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GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES

Today’s track and recessed lighting products are smaller than ever without sacrificing light output.

By Linda Longo

Thankfully, the days of the super-sized track heads are going the way of the K car: Functional, but not terribly attractive, there are still some out on the road, however, dealerships are no longer featuring them on the showroom floor.
     Ever since the turn of the millennium, the lighting trend has been for track and recessed fixtures to become more diminutive in size while retaining all of their functionality. For those new fixtures that aren’t offering petite proportions, fancier finishes are taking hold.
     This dual theme in today’s lighting products has been growing in importance with every passing Dallas market and Lightfair show. When it comes to recessed and track lighting, homeowners either want to see only the effect of the lighting – and not the fixture itself – or they want the finish to complement the rest of the room’s décor whether that be a copper or bronze finish, satin nickel or brushed gold, or shiny chrome and gold.
     The other major trend is for greater flexibility. While bendable track has been in the industry for several years, the number of companies now offering this convenient lighting solution is growing steadily. Equally popular and appreciated is its not-too-distant cousin, the magnetic track.
     Smaller fixture sizes, bendable track, flexible rail systems, and magnetic track are all exciting developments that are allowing lighting designs to become not only more fun, but extremely customized and readily adaptable to suit users’ changing needs.

TRENDS IN TRACK
Creating maximum impact recently is Con-Tech Lighting’s Symphony MiniTrack low-voltage lighting system in a size that literally fits between one’s fingertips. These miniature tracks provide a 12- or 24-volt light source that is powerful enough to illuminate a wide variety of applications.
     During the last Lightfair show, the company unveiled its Sirius-M Miniature Rail Lighting System, which offers the elegance and functionality of the original Sirius rail system only in a new mini size. The system features an engineered combination of two outer rectangular malleable copper alloy meter sections with a frosted insulator center. In addition to frosted insulators, designers may select from blue, red, or green insulators to complement any décor. The insulator is curved outward (convex) to prevent short circuits through casual contact. The fixtures are milled from solid brass and finished in hand-polished chrome, platinum, 24K goldplate, or matte gold.
     Sea Gull Lighting Products’Ambiance® line has a highly contemporary, European-style, mini low-voltage track – called the MX system – that permits linear lighting and directional accents. “We are positioning Ambiance as its own brand, with three distinctly separate lighting systems for residential and commercial applications,” notes Eric Borden, director/business development for Ambiance.
     Juno Lighting’s new MH2™ track fixture series is designed around ceramic arc metal halide (CAMH) lamps and features a unique modular ballast/fixture format that reduces fixture size while heightening versatility. The MH2 series includes spotlight, flood/wall wash, and pendant fixtures that utilize PAR20, PAR30, PAR38 and ED-17 CAMH lamps.
     Juno’s enclosed Conix™ fixture and the open-back Pro-Gimbal Ring spotlights have aiming and rotation locks that maintain consistent focus throughout multiple relamping cycles and are designed to simultaneously hold two light control lenses, louvers, and color filters. Both models can be specified in matching halogen PAR lamps and low-voltage MR16, PAR36, and AR111 versions, allowing for a mix of metal halide and halogen lamps in the same track lighting system – an ideal solution for applications that require various intensities of light to fulfill lighting goals while meeting tougher energy codes.
     W.A.C. Lighting is enjoying success with its new compact fluorescent wall washer track head line, an energy-efficient alternative to incandescent track lighting. The units are offered in five different wattages and are adaptable to four different W.A.C. Lighting track systems as well as for use with most major brands in retrofit projects.
     W.A.C. Lighting offers a variety of track systems, including a new two-circuit track and a 12/24-volt linear system designed for task, accent, cove, and general lighting. The company also features track extensions/suspensions, accessories, multiple recessed spots, miniature and flexible track fixtures, surface-mounted low-voltage button lights, plus recessed housings and trims.
     Another new product in the W.A.C. line is a framing projector track head that can create a rectangular or square area of light. Using two lenses, the fixture controls the size and sharpness of the light beam’s edge. Equipped with an electronic transformer, the framing projector uses a D-size gobo.
     With the acquisition of 2Thousand Degrees last year, Tech Lighting has been able to expand its offering of low-voltage blown glass pendants in a greater variety of shapes and colors.
     Tech Lighting’s Two-Circuit MonoRail system has received plenty of attention. The product features two individually switchable circuits on a single run. Users can switch ambient or task lighting or invent different lighting schemes to change the room’s atmosphere. Homeowners can use the extra circuit to add more lights: up to 1200 watts from one dual feed canopy. The Two-Circuit MonoRail is also available with color insulators.
     Cooper Lighting’s new Halo® L2004 solid-state adaptor permits great flexibility in retrofitting track lighting. The transformer allows Halo Linea™ low-profile lampholders to be placed on standard Halo Power-Trac® and Lazer-by-Halo Trac systems, allowing existing track lighting applications to have stylish, miniature, low-voltage fixtures for task, accent, and wall washing. The device will withstand overloads up to 75 watts continuously and permanent short circuits. The overload and short circuit protection automatically reset after the overload or short is removed without cycling input power. The polycarbonate, fully dimmable adaptor attaches electronically and mechanically anywhere along either single or double circuit track.
     Bruck Lighting Systems’ Boa two-circuit track system has dual switching ability listed for up to 300 watts per circuit, and each circuit can be controlled individually. The lightweight track can be suspended or semi-flushmounted and is available in straight segments or custom radii.

WARNING: ATTRACTIVE CURVES AHEAD
Applications such as museums and galleries, as well as boutiques and bistros – where lighting needs tend to change according to rotating exhibits or seating configurations – benefit most from the industry’s new magnetic track systems. These types of businesses often don’t have the knowledgeable personnel to do lighting change-outs on a frequent basis. The magnetic track systems are simple – just position the coordinating magnetic lampheads literally anywhere along the magnetic track, no tools required – that for many such installations, they are well worth any extra cost.
     Hampstead Lighting & Accessories’ MagnaTrac system offers a choice of 12 different lampheads (in a variety of contemporary styles and finishes) that attach to three lengths of track. Ordering a pre-packaged MagnaTrac kit provides the customer with 60 inches of track, three MagnaTrac lampheads, and a 150-watt transformer.
     Ark Lighting’s adjustable magnetic track line, which debuted at last year’s Lightfair, has an assortment of extension and flexible arms (measuring from 3.25 inches to 18.5 inches from track to bulb) as well kits and accessories.
     Cable rail systems have long been a popular solution with specifiers designing lighting for rooms and lofts with high ceilings and contemporary décor. As consumers become more comfortable with the appearance of cable and rail systems, lighting designers are now utilizing these systems in traditional and rustic-looking homes for a functional and deliberate contrast that works particularly well aesthetically.
     The Ambiance® line from Sea Gull Lighting Products includes the RX series, a flexible, low-voltage rail system that can be specified as a single or double circuit. A range of lampholders – including cased, pressed, and art glass among other styles – is available. The rail system’s flexibility is key for rooms that are not uniform in size or that have furniture placement or architectural elements that are difficult to light using a conventional track or recessed systems. The RX system is field-bendable by hand or by tool, making installation and placement easy.
     W.A.C. Lighting offers a Low Voltage Mono Rail system that may be formed into various designs by hand. Utilizing lighting elements designed for MR16 lamps, the Mono Rail can provide task as well as accent lighting. Glass pendant elements with xenon and halogen sources from major glass manufacturers are available to complement any interior design or color scheme. The Mono Rail is a single-circuit, two-conductor rail available in four- or eight-foot lengths with mounting options that include suspended and aircraft cable suspension. The rail is field-cuttable for custom lengths and offers both remote and surface-mounted transformers. The Mono Rail sections can be joined together to form longer electrically conducted runs or use electrically isolated connectors for multiple circuits on a continuous run.
     The Flex-Line system, from Bruck Lighting Systems, is reportedly the only track that flexes – not bends – with a “spring-back” effect to ensure smooth curves. The Flex-Line is comprised of two individual electrical circuits that allow the user to add more fixtures and to switch from ambient to task lighting separately. The system installs easily onto vertical, horizontal, or angled surfaces.
     Bruck’s High-Line series features two cables that are four inches apart and can span from wall to wall, wall to ceiling, or ceiling to ceiling. With the help of re-routers, High-Line can be used to flow freely throughout any space unobtrusively. The cables can span long distances without supports, which is ideal for large spaces with high ceilings.
     The company’s Flight flexible track system can be used to create undulating curves that are flush-mounted or suspended from the ceiling. The Flight system utilizes festoon lamps (with a 20,000-hour life for minimal maintenance) in clear, frosted, violet, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red colors, plus it also accepts MR16 fixtures.
     Juno Lighting’s Flex 12™ series of low-voltage track lighting has a unique track construction that combines a flexible insulating core that separates two flat aluminum conductors. The Flex 12 can be used in straight sections or curved and is available in four- and eight-foot lengths (with connectors that electrically/mechanically join track sections for longer runs).
     Designed by MP Lighting, the Vertical Double Rail System allows low-voltage halogen lighting to be cast functionally in any direction. The system was borne out of demand from retailers wanting an affordable, modern lighting system that would be versatile enough to illuminate wall and floor displays, cash counters, and ceilings. By means of a unique connector, MP Lighting has taken two parallel copper-based alloy-plated rails (one positioned above the other) that can be straight or curved to different configurations and connected to movable low-voltage fixtures and pendants. Various connectors enable the fixtures to be mounted off the side, on the top, or below the rail.

RECESSED…BUT MEANT TO BE NOTICED
From kitchen appliances to lighting, consumers are specifying industrial-look finishes in their homes. To meet that need, many recessed lighting manu-facturers have introduced trims and fixtures that complement the satin nickel, brushed gold, and copper/bronze tones used elsewhere in décor.
     Besides coordinating fixture finishes from floor to ceiling, homeowners are asking for high-performance lighting – recessed cans that do more than merely send light straight downward. Just as commercial stoves and barbecues are all the rage, architectural-grade recessed fixtures (previously only available to lighting specifiers working on non-residential projects) are increasing in popularity.
     Juno Lighting’s Aculux™ line is comprised of recessed luminaires designed for residential as well as commercial/institutional applications. These highly efficient fixtures provide space-enhancing effects from apertures that blend in with the surrounding architecture. What makes this line of recessed fixtures different from the typical residential variety are the low-brightness apertures (offering quality illumination even at a 45° aiming angle) and precision rotation and aiming locks. One of the newest Aculux lines includes low-voltage halogen lighting with precise beam control for creating dramatic lighting effects, 120-volt halogen for versatile lighting designs using PAR lamps, and 120-volt A-lamp and compact fluorescent downlights for general lighting and wall washing.
     Lighting showrooms are educating consumers about the various effects that can be achieved by altering the reflector finishes on recessed fixtures. For example, a brushed gold tone provides “warmth” to the lamp’s cooler color temperature while an all-white baffle helps the fixture to blend in with a white ceiling when the lighting is turned off, avoiding the dreaded “black hole” look overhead.
     Liton Lighting introduced what it refers to as its “Raw” series of architectural recessed fixtures. The raw finishes are similar to the satin nickel finishes popular on today’s appliances and call to mind the industrial style. The company also debuted a track lighting series that utilizes these same natural metal (raw) finishes.
     Liton made a splash last year with its Copper series, a variety of recessed fixtures offered in a bright copper finish that matches one of today’s hottest fashion colors for portable lighting and kitchen/bath faucets.
     Just as popular as coordinating finishes is the desire for tiny fixtures. Liton Lighting has a patent-pending low-voltage series of recessed lighting that can be specified for two-, three-, four-, five-, and six-inch sizes, as well as a low-voltage line that includes mini-pulldowns, mini-slots, adjustable spots, slots and pinholes with baffles, pinholes with reflectors, adjustable gimbals, recessed trackers, eyeballs, adjustable drops, adjustable spots, baffles with adjustable gimbals, baffles with eyeballs, and decorative trims for wet/damp locations, among other styles.
     Liton provides many of the same trims for its four-, five-, and six-inch line-voltage downlights (including an open trim with a fresnel lens). A remote low-voltage series of mini-downlights can also be specified with miniature gimbals and baffles for MR11 and MR16 trims. Ark Lighting has experienced great success with its 2500 mini trim/housing series. The company offers a no-housing-required model as a space-saving downlight for commercial, residential, display, and marine applications with snap-in installation.
     The company also features diminutive step baffles and recessed step baffles for MR16, MR11, and MR12 lamps respectively. A series of adjustable monopoint fixtures in various stem lengths that extend from recessed fixtures is another option for homeowners seeking to highlight art objects.
     For those hard-to-light areas, Jesco Lighting offers a Mini-Recessed lighting series utilizing MR11 and MR16 lamps in several finishes. In addition, the company has an ArcLight Display Series for directing line- or low-voltage lighting onto a specific area, such as a wall featuring artwork.
     RSA Lighting has debuted a Quiet Ceiling trimless recessed lighting line as an alternative to traditional recessed fixtures that some professionals consider to be “visually noisy” with lots of protrusions. With Quiet Ceiling, the mudding compound is applied right to the edge of the fixture trim, providing an almost non-existent seam between the ceiling and the trim. Since no part of the Quiet Ceiling fixture is exposed below the ceiling, a smooth, uninterrupted surface can now be achieved in lighting applications.
     RSA also offers trim-based units that provide lamp-aiming adjustment on dual axis. The lamps can be rotated 90° without removing the trim. This feature allows for a high level of adjustability in a square trim because the aiming mechanism can rotate independent of the trim. The lamps can be adjusted from 0° to 45° with full precision hot aiming (allowing the lamp to be aimed with the use of a screwdriver while the power is on). The trims are held in place via spring-loaded ball detents.
     If an attention-getting ceiling is what clients are after, try RSA’s Combo Clouds™ in free-form and geometric shapes. Originally designed for retail and restaurant applications, the Combo Clouds are making the crossover to include architectural and decorative projects. Many designer-focused lighting showrooms have added the clouds to their inventories to show homeowners how Combo Clouds can be installed over dining areas or as statement pieces throughout the home.
     Finishes for the Combo Clouds are comprised of metallic laminates (in copper or aluminum) with three-dimensional patterns and designs as well as smooth surfaces and colors. The names of the finishes are just a hint of the wild effects that can be achieved: Safari, Kaleidoscope Red, Lemon Swirl, Pacific Blue, Copperstone, Silver Tech, Canterbury, Manhattan, Satin Brass, Silver Swirl, and Brushed Stainless.
     Progress Lighting also took the concept of drawing attention to recessed fixtures to its decorative limits, introducing an attractive series of trims for recessed fixtures that mimics the ornate styles found on full-sized ceiling mounts. The recessed trim collections also coordinate with the lighting manufacturer’s most popular fixture styles.
     Imagine a recessed fixture with a dome of diamond-patterned cut crystal glass set into a Burnished Brass frame, or light honey art glass in a Weathered bronze frame. Water glass domes accented with scrolled metal arms or caged frames are also available as are smooth opal glass surrounded by finishes such as polished chrome, Cobblestone, brushed steel, and polished brass.
     For those applications where high ceilings or overhead stairway placement make changing out recessed lighting difficult, Accessmount™ has a solution. The company’s Accessmount Removable Fixture Mounting System eliminates the need for ladders when changing a recessed lamp. The specially designed pole-mountable removal tool is used to couple and de-couple the system while the user stands firmly on the floor.
     The patent-pending Accessmount system consists of a two-piece set of disks, with one permanently attached and wired to the overhead J-box and the other wired to the lighting fixture. When coupled, electrical current flows through the disks and supplies power to the fixture. The system works with upward-facing and side-facing bulbs, whether screw-in, push-in, or other. It is compatible with most surface-mounted fixtures and canopies as well as pendant fixtures.