Table of Contents
What is Magnetic Track Lighting?
Out with fixed stationary light, in with the new magnetic track lighting system. Magnetic track lights are a fairly recent trend in home and commercial lighting, however track systems are not new, they have evolved over the years – since 1961 – to culminate in magnetic track lights. A magnetic track light system is composed of:
- A track, typically made of aluminium, mounted directly onto your ceiling or wall.
- A Power supply, typically 48V, that supplies power to the track. The power supply can either be inline or external.
- Magnetic Light fixtures – Actual devices that are producing light.
Compared to existing track systems, magnetic track light shine because of modularity. Modularity means that fixtures can be added, moved or removed at pleasure. It also uses low-voltage system (usually 48V) that makes it safe for all kinds of uses. These factors blend together to create an artistic and operational lighting system. Want to highlight a particular piece of art? Simply add a spotlight near it on the track! This renders it perfect for homes, open floor plans, art galleries, and even retail fronts where lighting needs may evolve. In addition, it is money-saving since you can adjust the total lumens/brightness in your space without expensive light modelling – simply add more light fittings until you are happy.
The benefits extend beyond mere flexibility, magnetic track lighting offers a wide range of light fixture options. From spotlights for focused illumination to pendants for architectural lighting to linear lights for ambient lighting, you can create a layered lighting scheme that perfectly suits your needs.
Track Installation & Mounting
Magnetic track lighting installation shines (pun intended) due to ease of installation. The track is easily installed by screws or anchors, and the magnetic fixtures click into place. No pesky wiring is required, so it’s a DIY homeowner-friendly solution even for the most novice homeowner. The tracks may be recessed, surface mounted or suspended. Here is a detailed listing of installation options:
- Recessed Installation: Perfect for drywall/gypsum installations. The bulk of the track is hidden behind the surface of the gypsum. Gives a polished and minimalist look.
- Surface Installation: Perfect for hard surfaces such as concrete, masonry, wood. Can also be installed over gypsum and acoustic ceilings. The track sits on the surface. Gives an industrial look.
- Suspended Installation: Perfect for hard surfaces such as concrete, masonry, wood. Can also be installed under gypsum and acoustic ceilings. The track is suspended from the surface. Gives an artistic look.
Magnetic Track Light Fixtures
A variety of magnetic track light fixtures are available. The key factors in selection of lights to purchase are:
- Energy Efficiency – Choose LED lights that use less electricity. This is typically reflected by lumens/watt in data sheets. Go for fixtures that have more than 100lm/W. Efficiency is typically affected by the LED chip in use. The typical wattage for fixtures ranges from 3 watts to 20 watts. A 20W fixture that uses a 70lm/watt chip will produce half the light that a 140lm/watt chip.
- Colour Temperature: Some fixtures are also available in a range of color temperatures – from 3000K to 6600K. The typical lounge or home would use 3000K (Warm white) to 4000K (Neutral White) while commercial spaces will prefer 6000K (cool white).
- Colour Rendering Index: Fixtures are also available in a range of color rendering index. CRI is a measure of the similarity of LED light to the light we get from the sun. A low CRI light will change the perceived colors and might impact how items look sites. A good rule of thumb is to pick a LED light with a CRI value greater than 80 – and as high as you can afford.
- Beam Angle: Fixtures use a LED chip which sits behind a lens, diffuser and housing that affects how light is distributed. You can get fixtures which throw a very narrow beam angle – the light goes straight down – typically grille lights, to fixtures with wide beam angles – typically linear lights. Typical values are from 15° to 120°
Fixture Purchase Considerations:
- LED Chip Quality – Fixtures come in various sizes and prices. A quick way to know a quality fixture is to check on the LED chip in use. Go for known brands such as Bridge Lux, Philips and Osram. LED chips from these manufacturers have attested CRI values, and known performance values which you can look up in data sheets. Here’s an example of a chip data sheet for a fixture that we sell. Look out for Lumen/Watt (efficiency of the light) of ~ 100lm/W and CRI > 90.
- LED Housing Quality: Fixture LED chips can get very hot during operation. To dissipate this heat, a large heat sink is needed to help air-cool the LED chip. A quick quality check on LED light is the size of the heat sink and verification that the body is all metal . Larger heat sinks are correlated with better quality LED lights.
- LED Wattage and Housing: Different areas require different amount of lighting. Kitchen countertops required direct and bright lights while lounges required diffuse and low intensity lighting. Factors such as the LED wattage and housing will affect this. Use low wattage and large beam angle fixtures for diffuse lighting in lounges. Kitchens can use higher wattage low beam angle down fixtures (and preferably recessed to reduce glare)
- LED CCT – Color Temperature: Different areas of the home require different color temperatures. For example, lounges tend to have dimmer and warmer light – similar to candlelight, while kitchens and studies will required brighter and cooler light. You should identify the use case of each space and select the required fixture with the correct CCT prior to purchase. Alternatively, you can choose a fixture with variable CCT (typically referred to as a smart light) which can change the brightness and color temperature on demand. CCT temperature is typically measured in Kelvins.
Purchase Advice: Try to find out the efficiency (Lumens Per Watt) and CRI rating of your fixtures prior to purchase. They make a significant difference to your lighting experience.
Types of Magnetic Light Fixtures
Pendants
Pendants are the fixtures that provide downward-directed lighting. They typically hang from the track using a magnetic base, creating a more decorative element compared to spotlights. Pendants come in ranges of sizes and forms that can be used a design feature for your space. While primarily providing accent, some pendants may be fitted with adjustable shades, which lets you control the light spread. Pendants are typically used to illuminate focus areas like kitchen islands, dining tables, or conversation niches. The good thing about a magnetic track system is that you can move pendants around until you have your desired light and style.
Pendants can be combined with other magnetic track lighting installations like linear lights for layering. This allows for ambient and accent lighting in the same space with ease.
Spotlights
Spotlights are the workhorses of magnetic track light systems. They provide directional lighting that plays a crucial role in highlighting specific areas and creating task lighting. Use them to highlight statement pieces of art in a room or a feature wall bookshelves, or displays. Their adjustable heads offer precise control over the beam’s direction, and some even feature zoom capabilities for further refinement of the light spread. With a range of available beam spreads, from narrow to wide, spotlights can be customized to suit various applications, such as accentuating a painting or focusing light on a workspace for proper vision of the task area. Their magnetic design allows for easy repositioning along the track, providing flexibility for spaces like art rooms or home offices. Spotlights can complement other magnetic track fixtures, enabling layered lighting schemes that combine ambient, general, and task illumination.
Linear Lights / Flood Lights
Linear lights are the among the most popular of the magnetic track lighting system. They offer a sleek and modern approach to general illumination because the tend to install completely into the track giving a clean flush look. They are frequently paired with grille lights – which also install into the track for a clean linear aesthetic.
Linear lights for magnetic tracks spread even light across a large area. They are available in different lengths to fit your room offering varying luminosity. The linearity of linear lights makes them perfect for illuminating hallways and corridors. They provide ample light for safe navigation while maintaining a clean and modern aesthetics. Linear lights come in different lengths and power outputs and also offer dimming capabilities to create different lighting moods and adjust the brightness based on activity or time of day.
Grille Lights and Adjustable Grille Lights
Grille lights offer a minimalist aesthetic to magnetic track lights. The LEDs are hidden behind a grid-like structure, or “grille,” creating a clean and unobtrusive look. They have a narrow beam width which can be used to provide a downward spotlight for focus areas. Adjustable grille lights take this idea to the next level by being mated with a swivel to allow for directional pointing.They are a popular choice for modern and contemporary spaces and work perfectly with linear lights. Plain grille lights sit flush in the track and offer a clean aesthetic for recessed profiles. The recessed design of grille lights also contributes to reduced glare by constraining the emitted light – particularly beneficial in areas where you want to minimise harsh shadows or eye strain. Grille lights are available in different lengths to fit your room offering varying luminosity.
Pendant Lights
Pendants are very versatile and have a clean and unobtrusive look in a magnetic track system. The LEDs are typically installed in a metallic cylinder, which creates a narrow beam width that can be used to provide a downward spotlight for focus areas. Use it above a kitchen island, dining area or to light up a nook. It’s also perfect to light up a desk or tables at restaurants. They are typically layered with linear lights to provide focus and general lighting.
Key Takeaways
Modular Lighting solution
Magnetic lighting are modern modular lighting system – that allows you to add as many light fixtures as the track can accommodate whenever you want, however you want. You also get the versatility of re-arranging , adding or removing lighting fixtures without involving professionals. You get to choose the layout to use giving each installation a unique owners touch of design .Suitable for both commercial and residential spaces.
Safe Voltage
Magnetic tracks and fixtures run off a 48V system. This is a safe to touch voltage. Consequently, the tracks can run on a wall and on the ceiling safely without having to worry about electrocution.
Variety in Lighting Fixtures
A variety of lighting fixtures are available for commercial and residential lighting solutions. The length and size of each fixture is primarily dictated by the total wattage of the light. The higher the wattage the larger the fixtures.
Smart Home Automation
Lighting fixtures for magnetic track lighting can be smart – that is, dimmable and color temperature changing. This means that you can have a smart magnetic track system that integrates with the rest of your smart home affordably. Additionally, each fixture is individually controllable. Integrating it with a smart home control panel allows for automation functions – such as dimming, voice control, color changing of the lights at specific times or when a sensor changes state. The system easily integrates with smart audio systems such as Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, Google Assistant and Home Assistant.
I am interested, What next?
Give us a call on +254 752 03 03 03, email us on contact@incredible.co.ke or use our contact form to start on your incredible journey to a stellar lighting system. We typically respond within 24 hours or visit us at Vintage Interiors, Ground floor, Longonot Place, Kijabe Street, Nairobi, Kenya. We have wholesale prices and accounts for resellers available on request. We have the in-house expertise to help you design, purchase and execute your project with confidence. We have executed a variety of Magnetic Track projects across East Africa. Its a guarantee that You are in good hands.
