Collection: Magnetic Track System Purchase Guide

Table of Contents

1. What is a Magnetic Track System
2. Applications
3. Why are Magnetic Tracks preferred for lighting a space and popular with designers?
4. Types & Sizes Magnetic Track Available
5. Dimming and Control Options in Magnetic Track Systems
   
6. How to design and Procure a Magnetic Lighting System
7. Installation Guide for Magnetic Track
8. Common Mistakes
9. Brands and price options

 

What is a Magnetic Track System?

A magnetic track system is a type of lighting track system that features a unique method of attaching light fixtures. Here are its key components:

• Track Channel: This is the core of the system, carrying power to the light fixtures. Unlike traditional systems, magnetic tracks typically carry DC voltage.
• Compact Design: The lights in this system are designed to be compact, as there is no space for bulky AC drivers. Instead, they use small DC-to-DC drivers to operate LED lights.
• Attachment Mechanism: The defining feature of a magnetic track system is its use of magnets for attaching lights. The channel has a metal backplate where strong magnets in the lights attach. This magnetic attachment is what gives the system its name. Additionally, for enhanced safety, modern designs include small hinges that mechanically lock the lights onto the track.

 

Applications of Magnetic Track Systems

Magnetic track systems are versatile and can be used in various settings where traditional track lighting is employed. Key applications include:

1. Art Galleries and Museums: Ideal for highlighting artworks and exhibits with precision lighting.
2. Retail Showrooms: Enhances product displays with adjustable and focused lighting.
3. Restaurant and Hospitality Lighting: Creates ambient and mood lighting suited for dining and leisure spaces.
4. Office & Workspace Lighting: Offers flexible and adjustable lighting solutions for various office environments.
5. Residential Lighting: Adapts to home interiors for both functional and aesthetic lighting needs.

These applications demonstrate the system's adaptability and effectiveness in diverse environments, from professional settings to personal living spaces.

 

Why are Magnetic Tracks Preferred for Lighting a Space and Popular with Designers?

Magnetic tracks are increasingly favored by designers for several compelling reasons:

1. Aesthetic Appeal: These tracks offer a sleek, compact design, making them ideal for creating innovative and stylish lighting arrangements. Their ability to run seamlessly from ceilings to walls contributes significantly to their visual appeal, lending a modern and sophisticated touch to any interior.

2. Versatility in Accommodating Lighting Fixtures: A key advantage of magnetic tracks is their ability to accommodate a diverse array of lighting fixtures. This includes:

   • Laser Spotlights
   • Diffused Linear Lights
   • Wall Washing Spot and Laser Lights
   • Decorative Pendant Lights The variety of fixtures that can be used with magnetic tracks allows for a wide range of lighting designs and applications, making them highly adaptable to different aesthetic and functional needs.

3. Flexibility: Magnetic tracks offer unparalleled flexibility in lighting design. You can easily move, adjust, or reposition the lighting fixtures along the track to suit changing needs or preferences. This adaptability is particularly beneficial in dynamic spaces where the layout or use of space evolves over time.

4. Easy Maintenance and Reliability: The design of magnetic tracks, where the track channel is powered by an AC-DC Constant Voltage Transformer and the lights have inbuilt DC-DC drivers, minimizes the chances of light failure due to voltage fluctuations. Additionally, if defects arise, the lights can be effortlessly detached from the track for repair, without the need to disturb the ceiling setup.

 

Types & Sizes of Magnetic Track Available

Installation Types

Magnetic tracks offer flexibility in installation, catering to different design needs:

1. Surface Mounted: Directly installed on the ceiling surface.
2. Suspended: Hung using clutch wires, suitable for higher ceilings or specific design themes.
3. Trimless Recessed: The most sought-after type, where the track is recessed into a false ceiling, leaving only the cavity visible. This style offers an elegant and seamless appearance, blending into the interior decor.

Sizes

A variety of sizes cater to different spatial and aesthetic requirements:

• Broad Range: Available in widths like 50mm and 35mm.
• Popular Choice: The 25mm size is widely used for its balance of visibility and subtlety.
• Ultra-Sleek Designs: Newer models come in even slimmer profiles, such as 10mm and 5mm widths, for a more minimalist look.

Light Parts

The system's versatility is further enhanced by the variety of light parts available:

1. Linear Diffuser Light: A sleek, linear diffused profile light, available in lengths like 300mm, 600mm, 900mm, etc.
2. Linear Spot Lights: These feature small LED spotlights in a row, known as linear laser spotlights. Sizes vary with the number of spots, such as 3, 6, 12, etc.
3. Track Spot Light: Standard spotlights in various wattages, ideal for highlighting artwork, architectural features, or decorative elements.
4. Tiltable Track Laser Blade Spotlights: A new take on traditional linear spotlights, these are tiltable for applications like wall washing or targeted lighting.

 

Dimming and Control Options in Magnetic Track Systems

The magnetic track lighting systems offer a range of dimming and control options to suit various preferences and functionalities:

1. Non-Dimmable and Single LED Colour: Standard options for straightforward lighting needs.
2. Triac Dimmable: Compatible with fan dimmers or leading/trailing edge dimming systems, often integrated into automation control systems.
3. Dali & Analog Dimmable: Enables the creation of various light scenes controlled via an automation system. This option is ideal for environments where lighting mood and intensity need to be adjusted frequently.
4. 1-10V Dimmable Lights: A significant addition to the dimming options, these lights can be controlled using analog dimmable automation systems. This feature allows for smooth and precise control of light intensity, making it suitable for spaces where subtle adjustments in lighting are required.
5. Tunable: Offers the flexibility to change the light's colour and intensity. Available in both Dali and RF modes, with the RF tunable system providing wireless control via a remote. This feature is particularly useful in spaces where dynamic lighting is desired.
6. Grouping and Selective Control: Both Dali and RF systems, allow for the grouping of specific light parts for targeted control. This capability is advantageous in creating zoned lighting effects and managing multiple lighting areas efficiently.

These dimming and control options enhance the versatility of magnetic track systems, making them highly adaptable for a range of lighting scenarios, from residential to commercial spaces. The ability to fine-tune lighting according to specific requirements adds a layer of customization and sophistication to the overall lighting design.

 

Installation Guide for Magnetic Track Lighting System

Installing a magnetic track lighting system requires careful planning and execution. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure a successful installation:

1. Ceiling Recessed Track Installation:

   • Choose Trimless Recessed Track: For a false ceiling, opt for a trimless recessed track to achieve a seamless finish.
   • Avoid Surface Tracks with U Clamps: These may not provide a clean finish.
   • Timing: Purchase the track channel before the false ceiling work begins to avoid later modifications to the ceiling.

2. Planning Space for Power Adapter:

   • Accessibility: Ensure there's a trap door or a serviceable area for easy access to the driver, in case of faults.
   • Linear Drivers for Magnetic Tracks: Consider using linear drivers that can be mounted on the track itself, especially if no specific space has been planned for a driver in surface or suspended systems.

3. Final Installation Process:

   • Fixing the Track Channel: Begin by securely fixing the track channel in place.
   • Connecting the Track Channels: Use straight or L connectors to join sections of the track.
   • Power Supply Connection: Utilize an input conductor to connect the track system to the power supply. Employ straight and L conductors to transfer power across connected tracks.
   • Testing Connectivity: Before closing up the ceiling, have a spare light to test the connectivity along the track's length. This step is crucial to avoid future ceiling repairs.
   • Testing for Dali and 1-10V Dimmable Tracks: If using Dali or 1-10V dimmable tracks, ensure you have suitable lights to test both power and signal connections, including the dimming function, at all points along the track.
   • Attaching Light Fixtures: Once all connections are tested, you can proceed to fix the light fixtures onto the track.
   • Safety Precaution: Avoid powering the track until all lights are securely plugged in.

By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth installation process for your magnetic track lighting system. Proper planning and testing at each stage are key to avoiding future complications and ensuring the system functions as intended.

 

Common Mistakes in Procuring Magnetic Track Systems

When purchasing and installing a magnetic track system, avoiding certain common mistakes can save time, effort, and resources. Here are key considerations:

1. Coordinated Purchase of Track and Light Parts:

   • Compatibility Issues: There are no standardized measurements or designs in magnetic track systems. This lack of standardization means that tracks and lights from different vendors may not be compatible.
   • Stock Availability: Often, customers purchase the track channel from one vendor and later find that matching light parts are not available or out of stock.
   • Solution: Purchase both track channels and light parts together, preferably from the same supplier, to ensure compatibility and availability.

2. Choosing the Right Supplier:

   • Technical Expertise: Opt for a supplier with proven technical knowledge in magnetic track systems.
   • Reliable Supply Chain: Ensure the supplier has a hassle-free supply chain to prevent delays or issues in your installation process.

Brands and Price Options for Magnetic Track Systems

The choice of brand can impact both the quality and cost of your magnetic track system. Here are some notable brands and their pricing:

1. National Brands:

   • Philips: A well-known brand offering magnetic track systems, with prices around ₹4500 per meter.
   • Jaquar: Another major brand, offering similar systems at approximately ₹2500 per meter.
   • Stock Check: Given the limited availability, it's crucial to check for the stock availability of all parts before making a purchase.

2. SME Brands:

   • Diverse Range and Pricing: Numerous SME brands provide a broad spectrum of magnetic track systems, often with more aggressive pricing and better stock availability.
   • Example: Jainsons Light, for instance, offers various ranges of magnetic tracks in all types and sizes, starting from a more affordable rate of ₹850 per meter.

When selecting a brand, balance the cost with the quality, availability, and technical support offered. This careful consideration will ensure you invest in a system that meets your lighting needs and provides long-term reliability and satisfaction.