Changing from metal halide to halogen track lights
Track Lighting, Halogen August 31st, 2009Hi Daniel,
we are looking for a track lighting solution for our retail stores. currently we are using Metail Hailide washers, installed in the suspended ceilinging tiles.
We are looking for a more flexible solution where we can add more lights or take some lights off when not needed. Please advise if 50 W track lights are sufficient enough for a retail store. trading hr 8-9 hr a day, 7 days a week. we want to use the lights to highlight our products displayed on the walls.
regards
Dirk
August 31st, 2009 at 11:14 am
Hi Dirk
The entry level track you saw on our site is not recommended for commercial use. These are the lights for the low end system http://lighting-store.com.au/lightshop/index.php?cPath=1_6_54_55
We have sold lots of it and some people have great success and others dont. It seems that in premises with Air Conditioning it is much better as ambient temperatures are much lower which keep the transformers cooler = longer life
But if you go down that road I have to warn you that it is not warranted for commercial use
The high level track has very expensive fittings but will last the distance (European Fittings). These are the lights for the commercial system http://lighting-store.com.au/lightshop/index.php?cPath=1_6_54_58
The metal halide lights you are using still give you a level of flexibility in choice of colour lamps you put in and are very energy efficient and produce good light. The track lighting will not give you as bright as light as the metal halides unless you have A LOT of lights on it
Eg a 150W metal halide lamp produces approx 11000 lumens - a 50W 12V lamp produces approx 930 lumens. The reflector on the 50W lamps will add to the light output a little but not that much!
The end decision will really depend on other ambient light you have available and what lighting effect you are chasing
If you need any further assistance please dont hesitate to contact me.
Kind regards
Daniel