Planning Your Track Lighting

Planning Run Lengths

The track should cover the full zone being lit, with a little extra at each end. A run that stops short leaves heads at awkward angles trying to reach the edges.

Think in zones rather than one long line. A kitchen might need one run over the bench and another over the island. An open-plan space might use separate runs for dining and living so each can be lit and dimmed on its own.

Where the room calls for it, runs can be joined to turn corners or branch off. The Prolux HT track comes in 1.0m, 1.5m, 2.0m and 3.0m lengths, with straight, right-angle, T, X and flexible joiners available for more complex layouts. The magnetic channel system comes in 2000mm lengths and links in straight lines with joiner bars. All tracks can be cut to custom length.

Keep the total load in mind too. Add up every head planned for the run and check it sits within the system's rating. HT track is rated 240V 16A, while the magnetic channel runs on 24V DC with an 8A maximum input and needs a power plate at the feed end.

Positioning the Track

Where the track sits in relation to its target matters more than anything else in the layout.

Lighting walls and artwork

A track set too close to the wall throws harsh light and long shadows down the surface. Too far away and the beam spills into the room or hits people’s eyes. A common rule of thumb is to aim heads at around 30 degrees from vertical, which usually puts the track roughly 600 to 900mm out from the wall on a standard ceiling height. Higher ceilings push the track further out. [CONFIRM: Prolux's recommended guidance]

Lighting work surfaces

Over benches and islands, run the track so light falls in front of where people stand. A track behind the user casts their shadow straight onto the bench.

Watching for glare

Check sight lines from seating, doorways and stairs. Heads aimed across a room can shine straight into someone’s eyes from the sofa or dining table.

Ceiling type also affects position. Beams, raked ceilings and existing services can all limit where the track can be fixed, so confirm these before the layout is locked in. Mounting style matters here too. HT track can be surface mounted or suspended, or the HTC recessed track gives a cleaner architectural finish. HW4 commercial track can be suspended, which suits high or raked ceilings.

Spacing and Aiming the Heads

Head spacing depends on the job each head is doing.

• Accent lighting
  one head per object, aimed directly at it. Spacing follows the objects, not a fixed measurement.
• Wall washing
  heads spaced evenly so their beams overlap slightly, giving a consistent wash with no dark gaps or bright spots.
• General lighting
  heads spread along the run and angled to cover the floor or work area evenly.

Avoid bunching heads together at one end of a run. It creates hot spots and leaves the rest of the space under-lit.

It is also worth leaving space on the track for an extra head or two. That spare capacity is what lets the client adapt the lighting when the art changes or the displays move.

Choosing Heads for the Layout

The heads need to suit both the job and the track.

Beam angle
Narrow beams suit accent lighting on individual pieces. Wider beams suit wall washing and general light. Heads with an adjustable beam, like the Frankton’s 24 to 60 degree range, give more room to fine-tune once installed.

Output
Higher-output heads suit commercial spaces, galleries and higher ceilings. Residential spaces and lower ceilings generally need less.

Compatibility
Heads are made for a specific track system, so confirm the match before ordering. Prolux HT spots fit the HT track, the Frankton and HW1206 fit the HW4 Commercial Track, and the MT range fits the magnetic channel.

Dimming
Dimmable heads let one layout work for different times of day and uses. Check the spotlight and dimmer are compatible.

Bringing It All Together

A good track layout starts with what needs lighting, then works back to the ceiling. Cover the full zone with each run, position the track to avoid shadows and glare, and space the heads to suit the job they are doing.

Choose heads that match both the application and the track system, and leave room on the run for the client to adapt. Get those decisions right at the planning stage and the track will keep working as the space changes.

Stay Ahead with Prolux Partners

Prolux offers a range of track systems and heads for residential and commercial projects across New Zealand.

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Prolux Partners is designed to support industry professionals like you in delivering top-quality lighting solutions to your clients. Make sure to also check out our extensive lighting range for your upcoming projects.