Track lighting

Track lighting is a good, efficient and, above all, attractive way to illuminate your space effectively. Before purchasing track lighting, it is important to first familiarise yourself with the different options available. The biggest advantage of track lighting is that you only need one power point to connect multiple lights. Before purchasing your track lighting, our specialists will be happy to explain the available options. If you already know which track lighting you would like, you can go directly to the correct category below.

Track lighting phases

If you are looking for track lighting for your living room, kitchen, bedroom or office, you will soon discover that different phase systems are available. The most common types are 1-phase, 2-phase and 3-phase track lighting. But what are the differences between these systems, and which phase is best suited to your situation? We are happy to explain!

1-phase track lighting: with 1-phase track lighting, the neutral conductor runs along one side and the live conductor along the other. You use 1-phase track lighting when you want all lights connected to the track to switch on and off at the same time. The power supply for a 1-phase track can be connected directly to the wiring coming from the ceiling.

2-phase track lighting: with 2-phase track lighting, the setup is similar to a 1-phase system, except that there is an additional live conductor. This means that the two live conductors can be connected to two different live wires and therefore to two different switches. When installing the lights on the track, you can select on the light itself which of the two phases it should use. This allows you to switch selected lights independently of each other. For example, you can connect 2 pendant lights above a table to the first phase and the spotlights to the second phase. This allows you to control the 2 pendant lights and the spotlights separately. Very convenient!

3-phase track lighting: with 3-phase track lighting, the setup is similar to a 2-phase system, except that there is one additional live conductor. This means that the three live conductors can be connected to three different live wires and therefore to three different switches. When connecting lights to the track, you can select on the light which of the three phases it should be connected to. This allows you to control selected lights separately. Of course, the phase of a light can also be changed afterwards. For example, you can connect 2 pendant lights above a table to the first phase, the spotlights above the seating area to the second phase and the spotlights near a painting to the third phase. This allows the pendant lights and the different groups of spotlights to be controlled separately. This gives you extra flexibility while using only one connection point in the ceiling. When choosing a 3-phase track, however, it is important that a 5-core cable is ultimately connected to the power supply.

Track lighting accessories

The track lighting systems from the brands sold by LampsTotal can be made even more flexible with various accessories. You may not want just one straight section of track, but may also want to create a corner or a branch. Before ordering all the accessories, it is important to make a drawing showing exactly how the track will run through your space. This is important not only for determining exactly which accessories you need, but also because of another important aspect: the position of the earth conductor.

If you want to create corners or branches, it is important to check which side of the track the earth conductor is located on. As soon as a branch or bend is introduced into the track system, the earth conductor will be on either the inside or the outside of that bend or branch. For example, the 143050 and 143060 look very similar, but differ in terms of which side the conductor is located on. Depending on how your track is installed, you will need an L-connector with the earth on the inside or on the outside. By mapping this out clearly in a drawing, you can avoid ordering the wrong accessories. Below you will find several examples of drawings showing how track lighting can be installed in a room. In addition, every product on our website where the position of the earth conductor is relevant includes a drawing showing which side the earth conductor is on.

Other track accessories

Pendant adapter

In addition to essential accessories, there are also accessories that allow you to customise your track system even further. It may be that the light fittings available for your chosen track lighting system do not quite suit your space. For this reason, most track systems also have a pendant adapter. This pendant adapter allows you to connect almost any pendant light to the track system. This means you can give your track lighting an industrial, country-style or very sleek and modern appearance. An example of such a pendant adapter is the 143120 from SLV. Please note that this is only suitable for SLV's 1-phase track system. If you have a different phase system or a different brand of track lighting, you will need the corresponding pendant adapter from that range.

Track cover

Because the lights can be mounted anywhere along the track, the underside of the track remains open. Track covers are available to close this opening. A matching cover is available for every track colour. Simply click the track cover into the track to neatly conceal the opening.

Suspension system

Another accessory is a suspension system. With a suspension system, the track is not mounted directly against the ceiling but hangs slightly below it. The image below shows what this looks like. For the relevant phase system, you can choose between a short or long suspension and select the colour you prefer.

Frequently asked questions about track lighting

Which track lighting phases are available?

The most commonly used systems are 1-phase track lighting, 2-phase track lighting and 3-phase track lighting.

Which phase do I need?

If you want to switch everything on and off at the same time, 1-phase track lighting is sufficient. If you want to control the lights connected to the track separately, use 2-phase track lighting or 3-phase track lighting.

What do I need to connect track lighting?

You will need at least a power supply, a track and a light fitting. Of course, you can connect multiple lights, and various accessories such as an L-connector, T-connector or pendant adapter make your track lighting even more flexible.

What track lengths are available?

Track is often available in standard lengths of 0.5, 1 or 2 metres. Of course, you can cut one of these lengths down to achieve the exact length required for your space. We always recommend ordering slightly more track than you need so that you have enough material available during installation.

Are complete track lighting sets available?

Yes, complete track lighting sets are available so you can get started straight away. One example is set 1002610, which includes 3 spotlights, 2 one-metre tracks, a power supply and 2 end caps, allowing you to begin installation immediately. You can also view this page for all track lighting sets.