Track Lighting Buyers’ Guide: Product Options

Track lighting provides a wash of illumination on large wall.

Updated 10/11/23 by 1000Bulbs Staff

Modern track lighting systems are a well-known, well-loved trend. Whether it's remodeling your kitchen or illuminating a museum sculpture, track lights really make a statement in room design. With so many track lighting options available, here's everything you need to know about choosing track lighting and picking individual light fixtures for your lighting needs.

Different Types of Track Lighting: Tracks

There are three types of track: H, J, and L. The terms come from the track manufacturers that set the standards for each linear track type: Halo, Juno, and Lightolier.

The different types do have some similarities. For instance, all three standard track types can be single or dual circuit and all have similar accessories to allow customized layouts. All three types of track look basically the same from the outside but, as Aladdin has taught us, like so many things, it is not what is outside, but what is inside that counts.

The different types of track lighting kits and their accessories are not interchangeable, so make sure you choose wisely. The H-type track is the only track lighting system with a dedicated grounding bus bar.

Don't worry though, the J-type and L-type tracks are still grounded. They accomplish this through a grounding channel in the track, meaning it's built into the body of the track.

Track lighting provides lighting aimed to feature canvases at an art museum.

One thing you'll need to decide is whether you need a single-circuit track or a dual-circuit track. A single-circuit track system means all the track lights turn on and off together, while a dual-circuit track system provides more control by allowing you to turn on a set number of fixtures at a time.

Say you have a painting that you want to feature with direct light, but you don't need all eight of your track lighting heads on. With a dual circuit track lighting system, you can turn on just the track head aimed at your replica of the Mona Lisa, the seven other track heads, or all eight at once.

Dual circuit configurations have one more wire, typically called a bus bar.

Line Voltage Systems vs Low Voltage Systems

Line voltage systems are the most common type of track lighting, though low voltage systems are available.

Line voltage systems operate off of 120 volts and are typically directly connected to the main line via existing wiring. While they do require hardwired installation, these types of track lighting do not need a transformer, which low voltage systems often require.

Plug-and-play track lighting systems ca be a quick and easy-to-install lighting solution.

Line voltage track lighting systems are often less expensive than their low voltage counterparts and offer ambient lighting in a wide variety of styles and designs.

In contrast, low voltage systems use 12 or 24 volts. Some low voltage plug-and-play systems can be plugged directly into a standard outlet.

Low voltage systems are often more sleek and compact, using less energy and creating a smaller and more discreet design. They are also more energy efficient and provide a longer lamp life.

Types of Track Heads for Track Lights

Track lighting fixtures or linear track lights, commonly known as track heads, come in many different shapes, styles, and sizes. Most linear track lights use MR16 bulbs, but there are exceptions that use bulbs like AR111s, BR40s, or PAR20s. Traditionally, these bulbs are halogen or incandescent, however, LEDs are becoming more and more popular as their efficiency and CRI increase.

Most types of track heads fit both single and dual-circuit tracks, with the capability to flip the positive contact up or down. Choosing which track head to use depends mostly on aesthetic preference.

Most styles come in several finishes and with dimming capability. There are a few unique types of track lighting heads, though.

Cylinder Heads

The most popular track head is the cylinder. Though you're probably most familiar with the versatile step cylinder style (it's easy to find and goes with just about any decor), there are a few variations of this type of track head.

The cylinder family features flat back, round back, mesh back, and bullet-shaped designs. The telescope track fixture, while not part of the cylinder family, looks like a middle ground between the flat back and step cylinder heads.

High-Tech Gimbal Ring Heads

The gimbal ring light fixture is another fairly common track head. Unlike most other track lighting fixtures, the gimbal ring has a 180-degree range of motion. The bulb, typically an MR16, fits into the ring and a bracket holds the ring in place.

Its lightweight and low profile, modern design blends in well with many decors. For those that don't live a “low profile” kind of life, there's always the high-tech gimbal.

These are built the same as the standard gimbal ring fixtures but have the added bonus of a modified trim that looks like something out of a sci-fi novel.

Multi-Stepped Heads

The other track head styles aren't as popular, but if you live to be different, the popular styles weren't for you anyway. The aptly named cube fixture is, naturally, shaped like a cube.

There are also octagonal and multi-stepped light fixtures. Both lighting options are eight-sided fixtures, but the multi-stepped heads have an open design to allow ambient lighting and superior heat dissipation.

Clasp-Fingered Heads

Barn door heads have a very distinctive look, usually associated with the theater, ideal for people with dramatic personalities and styles. Wireback track heads feature a round wire mesh cone.

Clasp-fingered track heads, also aptly named, feature several “fingers” that extend in an open, conical shape to surround and support the bulb.

These fixtures do not allow a glass shield, so keep that in mind when looking for the right bulbs for individual lamps.

Modern track lighting provided ideal lighting for store displays.

Looking to Install Track Lights or a New Light Fixture?

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