Ranking of the best track lights for 2022

Track lights are leaders in lighting design. The main difference from other lighting fixtures lies in the mobility of light bulbs - spotlights move along the track, change the direction of light (emphasizing the desired object). Analyzing the rating of the best track lights for 2022, you can choose the right lighting option for price, quality, for an apartment or office.

Peculiarities

Track systems have the following advantages:

• simple installation, replacement of individual components;
• modern design;
• maneuverability of lighting devices (along the track, the rotation of spotlights up to 360⁰);
• minimum power consumption;
• using different bulbs at the same time.

The main disadvantage is the price.

Initially, frame structures were used to illuminate stadiums, warehouses, roads, photo studios, and filming television programs. Using the advantages of mobile spotlights, spotlights on the busbar, designers began to create new lighting variations for cafes, restaurants, small apartments, country houses.

Track lighting structures perform the function of lighting, emphasize the style of the restaurant, create a cozy atmosphere of a country house.

How to choose

When choosing a track system, you should pay attention to:

1. Installation location: shopping mall, restaurant or apartment.
2. Apartment style.
3. Select a suitable busbar.
4. Choose a light source (take into account the technical characteristics, cost, you need diffused or local).
5. To study the range of domestic, foreign manufacturers.
6. Choose certified products (take into account reviews, recommendations of specialists).

Apartment lighting

Frame spotlights are used independently or together with spots. The place of construction will depend on the location of the furniture, the functional purpose of the room:

• living room recreation areas - located around the perimeter of the room, above armchairs, sofas;
• the dining area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe dining room is allocated above the table;
• bedroom - will replace sconces, floor lamps, bedside tables, spots near the dressing table, closet with linen;
• kitchen - installed above the working, dining area, the degree of illumination can be adjusted (when the function of changing the brightness is provided), if the track structures are lowered;
• with the help of directional or accented light, they illuminate a small corridor where there are no windows, visually raise the ceiling of the room.

In addition to the location, it is worth considering the style of the room:

1. Loft or techno styles - spotlights that attract attention are suitable.
2. Minimalism - lanterns are simple in shape, concise in white or black.
3. Hi-tech - devices with a chrome-plated case, an unusual design.
4. Modern or classic styles - new solutions, light forms.

Structural features

Any track lighting device consists of a track (tire), a lamp. Additional details: connectors, suspensions, brackets, plugs.

Track structure

A track (busbar, frame) is a rail that is mounted on a ceiling or wall with light sources.Cross-section of the busbar trunking body: rectangular or oval. There are flexible and rigid frames.

Single and three phase tracks

Inside the profile there are insulated copper busbars for conducting current. Allocate one-, three-phase busbars.

Single-phase track - 2 conductors pass (one phase and zero). All light sources on a single-phase busbar can be turned on and off only at the same time. This two-wire system is suitable for small cafes, residential apartments.

Three-phase track - 4 conductors pass (three phases and zero). Such a system can be connected to a 220 V, 380 V network. If you plan to connect the track system to a voltage of 380 V, and the lighting devices are rated for 220 V, an additional converter is connected.

Light sources can be divided into several groups, switched on separately with a two- or three-gang switch. Such a four-wire system is suitable for lighting large areas of shopping centers (reduces the load on the entire network, allows you to configure individual groups of lighting fixtures).

Mini track systems

Separately, mini track systems are distinguished, which are used as additional lighting. Mini structures consist of 2 chrome-plated copper tubes connected by an insulating profile. Such a frame is energized with 12V. When installing a mini busbar, clips and suspensions are additionally selected.

Magnetic track system

Popular novelties of frame lamps differ from conventional frames in that different lighting fixtures are attached to the busbar with magnets. Inside the guide profile is a conductive board with a magnetic core. Such a magnetic system is powered by electricity, but requires a voltage of 24 or 48 V.Additionally, a power supply is selected, which is mounted separately, connected through a wire to a copper guide. The power of the power supply should be 20-30% higher than the total power of all the fixtures of this magnetic track.

Advantages of the magnetic system:

• simple installation;
• replacement, addition of light bulbs to the magnetic frame;
• safety during operation due to low voltage;
• the ability to use under different conditions.

Choice of frame material

The most popular guide frame (track) material is aluminum. Also use steel, various alloys, plastic. When choosing a busbar, take into account the material, the conditions where the structure will be used. The parameter “Dust and moisture resistance” (IP protection class) is important, where the first digit indicates the degree of protection against dust, the second - from water. If you plan to install the track system in rooms with a high level of moisture, on the street, then the IP value should be higher than 45 (for example, IP66 - full protection against dust, protection against strong water jets).

Standard colors of busbars are white, black, grey. A different color or shade of the frame can be ordered for an additional payment directly from the manufacturers or the website of the online store.

Additional elements

Standard frames have a length of 1, 2, 3 and 4 m. Depending on the design of the room, the guide profiles can be shortened (cut to the desired size with a simple hacksaw), connected into different geometric shapes (squares, rectangles, rhombuses) using connectors ( connections). Connectors are of several types:

1. In-line connectors - when length is increased (add 35 cm to a 4 m busbar to get a 435 cm busbar).
2. Corner joints - when combining the structure at an angle of 90⁰.
3. T-shaped - collection of 3 busbars.
4. X-shaped connector - combining 4 sections into one system.
5. Flexible connections - connections of structures at different heights.

Plugs are placed along the edges of the structure to protect against electric shock, as an element of decor.

How are they attached

There are several ways to attach frames:

• Suspended - assembled below (on the floor), additionally need suspensions (cable) from 1 to 5 m, clamps, mounting brackets, decorative cap. The distance between the cables is not more than 1 m, for a uniform load. For high ceilings.
• Consignment note - the easiest way, the rail is attached to the ceiling or wall with self-tapping screws, screws every 20 cm. Be sure to calculate the permissible load (1 m busbar - 5 lamps). For low ceilings.
• built-in - it is worth planning in advance, when installing the ceiling, walls, stretch ceilings.

With a significant weight of the structure, additionally, amplifiers of internal joints are used.

How to choose light sources

For track lighting devices, different types of light bulbs are used. The choice depends on the installation location, price, technical characteristics.

Main types

Before buying light sources, you need to decide on the selection criteria, get acquainted with the rating of quality products, functions (what are there), what mistakes are made when buying.

Incandescent light bulbs

They consume a large amount of electricity, only 15-20% of the energy is light, 75-80% is used for heating, low cost, but a short term of use. Suitable for residential areas where the light is switched on for a short time (basement, attic, pantry, toilet).

There are options where a decorative filament is used.They are used without lampshades and plafonds as an interesting interior design solution.

Halogen

They differ from ordinary incandescent bulbs in that the tungsten filament is surrounded by an inert gas with halogens (chromium, iodine, bromine). This composition of the gas increases the work (3-4 times longer than conventional lamps) and luminous efficiency (2-4 times).

Allocate finger (designed for 12 V) and linear halogen bulbs (220 V). Linear light sources react to power surges, burn out faster than finger ones. Finger-type ones are used together with current converters (from 220V to 12V), they work longer, they are more expensive than linear ones.

In addition to sensitivity to power surges, halogen lamps get very hot (up to 400-500⁰С). When choosing, take into account the location - can not be installed near objects made of flammable materials. The exception is low-voltage lamps, which are rated for 12 V (installed on stretch ceilings). Lighting fixtures are safe thanks to reflectors (70-75% of heat goes down).

Halogen light sources are distinguished by a large choice of bulb glass colors - green, blue, pink, plain or with patterns, with a mirror coating (gold, silver). There is a large selection of shapes: sphere, mushroom, spiral, candle.

Metal halide lamps (MHL)

MGL consist of 2 capsules - external (nitrogen), internal (mercury, inert gas). When connecting the network, it is additionally necessary to use a ballast (PRA).

Due to the structure, the MHL cannot be dimmed, it takes 4-8 minutes before turning on again (to cool down), it can explode during power surges, special disposal is required due to mercury, a greenish tint of light appears before the end of work.

High light transmission index (up to 95%), stability of the luminous flux, wide power range, long service life (up to 15,000 hours) make it possible to use MHL on a par with LED counterparts.

Metal halide light bulbs are used:

• with continuous, bright illumination of streets, houses, stadiums;
• for trading warehouses, illumination of show-windows of jewelry shops;
• during construction (dark hours).

Fluorescent (fluorescent lamps)

They are a sealed glass tube with an inert gas (argon). The inner side of the tube is covered with a thin layer of phosphor, which causes a glow. Mercury (10 mg-1 g) is in a sealed tube of the light source, when heated it turns into mercury vapor. Therefore, recycling is carried out by special certified organizations.

The glow power of fluorescent lighting devices is higher than that of conventional incandescent bulbs (4-6 times). The service life in the presence of a trigger mechanism is from 2.000 to 18.000 hours.

There are several categories of fluorescent light bulbs (depending on the glow temperature):

• soft - up to 2700 K;
• daytime - 2700-4200 K;
• cold - 4200-6400 K.

Luminescent label with 2-3 capital letters. Russian manufacturers use the following designations:

• L - luminescent;
• D - daytime;
• B - white;
• HB - cold white;
• TB - warm white;
• E - natural white;
• G, F, G, K - blue, yellow, green, red;
• UV - ultraviolet;
• C - improved quality of color reproduction;
• CC - high quality color rendering.

Also use letters that characterize the design features;

• B - quick start;
• K - ring;
• P - reflex;
• U - u-shaped.

The power of the light sources is shown by the numbers after the letters.

Foreign manufacturers label fluorescent lamps with numbers - power values ​​\u200b\u200b(W) / color rendering index (first digit, must be multiplied by 10), color temperature (K, divided by 100).

Disadvantages - dimensions, dependence on ambient temperature, special disposal requirements. Advantages - fluorescent devices work for a long time, consume little electricity, give more light. Are applied at illumination of apartments, country houses, streets, greenhouses, greenhouses.

LED lamps (LED)

State of the art lighting fixtures. Light is emitted when current is passed through a p-n junction (the boundary between 2 semiconductors with different conductivity).

They consist of several LEDs with a power supply in one housing. Heat dissipation, uniform distribution of light depends on the number of LEDs. There are several types of LEDs:

• DIP and Superflux (Spider) - LEDs with a low luminous flux (indicator illumination, displays);
• SMD is the most common type of LEDs that are placed on the surface of the board. The dimensions of the LED are indicated by 4 numbers after the letter designation;
• COB is the most advanced technology for placing a chip on a board. It is characterized by a uniform luminous flux, improved heat dissipation, and reliability of the entire device.

When applying a stable current to the LED matrix, 2 driver designs are used:

• RC - an inexpensive current source with poor stabilization, suitable for a matrix up to 7 W, power grids without power surges;
• IC - a modern driver, neutralizes power surges, suitable for matrices from 170 to 240 watts.

The case of LED spots, lanterns is made of ceramics and thermoplastic.

The type of base (fixing the lamp to the socket) also affects the choice. There are threaded, pin bases:

1. Threaded plinths (Edison) are marked with the letter E. The number after the letter indicates the diameter of the plinth (mm). Characteristic of conventional incandescent bulbs.
2. Pin bases are designated with the letter G. The number after the letter is the distance between the contacts (mm). The GU marking speaks of thickening at the end of the pins. Typically halogen, fluorescent lighting fixtures.

The recessed base contact is marked with the letter R. It is used for linear halogen spotlights.

LED bulbs are available with different types of socles (E, G), you can easily replace any lighting elements with economical ones.

When choosing LEDs, you should also pay attention to:

• power (or equivalent power - 6 W shines like a regular 60 W);
• luminous flux (brightness - to replace 60 W you need with an indicator of 600 Lm);
• color temperature (2700 K - warm yellow light, 3500-4000 K - office premises, more than 5000 K - utility rooms);
• color rendering index - shows the richness of shades (living rooms are more than 80 Ra);
• the presence of a dimmer - brightness control;
• lighting angle (diffuse or local);
• term of work, certificate of quality, guarantee.

The main technical characteristics of various lighting devices

Specifications	incandescent lamp	halogen	fluorescent	metal halide	LED
luminous efficiency, lm/W	4-12 lm/W	15-17	50-75	75-95	80-115
color temperature, K	2.680-2.700	2.700-3.000	2.000-6.500	2.000-6.500	2.000-6.500
color rendering index, Ra	80-100	90-100	80-90	55-90	80-100
Efficiency, %	50-70	50-80	45-75	50-75	70-100
special disposal	not required	not required	required	required	not required
heat generation	high	high	low	low	low
service life, hour.	1.000 hours	1.500-3.000	8.000-12.000	6.500-15.000	50.000
average cost, rub.	low, 10-20	low, 70-90	average	high, 650-1500	high

LED light bulbs come in various shapes: bulb, pear, candle, spotlights. The design uses lenses, reflectors to increase the luminous flux.

Positive features of LED light sources:

• long service life (10.000-60.000 hours);
• work at -60⁰ and +60⁰;
• low electricity consumption;
• work at different voltages;
• available with different types of socles;
• resistance to mechanical shocks, vibrations.

Flaws:

• high price;
• can not be used at high humidity and temperature (baths, saunas).

How to choose

When choosing a frame structure, you need to consider:

• busbar type;
• number of light sources, type of socles;
• type of lighting devices;
• luminous flux, lighting intensity;
• quality of materials (moisture resistance);
• voltage (220 or 12V);
• power;
• design.

To avoid mistakes when buying frame lighting fixtures, you should heed the advice of experienced professionals:

• choose with a uniform light spot without dark spots, areola;
• the value of 80-90 Ra (true color) light transmission index;
• accentuation of objects (scattering angle 24⁰);
• space lighting - floodlights with a wide angle (90-160⁰);
• choose the shape of the ceiling, the presence of a flexible leg or turntable;
• install the structure yourself, if you have experience;
• analyze the assortment (selection by price);
• check quality certificates.

Top 10 track lights for 2022

Domestic and foreign manufacturers offer a wide range of quality certified products. The top rating of popular models shows high-quality lamps, online stores with different prices.

10th place Track LED lamp Nowodvorski Profile Iris 9007

Producer: Poland (Nowodvorski), the model has a laconic black cylinder shape. Product parameters: 130 mm - height and 135 mm - width. Ceiling mounting recommended (shops, apartments).

The light source consists of 1 LED light bulb with a power of 20 W, color temperature - 4000 K, luminous flux - 1360 Lm, voltage - 230 V.

• service life 30.000 hours;
• 2 year warranty;
• There are lighting fixtures included.

• high price.

9th place Rzb 741626.262.79 70W G8,5 track spot

Track spot made in Germany is white. Product parameters: 20 cm - length, 13 cm - width. Recommended for accent lighting indoors.

Metal halide MGL, power 70 W, color temperature - 3000 K, designed for a voltage of 220 V. Base type - G 8.5.

• economical;
• high color temperature;
• service life up to 15,000 hours.

• price;
• special conditions for disposal are required.

8 place TR1 – 30 BK Track Light ERA 30W black COB (10/160)

Russian brand ERA with SOV LEDs, dispersion angle 24⁰. Made of black aluminum, flame retardant plastic, acrylic. For basic, accent lighting of residential, office, retail and exhibition spaces.

LED lamp with a power of 30 W, provides a luminous flux of 2100 lm, a color temperature of 4000 K. Suitable for a voltage of 220 V. Service life - 30,000 hours.

• easy installation to any surfaces at different stages;
• availability of a guarantee - 2 years;
• long working life;
• price (compared to analogues of foreign manufacturers).

• not identified.

7th place Track lamp ARTE LAMP RAILS A3056PL-6WH

Production - Italy. Consisting of 6 lamps (E14), total power 240W. Busbar length - 300 cm, width - 11 cm. Metal frame, white shades.

The weight of the structure is 3.6 kg.

• attractive design;
• long service life.

• high price;
• structure weight.

6th place White track lamp Arte lamp A4107PL-1WH TRACK

Production - Italy. Consists of 1 lamp, 7 watts. Luminous flux - 600 Lm, base type - LED, service life - 25.000 hours. The lantern is made of aluminum, white silicone.

• Term of the work;
• warranty - 2 years;
• economical.

• price.

5th place Track light 8090 White

Manufactured by the German company Raumberg. Color – matt white, material – aluminium. Suitable for halogen, LED lamps with a power of 50 W, GU10 base.

It is recommended to install on a 1-phase bus in residential apartments, hotels, offices.

• suitable for different types of lighting fixtures;
• economical;
• attractive design.

• Light fixtures are not included and need to be purchased separately.

4th place Single-phase track lamp AM181 BK 3000K black from IMPERIUMLOFT

A popular manufacturer from China (Amgroup). Made from black metal. There is a LED light bulb 30 W, color temperature - 3000 K, base type - LED.

• low price;
• design;
• profitability;
• warranty - 12 months.

• not identified.

3rd place ULB-Q275 25W-4000K WHITE

Production - Russia (TM Volpe). The lighting device is a white spotlight, the material is aluminum, plastic. Characteristics of LED bulbs: power 25 W, luminous flux 2200 Lm, color temperature 4000 K.

• profitability;
• price;
• warranty - 24 months.

• not found.

2nd place Track LED lamp NOVOTECH UNION 357839

Manufactured by NOVOTECH (Hungary). Spotlight in black, aluminum, techno style. Designed for 1 LED lamp, power 10 V, color temperature 3000 K, scattering angle 30⁰. Busbar length - 250 mm, width - 75 mm, weight - 0.66 kg.

Base type - built-in module (LED).

• low price;
• profitability;
• simple installation and operation.

• plinth - built-in module.

1 place Track LED lamp SLV 3Ph Profuno 152551

Made by German brand SLV. The busbar is made of white aluminum, the white body is made of metal. The shape of the lamp is square. Dimensions: width - 155 mm, height - 156 mm.

It is recommended to install on the ceiling, offices with an area of ​​9-10 sq.m.

The LED light bulb is included, LED base, power 18 W, luminous flux 960 Lm, color temperature 3000 K.

• modern design;
• compact dimensions;
• profitability;
• the presence of a switch / dimmer;
• warranty - 18 months.

• high price.

Conclusion

Frame lighting fixtures are now popular due to their merits. The development of digital technologies (built-in motion sensors, temperature measurements, room illumination, the use of Bluetooth to control lighting devices), care for the environment leads to an expansion of the range, a reduction in the price of energy-saving light sources.