:
Dimmer Switches
A simple dimmer allows all lights on the track to be dimmed up or down from a wall switch. Use a LED compatible dimmer for LED spotlights.
Integrated Dimmers
Some spotlights feature an integrated rotary dimmer to control the brightness of individual lights.
Zone Controls
Zone controls allow spotlights grouped into specific zones along a multi-circuit track to be controlled independently.
Smart Lighting
Smart track lighting can integrate with home automation systems for voice activated or app based control using your smartphone.
Timers
Timers allow track lighting to be programmed to turn on or off at scheduled times throughout the day. Helpful for routine kitchen tasks.
Occupancy Sensors
Occupancy sensors automatically turn lights on when motion is detected in the kitchen and off after a set time with no movement.
Track Lighting Safety Tips
Proper installation and care of track lighting is important to ensure safe, reliable operation:
- Have a licensed electrician install or inspect any wiring
- Use only compatible spotlights designed for the track voltage
- Don’t overload circuits by exceeding the track wattage limit
- Use plastic clips to halt spotlights and prevent electrical shorts
- Check for markings indicating suitability near sprinklers
- Ensure spotlights are twisted in fully and secure
- Never remove a bulb or spotlight with power on
- Don’t use tracks as support anchors for other objects
- Spotlights can get hot! Allow to cool before handling
- Carefully clean spotlights and tracks with a dry or damp cloth
Pros and Cons of Track Lighting
Track lighting offers many benefits but also has some downsides to weigh up:
Pros
- Directed lighting from adjustable spotlights
- Easily highlights kitchen tasks and work areas
- Available in a wide variety of spotlight types and beam angles
- Allows versatile lighting layouts to suit any kitchen
- Easy to reconfigure spotlights as needs change
Cons
- More complex installation than regular light fixtures
- Spotlights produce a harsher quality of light
- Can appear overly utilitarian and industrial
- Multi-head track systems are more expensive
- Provides less uniform overall illumination
For kitchens, track lighting delivers superior task lighting compared to more ambient options like recessed or pendant lighting. The ability to easily redirect spotlights is invaluable for targeting work zones in the most optimal way.
Alternatives to Track Lighting
While track lighting is ideal for targeted task illumination, there are other lighting options to consider for kitchens depending on your needs:
Recessed Can Lighting
Recessed cans provide uniform ambient lighting. Adjustable trim kits allow some directional control but less flexibility than tracks.
Pendant Lights
Pendant lights mounted over islands and counters shed ambient light while adding style. They don’t offer adjustable aim.
Under Cabinet Lighting
Under cabinet lighting provides task illumination directly where needed but only illuminates limited areas directly below the cabinets.
Conclusion
The focused and directional illumination offered by track lighting makes it a popular choice to highlight kitchen tasks while adding style. Choosing between flexible or rigid tracks, line or low voltage, and varied spotlight designs allows track lighting to be tailored to your specific kitchen lighting needs. Positioning tracks strategically over islands, counters, and work zones provides superior task lighting. With professional installation, track lighting can provide the perfect lighting solution for any kitchen.
FAQ About Types of Track Lights For Kitchens
What are the main types of track lighting?
The main types of track lighting include low voltage and line voltage tracks, single circuit and multiple circuit tracks, flexible and rigid tracks, and tracks compatible with different spotlight types like MR16, PAR, LED, linear, and wall wash spotlights.
What’s the difference between low voltage and line voltage track lighting?
Low voltage track lighting runs on 12V power from a transformer while line voltage track connects directly to standard 120V household wiring. Low voltage is easier to install but line voltage provides greater light output.
Should I choose single circuit or multiple circuit track?
Multiple circuit tracks provide redundancy so if one spotlight burns out, the others stay on. This prevents the kitchen being plunged into total darkness.
Which is better – flexible or rigid track?
Flexible track can curve around obstacles during installation. Rigid track maintains straight lines and sharp angles for a bold contemporary look.
What beam angle spotlights are best for kitchens?
Narrow 25-35 degree beams highlight tasks like food prep. Wider 50-60 degree floodlights are better for overall illumination of sinks, stoves, and islands.
Can you use any spotlight on any track?
No, spotlights must match the track voltage. Line voltage spotlights require line voltage track. Low voltage spotlights need a compatible low voltage system.
Where is track lighting commonly installed in kitchens?
Typical spots include above islands, sinks, ranges, counters, and dining areas. Position where concentrated task lighting is needed.
How do you install track lighting?
Install steps include mounting the track, connecting wiring, attaching spotlights by twisting into sockets, then aiming lights by adjusting the angle and sliding along the track.
What controls work with track lighting?
Controls include dimmers, integrated spotlights dimmers, zone control systems, smart lighting automation, timers, and occupancy sensors.
