1. For the best results, first decide on the lamp or voltages that will best serve your needs; the style of track head should be based on that decision. It is best to be consistent. Choose a brand of accessories, and make your choices from that accessory line.
2. Track lighting is all about ambiance, and what better way to set the mood than to install dimmer switches with your track lighting system? Noise filters and high-quality dimmer switches should be used with transformers to eliminate buzzing noises and clarify low to high dimmer switch settings.
3. Extensions of 18, 24, 36, and 48-inches may be used to increase the distance between the track and the fixture head; these are especially useful with vaulted and cathedral ceilings. Most low voltage track heads can be used with extensions; extensions are sold with the fixtures.
4. When installing low voltage track lighting, you will need to install a transformer that converts 120-Volt current to 12-Volt current; cord-and-plug connectors allow you to then connect to standard outlets.
5. Low voltage fixtures use either 35-watt or 50-watt fluorescent, candescent, or halogen bulbs. Multiply the number of fixtures times the watts before selecting a transformer; purchase a transformer that can accommodate slightly more watts than are being used.
6. Flexible track lighting allows you to customize your lighting system to angle lights and add depth and dimension to the room; flex connectors are perfect for vaulted and cathedral ceilings. It is important to examine the connectors ahead of time to avoid installing them upside down.
7. With connectors, you can cut, connect, and customize track lighting. With simple-to-install fixed track, lights run along a straight line; flex connectors allow you to angle and twist track to reach out-of-the-way places; cross connectors piece and intersect straight pieces of track to give a room complete light coverage.
8. There are two types of L-connectors. The most common L-connector has inside polarity; the other has outside polarity.
9. Floating-canopy connectors provide power along the length of the track. For power at the end of the track, install live end connectors.
10. Standoffs, which are usually included with your track purchase or with track lighting kits, are used at every four feet of track to thread track lighting. End caps are also included with kits and track purchases; they are used wherever an end is not connected to a power feed or transformer.
