Low Voltage Track and Rail Lighting Systems for 2013

Your Guide to Outstanding Low Voltage Lighting Installation 2013

You cannot beat the versatility and design of innovative low-voltage track and rail lighting systems.  New compositions and energy-efficient options are extraordinary and may be custom-designed to blend seamlessly with changes in your decorative environment.

Far from the industrial-sized straight runs and bulky fixture heads of the past, new track and rail lighting systems are elegant and balanced to beautifully illuminate both traditional and modern settings.

Top 5 Reasons to Update with Low Voltage Lighting Systems

1.  More Economical:  Because low voltage lighting systems function on 12 volts of electricity rather than the standard 120 volts, low voltage lighting uses less energy, and smaller low voltage track heads deliver light more efficiently.

2.  Easy installation: From colorful and vibrant glass pendants to sleek metallic spot light fixtures, track and rail systems are easy to install and maintain. The monorail system is the most basic and easiest to install; consisting of a single line of electrical cable that may be installed in straight runs or custom designed in a unique configuration.

3.  Safer Operation:  Low voltage lighting requires a transformer to “step down” the 120-volt standard to a 12-volt system; and, the reduced 12-volt system eliminates the risk of electrical shock.  Because of the reduced risk of electrical shock and safer operation, low voltage lighting may incur fewer required inspections.

4.  Greater Flexibility:  Unlike other ceiling fixtures where a lighting design in required before you begin construction, low voltage track and rail lighting systems provide the flexibility to update your home lighting design as you can afford. You may choose to do one segment at a time, and add to the design as your needs and budget allow.

5.  Superlative Lighting Designs: Low voltage track heads and light fixtures are available in a myriad of styles and sizes.  They are made to accommodate compact light sources that are as bright as 120-volt bulbs but in a smaller fixture. Most of the bulbs used in low voltage lighting are more than twice as bright as regular incandescent bulbs of the same wattage.

FAQ’s

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

-The cost to install low voltage lighting currently runs on average between $150-$220 per fixture.  Material and labor costs vary according to hourly labor wage restrictions, specific project size and the number of fixtures needed.  It is a good idea to get a few estimates before hiring an electrical contractor for your low-voltage lighting installation.  Estimated costs should include all materials, as well as delivery charges for equipment and costs to prepare, protect or repair existing structures. (Permit and inspection fees are usually additional charges that may be involved with certain lighting installations.)

-Low voltage track and rail lights operate on a system equipped with a transformer. Since standard lighting installations run on outlet and junction boxes that provide 120 volts of electricity (in the US and Canada), the transformer serves to “step-down” or decrease the voltage from standard line voltage (120 volts) to low voltage (12 volts).

-Low voltage fixtures, bulbs and dimmers are generally more expensive than line voltage systems due to the transformers that are included as part of the fixture’s electrical construction; Although low voltage installations may be more expensive than line voltage systems, lifetime operating costs are lower due to energy savings and lower maintenance costs.

WHAT TYPE OF LIGHT SOURCE WORKS BEST IN A LOW VOLTAGE TRACK HEAD?

-Although there are some good compact fluorescent lamps that may be used in low voltage track fixtures, halogen bulbs are still the most popular choice.

-Low voltage halogen lamps contain filaments that are shorter and fatter, so the illumination is precise, crisp and luxuriant.  These lamps are available in a variety of beam spreads offering over 20 variations in any given wattage, ranging from super narrow spot lights to full-spectrum flood lights.

-The most common lamps or light sources used in low voltage track heads are PAR 36 and MR 16 halogen light bulbs.

CAN I UPGRADE MY TRACK FIXTURES WITH LED (LIGHT EMITTING DIODE) LAMPS?

-LED (light emitting diode) low voltage lamps are compact solid-state light sources that provide cool focused task light.  LEDs last 10,000-100,000 hours and use very little electricity.  With future production, LED lamps may become more affordable and the standard go-to choice in track and rail systems.  *Rather than a transformer, LED bulbs require a “driver” to convert from standard to low-voltage.

 With a state-of-the art low voltage system, you may custom design formations with imagination and creativity and the possibilities are endless…

-Use straight runs of track to highlight displays in a gallery or down a corridor.

-Make a design statement and provide the perfect task light with hand-painted low voltage pendant lights over kitchen islands, bath vanities or night tables.

-Highlight the sparkle in crystal and provide accent light to an elegantly set table with low voltage rail lighting.

-Expand your space with hand-bendable rail fit to accommodate rooms with limited ceiling space or rooms where electrical junction boxes are  inconveniently located. The beauty of track is that it may be custom measured and easily cut to fit your exact specifications.

*Especially suitable for savvy renovation projects, such as older New York City apartments that may have one junction box in the ceiling:  Track and rail lighting configurations can do it all, providing general, task and accent lighting.

-Track lighting systems are even being used to power residential garage space with functional and inviting illumination; Showcase expensive automobiles and provide excellent task lighting to a workbench or hobby station with streamlined track lighting.

Low Voltage Track Systems from Start to Finish

GETTING ON BOARD: YOUR TRACK  7-STEP SYSTEM

-Although, electrically-speaking, track runs must work as separate units, multiple track and rail layouts may be connected to appear as one system.  An isolating connector is used to power each section.

-A floating canopy connector may be installed anywhere along the track and covers a junction box while providing power to the system.

-A live end connector may be used if you are running wires directly into the track without using a junction box.

-You may also power the system at any connecting point (straight, angled, T-junction, etc.) where the connector has a power feed entry point.

-A junction box may also be used at any of these power entry points; a canopy cover plate should cover the entry points for aesthetic, as well as safety reasons.

Basic guidelines to ensure safety and effortless performance of low voltage track heads:

-Most track and rail systems are installed directly into the ceiling and mounting hardware should be included.

-Systems that are suspended from the ceiling require adaptable suspension hardware.

-Low voltage track heads are made to slide directly onto the track and repositioned easily.  End caps should be included in the installation for a clean finish.

-Low voltage track fixtures may be placed on line voltage track systems by using a track connector with a transformer installed to lower the voltage of the track system.

-Voltage drop:  On longer track runs, you may notice a decrease in brightness the farther away the low-voltage head is located from the transformer.  With remote transformers, voltage drop is dependent on the number of fixtures on a system, the length of track, and the length and gauge of wire from the transformer to the power feed.

– Be sure to mix and match fixtures within the same systems; check for compatibility when trying to interchange fixtures from different track and rail systems.

-PAR bulbs and MR16 low-voltage halogen are available in a variety of beam spreads.  Wide-angle bulbs are great for general illumination; narrow spotlights are good for task and accent lighting.  Track head accessories and special lenses may be added for increased directional and colorful effects.

Track or rail systems allow you to create an original lighting design to perfectly illuminate your home. Capitol Lighting offers track and rail lighting systems, accessories and compatible light fixtures from top brands like LBL Lighting, WAC Lighting, Kichler Lighting, Tech Lighting and Wilmette Lighting.

Top Pics include:

TECH LIGHTING MONORAIL 

Low voltage track and rail systems that twirl, bend and twist are available in choice finishes.

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EUROFASE Cable Lighting

Energy-efficient 4-light Design Pro LED Rail Lights from Kichler accommodate installation on the wall or ceiling.  They are fully dimmable and Energy Star-rated.

Industrial-inspired head with proprietary 5.8 watt LED module. It is easily field upgradeable and replaceable similar to a medium-base socket, though it utilizes a dedicated base. The heat sink remains with the fixture minimizing any waste at the end of life. Rotates 360°, pivots 90°.

“Clamps to Wall MonoRail. 18″” long with 3″” high gentle curve. Pivots at head to direct beam. Low-voltage, MR16 lamp of up to 75 watts not included). For Wall MonoRail system only.”

With the latest track and rail lighting innovations, the flexibility to redecorate with light is intrinsic. Adjust your lighting design with ease by adding new track segments or repositioning adjustable fixture heads.  Transform your guest room into a nursery with whimsical designer pendants or upgrade your hallway with sleek metallic low voltage track heads.

Low voltage track and rail lighting fixtures are brilliantly engineered to adapt to modifications in your décor and furniture placement; lighting may be reconfigured and beam spreads refocused to highlight artwork and illuminate your home safely and purposefully to bring out the best in a new design scheme.

Eric Lebersfeld and his dedicated Capitol Lighting team have expanded their reach and literally broadened the horizon toward “Making Lives Brighter.”  Together, they have enriched the lives of many and remain gratefully committed to their work with Habitat for Humanity.

Most recently, Habitat for Humanity Palm Beach County honored Lebersfeld at their gala celebration for his outstanding service and commitment.  Lebersfeld and the Capitol Lighting team remain faithful supporters of Habitat for Humanity and look forward to continuing the relationship and investing their resources in this noble organization.

Capitol contributions to Habitat for Humanity include:

•Donating over $100,000 in cash and products just this year.

•Investing their time and supporting the cause for almost 10 years.

•Developing the Making Lives Brighter Campaign with partner and spokesperson Rob-Van-Winkle, aka Vanilla Ice, to better serve the community and expand gift-giving capabilities.

• Bringing comfort to inhabitants, Capitol Lighting collects old lighting fixtures to be donated to Habitat and then offers donors a 10% discount towards new lighting purchases.

Members of the Capitol Lighting family enjoyed an evening of celebration and an awe-inspiring acknowledgement of their efforts on behalf of Habitat for Humanity.

For his work over the past 10 years, Habitat for Humanity Palm Beach County appointed Lebersfeld as an honoree.

Here are some excerpts from Lebersfeld’s speech at Habitat for Humanity’s Gala Celebration:

October 5, 2013

“So, how did it come to be that a little Jewish boy from New Jersey who sells lights for a living ends up being honored by a big international Christian Ministry that builds houses? “

Lebersfeld credits his parents, who taught him by their example to live his life in a certain way, to see what connects us as human beings, rather than what divides us:

“If one elevates their thinking just a little bit, we come to realize that the small differences between us are easily dwarfed by the commonalities we all share. 
The quality of a person is not made up by whom they know, what they have or how they look, but by who they are, what they create and how they can add to the lives of others.”

Lebersfeld went on to impart some of the history behind Capitol Lighting, a family-owned business that began in 1924 with his great-grandparents:

“Together, they started Capitol Lighting and began our mission to make lives brighter. 
They did this literally and figuratively. For almost 90 years, Capitol Lighting has been on a quest of making the lives of our customers, our communities, our vendors and most importantly, our employees – brighter”.

“Habitat’s stated mission is that of “building hope with homes”. Their organization is filled with dedicated and passionate people striving to provide deserving and hard working families with an incredible gift. They also have provided me personally and every member of my team who has worked on a habitat project the gift of allowing us to do a mitzvah – a good deed”.

“Our goals are aligned and Capitol’s and Habitat’s working together makes all the sense in world”.

Lebersfeld acknowledged with gratitude Capitol Lighting’s spokesperson, Rob Van Winkle, also known as Vanilla Ice, for boosting the Making Lives Brighter campaign and helping Capitol to donate well over $100,000 to Habitat.

He concluded his remarks by whole-heartedly thanking Habitat for Humanity for allowing Capitol Lighting the opportunity to support their good work: “It allows us to fulfill our mission while helping you fulfill yours”.

Lebersfeld also vowed his continued support for Habitat for Humanity, as he thanked Mike Campbell, director of Habitat, and Ana Vento of Vento Designs for making the evening such a success.

If you are in the mood for a little spring cleaning or home improvement, you are likely looking around your home and thinking you could use some new lights. Lighting can make or break a room. Dark, dingy lighting can make a room look small or even outdated despite new furniture or a nice coat of paint on the walls. An electrician in Los Angeles can help give your room a facelift. You can count on The Electric Connection to provide you with a knowledgeable electrician who has the experience needed to make it happen.

Your dining room, kitchen or even your bathroom will be transformed with the installation of a new light fixture. It is amazing to see how different a room can look with just the right lighting. Your kitchen should be bright and inviting. Bright areas are ideal when you are working with sharp knives and need to see ingredients as well as read labels. There are plenty of options when it comes to enhancing your kitchen workspace. Track lighting is an ideal option.

Because electricity is involved, it is best to leave the Los Angeles electrical work to a professional. It isn’t a good idea to try and wire in a new light fixture if you are not trained for it. Not only do you risk your life, but you risk the safety of your home. A fixture that isn’t wired correctly may work initially, but overtime, it can be a serious fire hazard.

While you are thinking about upgrading your lighting, take a look at your living room as well. You can use track lighting or the more popular recessed lighting. This is an ideal option for the newest trend of mounting flat screen televisions to the wall. This insures your view will not be obstructed by a hanging lamp. If you would like to get started on your spring improvement plan, give The Electric Connection a call today.