Form Plus Function

In 1988 Tech Lighting started by manufacturing a cable lighting system (Kable Lite), the first of its kind in the US.

What actually began as a Chicago lighting showroom even further back, in 1983, has now evolved into an industry leading manufacturer with nationwide distribution. Since then they have kept expanding their product lines and are now up to an impressive amount of 12 different systems from  MonoRail to T-Trak. They also launched two new brands Tiella and Wilmette, each with a different customer in mind.

Tiella started out as the low budget, no-frills version of the MonoRail and Kable Lite systems, and was sold exclusively through big box stores. After some years the Tiella line expanded and it was opened up to be sold everywhere. It now offers a nice alternative to the more expensive Tech Lighting brand systems. If you have a simple, straightforward job without “custom ” requirements Tiella could be a great choice for you.

Wilmette Lighting Company offers the ultimate blend of classic design elements from aeras like Victorian, Craftsman, Arts and Crafts with cutting-edge technology, making it possible to incorporate solutions like Monorail into more traditional surroundings. A creative partnership with Halopane Glasshas made it possible for Tech Lighting’s sister company Wilmette to incorporate the beautiful prismatic glass into their collection.
A new collection of extraordinary recessed light fixtures, Elements, was introduced a couple of years ago and we immediately used them in a wonderful residential project in Santa Fe. I hope to have photos soon!

Over the years, Tech Lighting has primarily become renowned for their low-voltage track lighting systems, such as MonoRail and Kable Lite and for their line voltage bendable rail system T-Trak.
Although each low voltage system has its unique look and application, all work in the same way. A transformer converts standard voltage to a safe-to-the-touch 12 or 24 volts. Conductors, rail, cable, or wire provide structure and carry power. Hardware components place the system where you want it. A large variety of  heads, pendants, and functional art fixtures provide illumination.

In addition to their systems, Tech Lighting has added chandeliers and ceiling fixtures, picture lights, and a large selection of display and exhibit fixtures. All feature the technical excellence and style Tech Lighting is recognized for.

Plan your Lay-out

The first step in designing your Tech Lighting MonoRail system is to determine  how much light you will need and what you are trying to light. Then lay out your design.

You will need Rail, a transformer, standoffs to attach the rail to the ceiling and last, but not least pendants and heads.

Rail

The rail comes in sizes of 2′, 4′, 6′, and 8′ and in several finishes. It is hand bendable, which gives you a lot of creative possibilities.

Each piece of rail is shipped with 2 conductive connectors to join rail pieces end to end. Order additional connectors if cutting and rejoining rails.

Tip: Lay out your MonoRail run with a hose or string on the floor and shape it the way you want it to look. Mark the end. Then measure how long the rail needs to be. It is sometimes surprising how much you need once you start making bends and swirls. Add a pair of endcaps to your order for a finished look.
Order your MonoRail rails

Choose Your Transformer

The MonoRail system is a low voltage system and therefore it operates with a transformer. You need to know in advance approximately how many lights you need. That will determine which size transformer  to use.

Tech Lighting MonoRail transformers come in 150W, 300W and 600W. Each fixture uses up to 50W, so a 300W transformer can power up to 6 lights.

Add up the wattages of the fixtures you’ll be using on the system, then select the size of your transformer. There are two types of transformers, remote and surface mounted.

A remote transformer provides the cleanest look for your system, but you need to have the right location close to your monorail system where you can hide the transformer. A remote transformer can be tucked out of sight  inside a cabinet or closet or in an adjacent room, like a utility room. It just has to be accessible and within 20′ of the system. If you choose a remote transformer you need a power feed canopy to bring power to the rail. In case you decide to drop the ceiling to a certain distance from the ceiling you will also need a power extender.

A surface transformer simply mounts to a junction box. The higher the wattage you choose, the larger the surface transformer. (150W: 6.5″ Dia. x 3.6″H, 300W: 9.1″ Dia. x 4.8″D,  600W: 9.1″ Dia. x 5.8″D)

Since the three surface transformers have different depths, the rail extends down a little farther from the ceiling with each transformer. This is something to be aware of when you order the standoffs that support the rail. If you want the rail to run as close to the ceiling as it can you’ll need to order 3″ standoffs for the 150W transformer, 4″ standoffs for the 300W transformer and 5″ standoffs for the 600W transformer.

Order a MonoRail transformer

Determine how far from the ceiling you want the system to drop

Standoffs are used to drop the rail from the ceiling. Use standoff supports every three feet of MonoRail run and at corners. Standoffs can be positioned to cover points where rails are joined.

The field-cuttable rigid standoffs are recommended for curvy runs or runs with heavier elements, such as glass pendants.  The adjustable standoff’s have cables that virtually disappear and give the system a clean and elegant look. It is best used on fairly straight runs with a drop greater than 6″.

Order Rigid Standoffs

Order Adjustable Standoffs

And now the fun part: Select your fixtures

Tech Lighting offers a wide variety of brilliant glass pendants. Most of these low voltage mini-pendants are available in many colors.

Enjoy!!!

Order Your MonoRail Pendants

Order Your MonoRail Track Heads

To read a lot more tips and ideas about lighting for your home you can download our FREE 58 page Illustrated Guide to Home Lighting.

We finally got our LED pendants up over the counter in our showroom. They are amazing!

From looking at them you actually can’t tell that they are these state-of-the-art fixtures with a minuscule carbon footprint.  We have hung them from a monorail mixed in with the exact same fixtures with conventional halogen bulbs and it’s a true eye-opener!
Each fixture uses 5.8W and produces a light output equivalent to a 35W halogen bi-pin. They  have a life expectancy of about 30,000 hours or up to 8 years and will pay for themselves in 2 years.

After years of research, development and testing, Tech Lighting just introduced two unique, proprietary LED solutions that integrate their LED modules into over 40 signature pendants and one new head design – Helios LED head. Both solutions are available for use on the Tech Lighting industry leading architectural grade low-voltage lighting systems, including MonoRail, Wall MonoRail, Kable Lite and FreeJack.

We are elated to have them on display – and in use – in our showroom.

At Form + Function we pride ourselves in our Tech Lighting product knowledge. We work surrounded by Tech Lighting systems, we love Tech Lighting, and we deal with custom systems on a day-to-day basis.
It’s time for a challenge!

So, we are challenging YOU to  get creative – and save!

Send us ANY question regarding Tech Lighting systems – and if we don’t return a correct answer within 24 hours, we’ll send you a cool little LED puck light.

Tom, Louise, Paul, Alex, Michael, and Lette are waiting for your questions!

(Of course we are challenging each other as well!)