The lighting industry had passed through the radical technical phase of conventional lamps to digitally based LED’s, but it fascinates me that light fittings still look like light fittings. Down lights, track lights, spotlights, they are not overly different from 30 years ago, a bit smaller maybe, otherwise the same.
One key lighting tool that has stood the test of time is track. Track was invented in 1961 by Anthony Donat of Lightolier in the USA, with several patents granted in his favour. Track lighting has seen a recent growth in popularity for good reason.
Lighting track offers flexibility and simple installation with the end user able to add, move and aim fittings without the need for an electrician. Fittings don’t have to be just spot lights, wall washing, and wide area lighting can also be added. Track can be surface mounted, suspended or recessed with the low cost of one electrical connection per track run.
In our modern environment, most fittings MLP supply are Dali, which enables individual dimming control, scene, and group setting. Our track light fittings contain a Dali driver and have a 2-core conductor embedded within the track for control.
Types of track
There are two types of track, 240v and 48v.
240v also known as 3 circuit track, has an earth, neutral, 3 switched actives, and the Dali control. Before LED, lighting was simply switched on or off. If you have a car showroom for example, a single track system could provide lighting levels at 100%, 66% or 33% by simple switching of the three circuits. Today we generally only use one of the three circuits plus Dali, but the popularity of 3 circuit track persists due to important compatibility of track-to-track adapters.
240v track is the go-to for base fit outs, retail, commercial and residential, its reasonably small at 32mm x 32mm but not tiny, its miniaturisation is limited by the electrical safety issue of keeping fingers from touching the live electricity. Accentuating the “bulkiness” is the track driver that sticks slightly proud of the track.
Recently, Orluna have released the stunning Cloud range, not wanting to compromise on aesthetics they have selected a cutting edge “in-track driver” this enables the driver electronics to be squeezed into the track opening, providing just the Cloud fitting floating on the track. It’s a beautiful upgrade to 240v track systems.
48v track is a smaller form factor at 26mm x 21mm, powered by a remote 48v DC power supply up to 300w. 48v track is electrically safe SELV enabling the design of the track to be smaller. Only requiring 2 conductors for power and 2 for Dali, it’s a considerable reduction in bulk over 240v track. 48v track fittings have small Dali drivers that fit within the track reducing the visual appearance to just the fitting.
Mounting options
Sustainability
The sustainability of track lighting is also quite good. Our Global Pulse 240v track is made from Nordic Aluminium, with recyclable Aluminium, copper and plastic components. Finland smelt their aluminium and Cooper with electricity from wind, hydro and nuclear electricity.
The best case it not to recycle but reuse, it’s not uncommon for a track system to be reused for decades with the fittings upgraded as fashion and technology evolve. At MLP we also sea freight Global Pulse into our Sydney and Perth warehouses, further reducing the carbon footprint.
Check out our wide range of track options and fixtures www.mlplight.com/type/track
