Commercial Track Lighting: Types, Features, Benefits, and More

Switching over to LED lighting can save you up to 90% on your energy consumption. Improving your commercial lighting can also provide a better client experience and maybe increase sales. Commercial track lighting is a popular choice for businesses and other commercial spaces for this reason.

It’s versatile, efficient, and customizable to fit any need or decor. In this post, we’ll take a look at the different types of retail track lighting available, their features and benefits, and some tips on how to choose the right system for your space. Let’s get started!

What Is Commercial Track Lighting?

Commercial track lighting uses a series of tracks mounted to the ceiling and is highly configurable for office and retail spaces. These tracks carry electrical currents that power a series of light fixtures, called heads. Track lighting is a popular choice for businesses and other commercial spaces because it’s versatile, cost-efficient, and can perfectly illuminate any area.

What Are the Different Types of Commercial Track Lighting?

There are three main types of commercial track lighting: Rail, linear and non-linear. Let’s take a closer look at each type.

Rail Lighting

Rail lighting consists of a single track that mounts to the ceiling. This type of track lighting is available in both linear and non-linear designs.

Rail lighting is often beneficial in retail spaces and can work with different heads and accessories. Though it is less expensive than other types of track lighting, it is not as versatile.

Linear Track Lighting

Linear track lighting systems have a straight track that runs in one direction. These systems are helpful in highlighting specific areas or objects, such as artwork or displays. Linear track lighting is available in many lengths and you can cut them down to sizes that better suit your space.

Non-linear Track Lighting

Non-linear track lighting systems have a more complex track that can configure into different shapes. These systems create an evenly distributed light source in offices or retail stores. Non-linear track lighting is available in a variety of shapes and sizes and you can customize it to fit your space.

What Are the Different Types of Track Lighting Heads?

Track lighting heads, also called track lighting fixtures, are individual lights that you mount onto the track. There are a variety of different types of track lighting heads available, each with its own set of features and benefits. Let’s take a look at some of the most common types.

Incandescent Heads

Incandescent track lighting heads use traditional incandescent bulbs. These bulbs produce a warm, inviting light that is well-suited for residential and commercial spaces. Incandescent track lighting heads are less expensive than other types of heads, but they are not energy-efficient.

LED Heads

LED track lighting heads use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to produce light. LEDs are more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs and have a longer lifespan. LED track lighting heads are more expensive than incandescent heads, but they can save you money in the long run.

Fluorescent Heads

Fluorescent track lighting heads use fluorescent bulbs to produce light. These bulbs are very energy-efficient and have a long lifespan.

What Are the Different Types of Track Lighting Controls?

Most track lighting fixtures allow you to turn the lights on and off, dim the lights, change the light color, or adjust the light beam. There are a variety of different types of track lighting controls available, each with its own set of features and benefits. Here are a few:

Dimmers

Dimmers allow you to adjust the brightness of the track lighting. These controls are available in a variety of different styles, including knob-style dimmers and slide-style dimmers. Dimmers are more expensive than simple on/off switches but offer more versatile lighting options.

Color Temperature Controls

Color temperature controls allow you to adjust the color of the light. If you want a warm light, you would choose a lower color temperature. If you want a cool light, you would choose a higher color temperature.

Beam Angle Controls

Beam angle controls allow you to adjust the beam angle of the light. They will usually have a range of angles, such as 10-60 degrees. This allows you to focus the light on a specific area.

Track Lighting Connectors

Track lighting connectors are used to connect the track to the power source. There are a variety of different types of track lighting connectors available. The two most common are wire connectors and quick connectors.

Wire connectors are the simplest type of track lighting connector. These connectors allow you to connect the track to the power source using two wires. Wire connectors are less expensive than other types of connectors, but they are not as durable.

Quick connectors are a type of track lighting connector that allows you a quick and easy connection of the track to the power source.

Different Types of Commercial Track Lighting Systems

Entire track lighting systems also come in different styles. Monorail systems are the simplest type of track lighting system. These systems consist of a single track that mounts to the ceiling.

Two-circuit systems are a type of track lighting system that consists of two tracks that are mounted to the ceiling. Two-circuit systems are more expensive than monorail systems, but they are more versatile.

Three-circuit systems are a type of track lighting system that consists of three tracks that are mounted to the ceiling.

Commercial Track Lighting Benefits

There are a number of benefits that come with using commercial track lighting. For one, track lighting is quite flexible. It can function in a variety of different settings and you can customize it to fit the needs of any space.

Track lighting is a versatile lighting option. It can provide general lighting, task lighting, or accent lighting. It is also an energy-efficient lighting option. It uses less electricity than other types of lighting, and it produces less heat.

Track lighting is a long-lasting lighting option. It does not require frequent bulb changes, and it has a long lifespan.

Plus, track lighting is stylish. It is available in a variety of different styles, and it can create a variety of different looks.

Retail Lighting Tips

When choosing retail track lighting, there are a few things to keep in mind. Consider the type of merchandise you will be displaying. If you will be displaying items that are sensitive to light, such as jewelry or artwork, you will need a system that provides even and consistent lighting.

Think about the layout of your space and how you will use the track lighting will. Track lighting can highlight specific areas or provide general lighting throughout the space.

Consider the style of your space and choose a system that complements the overall look.

How To Select The Best Commercial Lighting For Your Space

The first step in choosing the best commercial lighting for your space is to identify the type of lighting you need. There are four main types of commercial lighting: task lighting, general lighting, accent lighting, and exit signage.

Task Lighting

Task lighting is used to illuminate specific areas for specific tasks. It is typically used in places like offices, kitchens, and bathrooms.

General Lighting

General lighting is used to provide overall illumination for a space. It is used everywhere.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting is used to highlight specific areas or objects. It is typically used in places like museums, art galleries, and retail stores.

Exit Signage

Exit signage is used to indicate the location of exits in a space. You’ll find them in places that need crowd control.

Layout

The second step in choosing the best commercial lighting for your space is to consider the layout of the space. You will need to decide how many fixtures you need and where they should be placed.

Bulbs

The third step in choosing the best commercial lighting for your space is to consider the type of bulbs you need. LED bulbs are the most energy-efficient option. They last longer than other types of bulbs and they produce little heat.

Halogen bulbs are a good option for task lighting. They provide a bright, white light that is ideal for work areas. These bulbs may soon go the way of incandescent bulbs however as they are not good for the environment.

Fluorescent bulbs are a good option for general lighting. They provide an even, consistent light that is easy on the eyes.

Style

The fourth step in choosing the best commercial lighting for your space is to consider the style you’re after. You will need to decide if you want a modern, contemporary look or a more traditional look.

Get Help to Create a Well-Designed Space

Commercial track lighting can really amplify the style of your space. If you need help selecting the best commercial lighting for your space, AMF Electrical Contractors has the expertise and lighting fixtures you need.

We can help you create a well-designed space that is both functional and stylish. Give us a call today to learn more.

 

FAQ’s

What Are the Different Types of Commercial Track Lighting?

There are three main types of commercial track lighting: Rail, linear and non-linear. Rail lighting consists of a single track that mounts to the ceiling. Linear track lighting systems have a straight track that runs in one direction. Non-linear track lighting systems have a more complex track that can configure into different shapes.

What Are the Different Types of Track Lighting Heads?

Track lighting heads, also called track lighting fixtures, are individual lights that you mount onto the track. There are a variety of different types of track lighting heads available, each with its own set of features and benefits. The three most common types are incandescent, LED, and fluorescent.

What Are the Different Types of Track Lighting Controls?

Most track lighting fixtures allow you to turn the lights on and off, dim the lights, change the light color, or adjust the light beam. There are a variety of different types of track lighting controls available, each with its own set of features and benefits. Some of the most common types are dimmers, color temperature controls, and beam angle controls.

What Are the Different Types of Commercial Track Lighting Systems?

Entire track lighting systems also come in different styles. The three most common types are monorail, two-circuit, and three-circuit systems. Monorail systems are the simplest type of track lighting system, consisting of a single track that mounts to the ceiling. Two-circuit systems consist of two tracks that are mounted to the ceiling. Three-circuit systems consist of three tracks that are mounted to the ceiling.

What Are the Benefits of Commercial Track Lighting?

There are several benefits that come with using commercial track lighting. Track lighting is quite flexible, versatile, and cost-efficient. It can provide general lighting, task lighting, or accent lighting and uses less electricity than other types of lighting while producing less heat. It is also long-lasting and stylish, available in a variety of different styles.

What Are Some Retail Lighting Tips?

When choosing retail track lighting, consider the type of merchandise you will be displaying and how you will use the track lighting to highlight these items. You will need a system that provides even and consistent lighting if you will be displaying items that are sensitive to light, such as jewelry or artwork. Also, think about the layout of your space and how you will use the track lighting to create the desired atmosphere.