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Guide and frequently asked questions

Track lighting

An aluminium track on 230V, one connection point, and spots and pendants that you click in, slide along and add wherever you need light. Absinthe has three track systems: A-Line, A-Track 1-phase and A-Track 3-phase.

Tuup Slim 1-Phase Track light in a black track, with brushed brass tube

Three track systems

Every track is 1.5 m long, in aluminium, in black and white. Each system has its own profile with its own feed-ins and connectors.

A-Line 1-phase track in black, with end cap and cover strip

1-phase · own LED modules

A-Line

An aluminium track profile of 38.1 × 40.1 mm for 1-phase spots on 230V. The feed-in clicks in anywhere along the profile, so the track is not tied to the existing lighting point.

Profile
1500 × 38.1 × 40.1 mm
Circuits
1 circuit, 230V
In the box
track, feed-in, end caps, cover strip
Suspension
suspension kit, 1.5 m cable, two per track
View the A-Line track
A-Track 1-phase track in black

1-phase · compact profile

A-Track 1-phase

A surface-mounted aluminium track of 35 × 18 mm for 1-phase track spots on 230V. Feed-in and end caps are in the box; up to 15 m of track runs from one feed-in.

Profile
1500 × 35 × 18 mm
Circuits
1 circuit, 230V
In the box
track, feed-in, end caps
Suspension
suspension kit, 1.5 m cable
View the A-Track 1-phase track
A-Track 3-phase track in black, showing the conductors

3-phase · three circuits

A-Track 3-phase

A surface-mounted aluminium track of 35.2 × 35.5 mm with three 230V circuits: three groups of spots on one track, each switched separately.

Profile
1500 × 35.2 × 35.5 mm
Circuits
3 circuits (L1, L2, L3), 230V
In the box
track only
Suspension
suspension kit, 5 m cable, cut to length
View the A-Track 3-phase track

The profiles to scale

Outside dimensions in cross-section, width × height. The A-Track 1-phase track is the flattest profile; the A-Line the widest.

A-Line38.1 × 40.1 mmA-Track 1-phase35 × 18 mmA-Track 3-phase35.2 × 35.5 mm10 mm

Components per system

Feed-ins, connectors, end caps and suspension belong to one system. All components come in black and white.

1-phase or 3-phase

1-phase track

LNearth

One circuit. All spots on the track switch and dim together.

A-Line · A-Track 1-phase

3-phase track

L1L2L3Nearth

Three 230V circuits on one track. Each spot connects through its adapter to one circuit, so three groups are switched separately. With only one live, link L1, L2 and L3 in the feed-in.

A-Track 3-phase

Track spots and which track they fit

A spot for a 1-phase track does not fit a 3-phase track, and vice versa. The A-Line modules fit the A-Line only; the Tuup 1-Phase Track light does not fit the A-Line.

Tuup Slim 1-Phase Track light

One track spot, four finishes

The body stays black or white; the tube slides off. The separate Tuup Slim Tube comes in brushed brass, brushed bronze and Gun metal, and there is a gold insert for the light opening. Fits the A-Line and the A-Track 1-phase track.

View the Tuup Slim 1-Phase Track light
Tuup Slim 1-Phase Track light in black, with gold insert
with gold insert
Tuup Slim 1-Phase Track light in black, brushed brass tube
brushed brass tube
Tuup Slim 1-Phase Track light in black, brushed bronze tube
brushed bronze tube
Tuup Slim 1-Phase Track light in black, Gun metal tube
Gun metal tube
Overview
LuminaireA-LineA-Track 1-phaseA-Track 3-phase
A-Line Dot 30 Track Light✓––
A-Line Opal 60 Track Light✓––
A-Line Opal 90 Track Light✓––
Tuup Slim 1-Phase Track light✓✓–
Tuup Slim Pendant light✓✓–
Connor 1-Phase Track light✓✓–
Tuup 1-Phase Track light–✓–
Tuup 3-Phase Track light––✓
Connor 3-Phase Track light––✓
Prisma 24 3-Phase Track light––✓

Connection

The connection must comply with the applicable wiring regulations. The manual of each track is on its product page.

A-Track 1-phase

Terminals of the A-Track 1-phase feed-in: N, earth and L
  1. Switch off the mains and check that the conductors are dead.
  2. Slide the feed-in into the track end and screw it in place.
  3. Connect the live (brown or black) to L, the neutral (blue) to N and the earth (green-yellow) to the earth terminal. Tighten the terminals firmly.
  4. Close every free track end with an end cap.

A-Track 3-phase

Terminals of the left and right feed-in of the A-Track 3-phase track, with L1, L2, L3 and N, and the cross-section of the track
  1. Switch off the mains and check that the conductors are dead.
  2. Choose the left or right feed-in according to the side of the earth conductor in the track, and match the coding of the feed-in to the track.
  3. Knock out the cable entry with a screwdriver; a second entry on top is possible.
  4. Connect the lives (brown or black) to L1, L2 and L3, the neutral (blue) to N and the earth (green-yellow) to the earth terminal.
  5. Feed a system at one point only, and close every free track end with an end cap.

Always

Mains off before you start. Live (brown or black) to L, neutral (blue) to N, earth (green-yellow) to the earth terminal: all three track systems are Class I. Screw the track down about every metre and close every free track end. With A-Line the feed-in clicks in anywhere along the profile; the connection is shown in the manual of the track.

Earth and orientation

Every component must match the side on which the earth conductor runs in the track. On the diagrams, the red line shows the path of the earth conductor.

A-Track 3-phase T connector: four versions

A-Track 3-phase T connector left 1, with the earth conductor in red
Left 1branch to the left; 1 or 2 = side of the earth conductor
A-Track 3-phase T connector left 2, with the earth conductor in red
Left 2branch to the left; 1 or 2 = side of the earth conductor
A-Track 3-phase T connector right 1, with the earth conductor in red
Right 1branch to the right; 1 or 2 = side of the earth conductor
A-Track 3-phase T connector right 2, with the earth conductor in red
Right 2branch to the right; 1 or 2 = side of the earth conductor

A-Track 3-phase

Feed-in left or right, 90° corner connector with earth inside or outside, T connector left 1, left 2, right 1 or right 2. These versions are not interchangeable.

A-Track 1-phase

The T connector comes with earth left or earth right and is reversible: unscrew the cover and turn the T piece. The feed-in fits either track end.

A-Line

A line along one side of the track shows where the earth is. The foot of the spot has a line too: fit line to line.

Putting a track together

  1. Choose the system

    If one circuit is enough: A-Line or A-Track 1-phase. To switch groups of spots separately, choose A-Track 3-phase. Each system has its own profile, with its own feed-ins, connectors and end caps.

  2. Count the tracks

    Each track is 1.5 m. Longer runs are joined in line with a 180° straight connector. An A-Track track is cut to length with a hacksaw; make a straight cut.

  3. Plan the feed-in

    A-Line: the feed-in is in the box and clicks in anywhere along the profile. A-Track 1-phase: the feed-in is in the box and fits either track end. A-Track 3-phase: order the feed-in separately, left or right. With A-Track, a centre feed-in feeds the run from the joint between two tracks in line.

  4. Plan corners and branches

    90° corner connector and T connector for all three systems. With A-Track, an adjustable connector lets you set the angle on site.

  5. Close the ends

    With A-Track, every track end without a feed-in or connector gets an end cap. With A-Line, the end caps come in the box with the track.

  6. Ceiling or suspended

    Screw the track to the ceiling about every metre, or hang it from a suspension kit. The cover strip closes the slot where there are no spots; with A-Line it comes in the box.

  7. Choose the spots

    Track spots click into the profile with their adapter. See above which spots fit your track.

Frequently asked questions about track lighting

Basics

What is track lighting?

Track lighting is an aluminium track profile that is connected to the mains at one point and carries power to every luminaire on the track. Track spots and pendant lights with a track adapter click into the profile. You move, add or remove them without working on the ceiling.

What is the difference between a 1-phase and a 3-phase track?

A 1-phase track has one circuit: all spots on the track switch and dim together. A 3-phase track has three circuits (L1, L2 and L3), each at 230V, with a shared neutral and earth, so three groups of spots on the same track can be switched separately. Profile and adapter differ: a spot for a 1-phase track does not fit a 3-phase track, and vice versa.

What is the difference between A-Line and A-Track?

Both are 1.5 m aluminium tracks on 230V, in black and white. A-Line is a 1-phase profile of 38.1 × 40.1 mm with its own LED modules (Dot 30, Opal 60 and Opal 90); the feed-in clicks in anywhere along the profile and the cover strip is in the box. A-Track comes as a 1-phase track of 35 × 18 mm and a 3-phase track of 35.2 × 35.5 mm, with a full range of feed-ins, connectors, end caps and pendant adapters. A-Line modules do not fit A-Track.

Does Absinthe offer 48V or magnetic track?

No. A-Line, A-Track 1-phase and A-Track 3-phase all connect directly to 230V mains.

Spots

Which spots fit the A-Line track?

The A-Line modules Dot 30, Opal 60 and Opal 90, the Tuup Slim 1-Phase Track light, the Tuup Slim Pendant light with track adapter and the Connor 1-Phase Track light. The Tuup 1-Phase Track light and spots for a 3-phase track do not fit the A-Line.

Which spots fit the A-Track 1-phase track?

Any track spot with a 1-phase adapter, such as the Tuup 1-Phase Track light, the Tuup Slim 1-Phase Track light, the Connor 1-Phase Track light and the Tuup Slim Pendant light with track adapter. A-Line modules and spots for a 3-phase track do not fit.

Which spots fit the A-Track 3-phase track?

Any track spot with a 3-phase adapter, such as the Tuup 3-Phase Track light, the Connor 3-Phase Track light and the Prisma 24 3-Phase Track light. Spots for a 1-phase track do not fit.

Can the tube of the Tuup Slim 1-Phase Track light be changed?

Yes. The body stays black or white; the tube slides off. The separate Tuup Slim Tube comes in brushed brass, brushed bronze and Gun metal, and there is a gold insert for the light opening. These parts are ordered separately.

Are the track spots dimmable?

The spots with an integrated LED — the A-Line modules and the Tuup 1-Phase and 3-Phase Track light — are dimmable with a TRIAC (leading-edge) dimmer in the track circuit. On a 1-phase track all spots dim together. The Prisma 24 3-Phase Track light is not dimmable: its circuit must not have a dimmer. With the GU10 spotlights (Connor, Tuup Slim), dimming depends on the LED lamp you choose.

Which lamp fits the GU10 track spots?

The lamp is not in the box. The Connor 1-Phase and 3-Phase Track light have a GU10 socket for an LED lamp with a 50 mm reflector diameter — the size sold as PAR16. The Tuup Slim 1-Phase Track light and the Tuup Slim Pendant light have a GU10 socket for an LED lamp with a 35 mm reflector diameter — the size sold as MR11.

Can a pendant light hang from the track?

Yes. The Tuup Slim Pendant light comes with a canopy and a 1-phase track adapter in the box, on a 1500 mm flex. For another pendant light with flex there is the A-Track 1-Phase or 3-Phase Pendant Adapter: the adapter clicks into the track and takes power from it, and the flex of the pendant is fixed to the adapter.

Planning

What is in the box of each track?

A-Line 1.5 m 1-Phase Track profile: the profile, the feed-in, the end caps, the cover strip and the manual. A-Track 1.5 m 1-Phase Track profile: the profile, the feed-in and the end caps. A-Track 1.5 m 3-Phase Track profile: the profile only; feed-in and end caps are ordered separately. Spots, connectors and suspension kits are ordered separately for all three.

How long can a track run be?

Each track is 1.5 m. Tracks are joined in line with a 180° straight connector. One feed-in of the A-Track 1-phase track supplies up to 15 m of track, with a maximum of 10A and 2200W.

Can a track be cut to length?

Yes, an A-Track track is cut to length with a hacksaw. Make a straight cut and close the new end with an end cap or a connector.

How do you make a corner or a branch?

With a 90° corner connector or a T connector; both exist for A-Line, A-Track 1-phase and A-Track 3-phase. With A-Track, an adjustable connector lets you set the angle on site. The A-Line corner and T connectors consist of an aluminium piece with the same profile as the track, an electrical part and joint plates.

What are the cover strip and the end cap for?

The cover strip closes the open slot of the track where there are no spots, so the track reads as one closed line. The end cap closes an open track end: with A-Track, every end without a feed-in or connector gets one.

Can the track be suspended?

Yes, with a suspension kit. One A-Line Suspension Kit is one suspension point with a 1.5 m steel cable; a 1.5 m A-Line track needs two. The A-Track 1-Phase Suspension Kit has a 1.5 m steel cable, the A-Track 3-Phase Suspension Kit a 5 m steel cable that is cut to length on site.

Connection

What should you look out for when connecting a track?

The connection must comply with the applicable wiring regulations. Switch off the mains before starting, always connect the earth and close every free track end. The installation of each track and component is shown in the manual on the product page.

Where does the track connect to the mains?

With A-Line, anywhere along the track: the feed-in clicks into the profile and does not have to sit at an end or between two track sections. A-Line spots may be mounted over the feed-in, which keeps the full 1500 mm usable. With A-Track, the feed-in connects the track at its end. An A-Track centre feed-in feeds the run from the joint between two tracks in line.

Which conductor goes where?

The live (brown or black) goes to L — on a 3-phase track to L1, L2 and L3 —, the neutral (blue) to N and the earth (green-yellow) to the earth terminal. All three track systems are Class I: the earth is always connected.

How do you choose which circuit a spot is on?

On a 3-phase track, every spot connects through its adapter to one of the three circuits: L1, L2 or L3. Spots on the same circuit switch together. To choose, turn or slide the selector on the adapter to position 1, 2 or 3 (L1/L2/L3). On most adapters you can do this with your fingers or a small screwdriver. Depending on the version, the locking lever may need to be open, or the adapter may not yet be fully tightened.

Can a 3-phase track be wired to one switch?

Yes. With only one switched live, link L1, L2 and L3 in the feed-in and connect them to that live. All spots then light together, whichever circuit their adapter is on.

Earth and orientation

What do left, right, inside, outside, 1 and 2 mean on A-Track components?

They show on which side the earth conductor runs in the track; on the wiring diagram a red line shows its path. A-Track 1-phase: the T connector comes with earth left or earth right and is reversible — unscrew the cover and turn the T piece. The 1-phase feed-in fits either track end. A-Track 3-phase: the feed-in comes left or right, the 90° corner connector with earth inside or outside, and the T connector in four versions: left or right is the direction of the branch, 1 or 2 the side of the earth conductor. These 3-phase versions are not interchangeable.

How do you fit a spot the right way round on the A-Line track?

A line along one side of the A-Line track shows where the earth is. The foot of the spot has a line too: fit line to line.

Use

Can track lighting be used in a bathroom or outdoors?

No. A-Line, A-Track and the track spots are for dry indoor areas only, where direct contact with water is impossible.

Are the black and white versions technically identical?

Yes. Tracks, connectors and spots have the same dimensions and the same connection in black and white; only the colour differs.