How To Choose Magnetic Track Light for House?
by Penglight | Date: 17th Nov 2024
Many people who purchase magnetic track lights usually consider whether to go for surface-mounted or recessed installation and then think about which lights to pair with them. While these two considerations are important, there are some more crucial “key issues” that are often overlooked! In this post, we will delve into these 3 key issues to ensure you make an informed decision when selecting and installing magnetic track lights for your space. Let’s explore these critical considerations together.
What is the Size of Magnetic Track Light?
On the market, there is a wide variety of magnetic track lighting systems, and one of the key distinctions lies in the dimensions of the track. Whether recessed type or surface-mounted type, common magnetic track lights can be categorized into three dimensions:
- Width 40-45mm, Height 50-53mm
- Width 20-27mm, Height 46-53mm
- Width 25mm, Height 26mm
Beyond a broad statement such as ‘the thinner, the better,’ there are specific differences in the application and installation effects of magnetic track lights of different sizes.
The first type is the earliest magnetic track design, with a width of 40mm or more. This type has a larger illuminated area and can deliver higher brightness, making it suitable for commercial spaces. However, this type of magnetic track light can be quite prominent for residential units with ceiling heights of only 2.8 – 3m.
Especially for surface-mounted type magnetic track light, the thick and dark track lack simplicity, affect aesthetics, and create a sense of oppression. According to lighting designers, for home applications, it is advisable to avoid tracks thicker than 40mm when opting for magnetic track lighting.
The second type is an advanced version of the first, with a reduced width of the magnetic track and mostly featuring a slim edge design, ranging in width from 20mm to 27mm, which looks much more aesthetically pleasing.
The third type builds upon the second, further refining the design. Not only is the track width controlled at 26mm, but the height has also been reduced from 50mm to 26mm, making it almost the silmmest magnetic track available on the market.
26mm wide 26mm high magnetic track
How significant is the 25mm height difference between the second and third types?
1. For recessed track installations, the second type requires a ceiling height of 53mm – 55mm or more, while the extremely narrow third type only needs a 30mm ceiling height, requiring less sacrifice in terms of room height.
However, typical ceilings not only accommodate lighting fixtures but also conceal central air conditioning, ventilation systems, etc. In cases where a ceiling is necessary, the height difference between the second and third types of magnetic tracks doesn’t have a substantial impact.
2. If you are opting for surface-mounted track lighting, the difference becomes more pronounced. The second type is 25mm taller than the third type, doubling the perceived thickness in surface-mounted applications and lacking the proportional and harmonious appearance of the third type.
The second type may appear bulky, especially when paired with magnetic square boxes. Our suggestion is, if you choose surface-mounted magnetic track lights, opt for the extremely narrow third type for a thinner and more visually appealing look.
How do you Install the Power Supply?
The power supply is a frequently overlooked issue. Magnetic track lights are typically available in 24V or 48V. To connect these low-voltage tracks to a 220V power source, a transformer (power supply) must be installed.
A power supply usually looks like this:
Obviously, the transformer’s design should not be exposed, so there needs to be a place to conceal it. For a house or a luxury villa, the transformer can be hidden in the air conditioning maintenance opening if it has a drop ceiling. If there is no ceiling or if surface-mounted track lighting is chosen, the transformer can only be concealed in locations like the light strip slot or the curtain box.
Generally speaking, how to conceal the transformer based on the actual layout of your home should be the primary consideration. Because, as in the following projects, you might be eager to install magnetic track lights but lack a suitable hiding spot for the transformer. In such cases, opting for an exposed transformer design can significantly impact the aesthetics.
The good thing is, there are also surface-mounted concealed transformers available on the market, such as the integrated power supply unit below. This type of magnetic track light driver can be magnetically attached to the track, similar to the light fixtures, solving the challenge of concealing the transformer and making maintenance tasks easier.
Integrated power supply for magnetic track
However, these integrated power supplies aren’t super common yet. Not all magnet track systems are compatible with this type of power supply. So, before you hit that buy button, make sure to double-check if they’re a match!
How to Do the Cabling?
When it comes to embedded track lighting, you can pretty much hide everything in the ceiling, no sweat. But for those surface-mounted magnetic tracks, figuring out how to run those wires is a real head-scratcher that needs some serious thought.
The wire interface for magnetic track lighting is typically located at one end of the track. When planning the lighting layout, it’s common practice to position the magnetic track lights in a way that is symmetrical to the general layout of the living room for a visually appealing look. This means that when installing the track, the ceiling wire slot should not be centered in the space but rather positioned towards one side of the track. Therefore, before installing surface-mounted magnetic track lighting, it’s crucial to first confirm the layout design of the track and then proceed with cutting the wire slot accordingly.
When retrofitting a magnetic track lighting system in a fully furnished room, where the original light fixtures are fixed in place, it can be tricky to install most magnetic tracks that require wiring from one side. In such cases, you may need to re-cut and relocate the electrical wiring to accommodate the new track lighting system.
Of course, there’s a simpler solution: opt for magnetic track styles like the one mentioned above that allow wiring inside the track. This way, you can run the wires to the center of the track and connect them to the ceiling power source. Not many tracks on the market offer this feature, so make sure to do your homework before buying to avoid a situation where you realize it won’t fit after you’ve made the purchase!
Conclusion
Magnetic track lights could be a great alternative to having no central light fixture. Whether you’re building a new house or renovating your home, they offer flexibility and style. You can easily adjust the position of the lights to suit your needs, whether it’s for highlighting artwork, creating ambient lighting, or adding a modern touch to your space. Plus, with the variety of designs and features available, magnetic track lights can be a versatile and practical lighting solution for any room in your home. If you want to learn more about magnetic track lights, feel free to reach out to Penglight for further information and assistance.
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